CHILL at the Queen Mary in Long Beach

CHILL at the Queen Mary in Long Beach has become a winter staple in Southern California since it was first introduced in 2012. Kids have a blast at this event, and many have declared it the best day of their lives. The event has been reworked for the 2017/2018 season, so make sure to check for full details as some information is based on past experiences.

This chilly attraction is situated outdoors next to the Queen Mary ship. Tickets grant all-day admission to the Queen Mary and the winter festival. While it might seem a bit pricey if you don’t plan to visit the ship itself, it’s tons of fun, especially if you can visit when it’s less crowded, allowing you to enjoy activities without the long waits. If you plan to explore the ship, it’s an excellent deal. Going early in the day is advisable to maximize your exploration time before the ship exhibits close, while CHILL activities continue into the evening.

2017/18 Details

When: December 13, 2017, through January 7, 2018 (Closed December 31); 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, California

Cost:

• Grand Expedition Tickets (Includes Skating, Tubing, Giant Rocking Horse, Live Entertainment, Same-Day Admission to the Queen Mary): $29.99 adults (ages 9+) and $19.99 children (ages 3 to 8)
• Ultimate Expedition Tickets (Includes Grand Expedition activities plus Zip Line, Amsterdam Bumper Boats, Shanghai Speedway, Rudolph 4D Experience, Shuffle Board, Expedition Express, Stocking Decorating): $79 adults (ages 9+) and $69 children (ages 3 to 8) online
• Elf Pass (Express Lane Fast Pass for Main Entrance, Ice Skating Track, Matterhorn Mountain, and Rudolph 4D Experience – upgrade only): $16
• Private Igloos: $69

Parking: $20

Tickets: http://www.queenmary.com/events/chill-calendar/12/2017/

Activities and Attractions

• Ice Adventure Park: A massive 38,000 square feet of winter fun, inspired by attractions in Vienna and Moscow, making it the first of its kind in the United States.
• Ice Skating: A beautiful 6,000 square foot ice rink with the Queen Mary and the Long Beach harbor as a backdrop. Beginners can rent skating aids for assistance, and private cabanas are available for reservation.
• Ice Tubing at Matterhorn Mountain: Experience the thrill of sliding down from six tubing lanes on a rubber inner tube.
• International Cuisine: Enjoy food from six regions, including flavors from Germany, Switzerland, China, and Russia.
• Stocking Decoration: Available for an additional fee of $9.
• Gingerbread Houses: Create your masterpiece inside a life-size gingerbread house for $14-15.
• World’s Largest Rocking Horse: Free with admission.
• Alpine Zip Line: Experience the excitement for an extra $15.
• Amsterdam Bumper Boats: Available for an additional $5.
• Ice Shuffleboard and DJ Entertainment
• Ice Bar (for adults) and Photos with Santa

Planning Your Activities

To enhance your experience, consider arriving early to minimize wait times and maximize fun. Prioritize activities exclusive to the event before tackling smaller attractions like stocking decoration and gingerbread houses.

If possible, visit early in the season, after New Year’s, or on weekdays to bypass the heaviest crowds. If your visit falls on a weekend, aim to arrive early in the day, thus allowing ample opportunity to enjoy all the exciting offerings.