We attended CHILL as a member of the media. This post contains an affiliate link.
On Friday night, my kids and I attended CHILL at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. From exploring the 13000 square foot ice doom garnered with ice sculptures from Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol to sledding down the 6-lane ice slide to ice skating on the ice rink, there is something for children and adults alike to enjoy.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by cheerful Christmas carolers and festival holiday decor.
Don’t forget your camera when you first enter the CHILL gates. There a lot of photo opportunities throughout the area including taking a picture with various CHILL Family Characters such as Ginny Gingerbread to standing near the golden Queen Mary anchor.
Field Trip Boy along with his new friend Jessie hopped on board the world’s largest rocking horse. Back and forth the CHILL staff pushed the rocking horse until the boys were ready to get off. Don’t forget to hang on tight!
As you walk along the path to enter the 13,000-square-foot Queen Mary Dome, make sure to take in the many Christmas decorations along the way. This year’s CHILL theme is based upon the classic Charles Dickens’ classical novel A Christmas Carol. Outside there are numerous scenes from the story that reminded me of a time when life was innocent and more carefree.
Inside The Ice Kingdom, prepare to be awe struck by the larger-than-life ice creations, some towering over 2.5 stories, and made out of over two million pounds of ice. Created by an international team of expert ice carvers and enhanced with stunning sound, lights and colors for a captivating experience unlike any other, The Ice Kingdom takes visitors through the frozen streets of London as they follow Ebenezer Scrooge to discover the meaning of Christmas.
Take in the sights and sounds of a Victorian Street, sightsee landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Bridge and ride the giant ice slide next to the River Thames.
Remember the three different ghosts in Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol?
The first, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge to the scenes of childhood and youth which stir up old gentler and tendered emotions.
The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, takes Scrooge to the home to observe his game of Yes and No and to the humble dwelling of his clerk Bob Cratchit to observe his Christmas dinner.
The third spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, harrows Scrooge with dire visions of the future if he does not learn and act upon what he has witnessed.
Join Tiny Tim as he shouts out “Merry Christmas” to all as he rides upon his father’s shoulders down the streets of London! Enamore in the sweet serenade of couples dancing around the ballroom in all their holiday best.
The Ice Kingdom is my favorite part of CHILL! Everything else, like the ice tubing and ice skating, are cherries on top! Beware though! When you go inside the dome it is a chilly 9 degrees! The staff will give you a complimentary parka to wear, but it is not enough to keep you warm. I also wore my own jacket, a scarf, mittens and a hat. I also made sure to bring along extra clothing for my kids. So layer up! You won’t regret it!
Once you exit The Ice Kingdom, you will be led to go ice tubing on the glistening Queen Mary’s 6 lane-ice slides. Be patient though. The lines can be extra long at times. Or save yourself some time and purchase the E.L.F. Pass (Express Lane Fast) for an additional $15 and move ahead quicker. E.L.F. Passes give you priority entry into the Ice Kingdom as well as the Ice Tubing lanes!
Other activities at this year’s CHILL include:
Ice Skating on CHILL’s 6,000 square-foot outdoor ice rink. ($15 for a 45 minute session). Skating assists are available for $5.
Candle Making ($10)
Gingerbread House Making (starting at $14 per kit)
Claus Cottage – Visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and take a picture (a variety of photo packages are available)
Polar Paintball – Interactive twelve-position paintball shooting gallery featuring The Mountaineers animated North Pole expedition. ($10)
9 Degrees – The Ice Bar at CHILL is a one-of-a-kind Vodka tasting journey. Choose three vodkas to taste from. ($12. Must be 21+.)
Swingin’ Sleigh Ride ($5 or free with an E.L.F. Pass)
Enchanted Garden – Explore the enchanted garden and hedge maze. See if you’re amongst the lucky few to capture a glimpse of Victorian fairy magic! (free w/ admission)
Queen Mary Ship Bounce House – Go bonkers and bounce off the walls of our Queen Mary replica bounce house. (free w/ admission)
Candyland Bounce House – How sweet is this bounce house? Hang with Miss Kandy Kane in her wild, bouncing Candyland bounce house. (free w/ admission)
Live entertainment
Queen Mary Ship Bounce – Meet Captain Teddy and bounce in his house…a bounce house like no other – The Queen Mary (free w/ admission)
CHILL Pricing:
The cheapest tickets I found online to CHILL is on Goldstar for $17.50.
General admission to CHILL includes admission into the Ice Kingdom – A Christmas Carol, Ice Tubing and the CHILL village. Don’t forget your ticket to CHILL also allows you same-day entry onto the historic Queen Mary and one entry to the new 4D Theater featuring The Polar Express 4-D Experience.
CHILL is located at 1126 Queens Highway , Long Beach, CA 90802.
Happy Holiday Field Tripping!
Jilleen