christmas in chicago: the lions

it is a tradition in chicago to drape the lion sculptures outside of the Art Institute of Chicago with beautiful christmas wreaths, green and lovely.

The Art Institute's famous western entrance on Michigan Avenue is guarded by two bronze lion statues created by Edward L. Kemeys. The sculptor gave them unofficial names: the south lion is "stands in an attitude of defiance," and the north lion is "on the prowl." When a Chicago sports team makes the playoffs, the lions are frequently dressed in that team's uniform. Evergreen wreaths are placed around their necks during the Christmas season.

there is a ceremony where the wreaths are added to the sculptures.

the santa express

one of my favorite christmas traditions in chicago is when the L trains get decked out for the holidays.

The Chicago Transit Authority pulls out all the stops to spread Yuletide cheer and good will to its customers with CTA's Santa's Express Train!

The train -- a festive six-car model decked with ornaments, holiday music and Santa riding a sleigh aboard a flatcar -- operates around the outer Loop 'L' between 4:00 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. The impressive display is decorated by CTA's Rail Operations employees and has more than 30,000 lights.

CTA customers paying regular fares are welcome to ride on any of the six passenger cars on the train.

The CTA's Santa's Express Train pulls up to rail stations throughout the city on selected dates and times, with CTA employees on hand spreading holiday cheer by distributing candy to customers along the routes.

For over 20 years, the CTA also uses the train to distribute food baskets to needy families. CTA elves team up with Santa Claus to distribute more than 150 holiday meal boxes to needy families at three stations along the Blue Line: Division, 18th Street and UIC-Halsted.

[source: http://www.transitchicago.com/news/default.aspx?Archive=y&pg=93&ArticleId=1716 ©2009 Chicago Transit Authority]