Spread Holiday Cheer All Around Chicago with Ventra - Checkexpress

Spread Holiday Cheer All Around Chicago with Ventra

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, especially during the holidays. Thousands of people (local & visitors) travel to the city for our bright lights, holiday shopping and spectacular winter festivities.

Wallet Buster! Along with the beautiful sites, many visitors quickly discover the infamous Chicago downtown traffic. Even locals can find themselves regretting driving their vehicles downtown. Between the bumper to bumper traffic and very expensive parking (some garages range from $15 – $40 hourly), it’s safe to say that driving into the city can cut into your holiday shopping funds. Even catching a Lyft or taxi cab during this time of year is costly.

We can help you solve this dilemma… Travel easily and enjoy the view with public transit! At Checkexpress, we offer Ventra cards to make your winter adventures easier and more budget-friendly! Ventra cards are super easy to use and make commuting around the city simple…saving you time and money. With a low one-time fee (which will turn into transit value upon registration), you will quickly be on your way to enjoy all of the winter activities on your list.

You may be wondering “Why do I need a Ventra card?”  Take a look at some of these no-brainer benefits…
  • No need to carry extra cash on you to pay for the CTA or the subway. This extra change can now go towards buying the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself. Plus it eliminates the fear of losing your holiday money.
  • In the unfortunate event that your Ventra card gets stolen, Ventra will help you recover it!
  • No need to worry about expensive parking fees when you use public transit.
  • You’ll enjoy the freedom to use the CTA, Metra and Pace – all with the same card!
  • Easily add money to your Ventra card whenever you need more.
It’s time for holiday fun! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells all around Chicago… Now that you have your Ventra card, you can start exploring the city & suburbs. Take a look at a few delightful winter events in and around Chicago!

Ride the train in sparkling style! Have you ever heard of the Holiday Train? Holiday Train/Bus The Holiday Train will travel along all CTA rail lines through the end of December as part of its regular rail service. Normal CTA fares apply. The Allstate CTA Holiday Train is a holiday tradition unique to Chicago, which due to popular demand is now accompanied by the Allstate CTA Elves’ Workshop Train! Two trains provide twice the amount of fun and festivities to make your holiday extra special. Just as dazzling and decked out as the Holiday Train, the Elves’ Workshop Train is a six-car train of magic and memories, just like its popular counterpart. It follows the Holiday Train on Saturdays, which are the busiest days, to help ensure everyone has an opportunity to experience this one-of-kind tradition.

Spread Holiday Cheer All Around Chicago with Ventra - Checkexpress

Did someone say Polar Bears and Reindeer? Now in its 22nd year, ZooLights will be expanded to extend across the entire zoo for the first time. Two million lights will be strung from Farm-in the-Zoo at the southern end to the new Arctic Tundra exhibit near Fullerton Avenue to the north, featuring the zoo’s new polar bear, Siku. Hours are extended as well, 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and again next weekend, Dec. 2-4, then nightly Dec. 9 through Jan. 1 (except, of course, for Dec. 24 and 25).

Celebrate Christmas all around the world at MSI… Each year, the Museum of Science and Industry‘s 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the main hall decked out in 30,000 lights during Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light from Nov. 14 – Jan. 5, 2020. Surrounding it are more than 50 smaller trees beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions. The occasional shower of indoor “snow” adds to the fun.

Enjoy the Chicago Botanic Garden – even in the cold! Wander into a festive world of wonder and light with Lightscape. Along a mile-long path, the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light. At times, you’ll find yourself in the center of it all – stepping inside a cathedral of golden light, walking down an avenue of luminous linden trees, moving through colorful ribbons of light. Friday, November 22, 2019 – Sunday, January 5, 2020 4:30 – 10 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.).

Spread Holiday Cheer All Around Chicago with Ventra - Checkexpress

Walking in a winter wonderland! Walk the historic Navy Pier and enjoy the sights…Winter Wonderfest Navy Pier December 6, 2019 – January 12, 2020. The Festival Hall is packed with indoor family fun. Fifth Third Bank’s Winter WonderFest is a delightful family tradition featuring 170,000 square feet of attractions, including rides, giant slides, indoor ice skating, and holiday decor that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

Time to get shopping! Pick out great gifts on the Mag Mile! The Magnificent Mile is your guide to the best shopping in the city, all within walking distance downtown. The Magnificent Mile boasts more than 460 retailers, including popular brands; major department stores; international luxury labels and designers; and three vertical shopping centers, each with incentives and premier savings.

While fun, the holidays can definitely be a stressful time of the year – Don’t let transportation be one of those reasons! Call or contact us to get your Ventra card today! Stop by one of our several Chicagoland locations to get started…
We hope that these helpful tips will bring you closer to your holiday wishes! Bundle up and enjoy your Chicago winter adventures. However you decide to travel our city, stay safe and take in these beautiful moments with your loved ones. Happy Holidays from all of us at Checkexpress!

Additional information for holiday travel with Ventra Chicago: