ALONG COMES MARY

(While I was so excited to be invited out to CHILL at The Queen Mary, I was unable to make it so I sent one of my favorite bloggers, Ann from Ann About Town, to check it out! Thanks, Ann & I hope you enjoy her recap! xo)

Once again, the Queen Mary is holding it’s annual Chill event—a winter- fantasy, filled with ice-skating, ice tubing, food, fun and the main even, The Ice Kingdom. There’s a Chill in the Air With the holiday season in high gear, looking for a place to celebrate isn’t difficult; but sometimes Southern California weather doesn’t let us do “winter.” In fact, the night we were invited to attend the grand opening for Chill 2015, it had been close to 90 during the day!

But the transformation of the Spruce Goose Dome into a 13,000 square foot Ice Kingdom made the fantasy complete. This year The Ice Kingdom is filled with scenes based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Enter the Ice Kingdom

Walking through icy rooms, filled with life-sized Scrooges, ghosts from Christmas Past, Present and Future, and Victorian holiday celebrations was truly amazing. Thank goodness you are provided with a parka (be sure to button up tight; and it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own gloves!), since the whole enclosure is kept at a chilly 9 degrees!

This is the 4th year the Queen Mary and surrounding area have been transformed to celebrate the holidays; and there are lots of things to do after you’ve seen The Ice Kingdom.

Something for Everyone

There’s an ice rink where you can skate (or just watch, as we did), with cabanas available to rent; Polar Paintball, a giant Rocking Horse ride and Swing Ride from Neverland Ranch. As you wander around, watch out for strolling carolers, forest fairies, Ginny Gingerbread and maybe even Santa and Mrs. Claus.

When you’re ready for a break, there are several activities for everyone—from candle-making to gingerbread decorating to vodka tasting (if you’re over 21) at the 9 Degree Ice Bar inside the Ice Kingdom; or just grab a bite to eat and enjoy the sights and sounds of Chill.

Tickets are available online (http://www.queenmary.com/events/chill/), but there are special offers available from Living Social. Your tickets to Chill also give you access to the Queen Mary and the Polar Express 4-D experience.

Are you ready to Chill this winter in Long Beach? Hope to see you there!

Ann Odle blogs at Ann About Town, a lifestyle blog focusing on life in Southern California. She loves to write about her family, including her menagerie of pets, siblings and friends. Ann also covers travel around the southwestern United States, restaurant tastings, events and product reviews.

(Huge thanks to The Queen Mary for inviting Along Comes Mary, & to Ann for covering!)