Imagine Santa Claus breaking the law instead of delivering presents. That’s exactly what happened recently in Chicago when someone dressed as the jolly old man himself decided to 'subway surf' atop the CTA’s holiday train in the Loop. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see it as a daring, festive stunt, others view it as a reckless act that endangers lives. This isn’t just a Chicago problem; it’s a trend that’s been rampant in New York, where it’s led to injuries and even deaths. So, why would someone risk it all for a thrill? Let’s dive in.
In videos that quickly went viral on social media, a person in a Santa costume and an 'elf' sidekick are seen climbing onto the roof of the CTA’s holiday train, seemingly from an elevated platform in the Loop. They walk, dance, and even wave to onlookers as the train speeds along, decked out in twinkling Christmas lights. The train, part of an annual tradition to spread holiday cheer, usually features an 'official' Santa in an open-air car. But this unofficial duo stole the show—literally. One of them is heard shouting, 'Gangsta Claus!' and 'Yo ho!' in the video, adding a bizarre twist to the festive spirit.
The video was posted by someone named 'Ekton,' who captioned it, 'Subway surfing the Chicago holiday train… Been on my mind for years, I’m so happy that it finally happened… stay naughty!' Ekton, described online as 'Unexpected and sneaky' and 'The favorite explorer of your favorite explorer,' didn’t respond to requests for comment. His social media feed is filled with other jaw-dropping stunts, including a video of people in Christmas costumes dancing on the edge of a snow-covered high-rise in Chicago and another of a Santa subway surfing in what appears to be Paris.
And this is the part most people miss—while some found the stunt hilarious, others were quick to point out the dangers. One commenter joked, 'I like to believe that a little kid saw Santa on top of the CTA and their parents didn’t believe them, adding a little more Christmas magic this year.' But another bluntly stated, 'Encouraging stuff like this is stupid. People have died, but what do I expect from Chicago.' The CTA has logged two dozen subway surfing incidents since 2023, though the actual number is likely much higher. In New York, the practice has led to fatalities, prompting special police patrols to deter thrill-seekers.
This incident adds to the CTA’s growing list of safety and security concerns. From violent crimes, like a recent incident where a female rider was set on fire by a mentally ill suspect, to nuisance crimes like smoking and drinking on trains, the agency is under increased scrutiny. The Trump administration has even threatened to withhold federal funding unless the CTA takes more direct action against transit crime. On Monday, the CTA sent a response letter to the Federal Transit Administration outlining its plan, but neither agency has released details.
So, is subway surfing a harmless thrill or a dangerous trend that needs to stop? What do you think? Should the CTA crack down harder, or is this just a festive prank gone too far? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this controversial holiday spectacle.
