Surprise! The World’s Most Festive Holiday Train Ride is in Illinois

You don't have to book a flight, get on a boat, or have a days-long car ride in order to take the most festive train ride in America.

That's good because when the calendar turns to December the last thing parents and families have is time to start traveling to far out-of-the-way destinations.

So breathe easy because the best holiday train ride you can take is apparently in Illinois.

Travel & Leisure's 15 Festive Train Rides You Can Take for the Holidays says to just take a trip on The El.

You read that right:

Every year, from after Thanksgiving to just before Christmas, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs its holiday-themed fleet on eight rail lines and around the elevated Loop. The train cars are wrapped with cheerful holiday images and decorated with Christmas trees, festive lights, and candy cane-striped handrails. Santa rides alongside passengers on the Loop from his open-air car.

I have been on The El so many times in my life, so it's really cool to see it get some pub like this on a national scale.

Besides being all done up for Christmas, the CTA Holiday Train is more than just cool to look at.

Transit Chicago:

What few may realize is that the train serves two very important purposes: to deliver joy and the holiday spirit to thousands of riders and also to deliver food baskets to various charitable agencies throughout the city.

The CTA Holiday Train returns on November 24. Check out the full schedule for the season.