Image courtesy of The Queen Mary.
Following this weekend’s next-to-unbearable heat wave, now is as good a time as any to announce that the Queen Mary’s CHILL is set to open on November 20. While Southern California certainly has an aversion to snow, this annual event will bring the frozen holiday magic akin to colder regions of the globe right to our hot (and getting hotter) oceanic backyard.
CHILL will transform over two million pounds of sparkling ice into larger-than-life hand-carved ice sculptures to be housed and kept frozen inside a giant igloo called The Ice Kingdom, located within The Queen Mary’s legendary dome, once home to the famed Spruce Goose.
Each ice exhibit is precisely hand-sculpted and created by an international team of expert ice carved from Harbin, China and enhanced with LED lighting to create a visually awing experience, according to the announcement, while the kingdom is kept at a frosty nine degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the gargantuan works of art. Guests will receive parkas to help protect them from the chilling temperatures.
Other features at the Fourth annual CHILL will include the chance to shoot down an ice slide off a 30-foot replica of The Queen Mary and enjoy a sip on a festive cocktail at the all-new ice bar aboard the ship’s bow. Welcome back Glacier Glide Ice Tubing with six lanes of glistening ice slides standing two stories tall and 100-feet long, along with the 6,000 square-foot ice skating rink glistening in front of the backdrop of the picturesque ship herself. A holiday village will offer visits with Santa Claus, holiday carolers, snow days and live entertainment.
“CHILL truly embodies the spirit of holiday magic,” said Steve Sheldon, director of entertainment events at The Queen Mary, in a statement. “We bring the cold festive weather of the North Pole right here to the families of sunny Southern California.”
CHILL pricing starts at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids (ages four to11). Tickets include entrance to The Ice Kingdom, Ice Tubing, CHILL Village and access to the Queen Mary ship. Lodging packages are also available. CHILL will be open select dates November 20 through January 10. For more information, including hours or to purchase tickets online, click here.