Woman lives next to train, here’s why she will never move out

A video showcasing a woman’s enchanting view of a “magical” holiday train, as seen from her apartment window in Chicago, Illinois, has gone viral on TikTok.

Posted by Sveta Damiani (@s.damiani) on December 4, the video has amassed over 699,000 views. In the video, Damiani—a Chicago-based travel and lifestyle content creator—shares a stunning moment of holiday cheer.

The footage shows a mesmerizing night view of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) Holiday Train, adorned with glowing neon lights and Christmas-themed decorations, making its way past her apartment.

A caption shared with the post reads “The CTA holiday train is back in Chicago.”

Damiani told Newsweek that this video of the view from her apartment window was filmed back in December 2023, but she has since recorded a few similar videos this December.

Despite the train’s set schedule, spotting it can be challenging, Damiani said. “Luckily, my friend Ann, who lived a few stops away, would let me know whenever she saw the train heading in my direction. That way, I could grab my camera, get ready by my window, and be prepared to capture it. It was such a fun experience.”

An overlaid note reads: “I can never move out of my apartment in Chicago because every December this is the view from my window. The holiday train glides by, Santa and I lock eyes, and we wave at each other. Does it get more magical than this?”

Now in its 33rd year, Chicago’s beloved Holiday Train began this year’s service on November 29.

According to the CTA website, “Riders can expect the spectacle of a six-car CTA train decorated with holiday scenes, countless sparkling lights, plus Santa and his reindeer along for the ride greeting riders and families from a flatbed.”

Beyond spreading holiday cheer, the Holiday Train continues its tradition of giving back by delivering food baskets to local charitable organizations to ensure families have all the fixings for a hearty holiday meal, according to the CTA.

For those looking to catch a ride or a photo opportunity, the CTA website advises: “Customers can follow the Allstate CTA Holiday Train as it travels all eight rail lines this holiday season.”

Additionally, the festive experience extends to the streets with the Holiday Bus, which was launched in 2014. The bus features holiday music, festive lights, and Santa, alongside a cozy, holiday-themed interior decked with sparkling decorations.

This year, continuing the tradition of showcasing local talent, the CTA partnered with Catalyst Maria Elementary School to feature artwork created by students from kindergarten through 8th grade on the interior of the Holiday Bus, the CTA website notes.

‘An Iconic Chicago Experience’

Damiani told Newsweek: “I travel frequently, creating content for destinations and hotels around the world. I also share apartment content on TikTok and Instagram, along with showcasing some of my favorite Chicago spots.”

She has lived in her apartment for almost five years and values the proximity to the train tracks as a quintessential Chicago experience, especially during the holidays.

“Some people might see being close to the train tracks as a disadvantage, but for me, seeing the train outside my window and hearing the sound is such an iconic Chicago experience, especially in December,” she explained.

She said that many apartments in Chicago have views of the train tracks. “There are so many spots where you can catch a nice view of the holiday train.”

Damiani discovered the holiday train during her second year in Chicago, and since then, has eagerly awaited its arrival each holiday season.

“The caption on the video I shared refers to my experience this year when I randomly walked to my window, and there it was, the holiday train going by unexpectedly and so quietly. The Santa on the train saw me and waved, and I waved back. It seriously made my day and almost brought tears to my eyes,” she recalled.

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