by Noella Noelophile®
“Oh, it’s such a winter wonderland in here.”
“A California winter wonderland.”
This conversation, overheard at the Queen Mary’s third annual CHILL, was a very accurate assessment.
The Queen Mary’s CHILL is Long Beach’s unique Christmas attraction, based on China’s Harbin Ice Festival. It’s also a celebration of winter recreation that isn’t often seen in Southern California.
Back for a second CHILL appearance, this year, was a popular ride: The Bucking Reindeer. 
The riders we saw were not only able to stay on his back one-handed (okay, they DO have a safety belt), but encouraged, by the operator, to give a hearty “Yee-haw!”
And the Bounce House had a definite Long Beach flavor.
A walk down Candy Lane led to a new and creative addition to this year’s CHILL:
One of the staffers told us that visitors may stay and create Christmas or Hanukkah crafts for as long as they like.
“OK, who wants to see Santa?” asked a staff member, as we strolled down CHILL’s Blizzard Boulevard .
Meanwhile, the Gingerbread House stood ready for family photo opportunities.
Something new and creative had been added to CHILL’s 6,500-square-foot ice rink ice rink:
The smallest skaters could have some help from a penguin–or a panda!
Some other additions to this year’s CHILL had a definite carnival aspect… 
…This was the “Flying Sleigh”.
Meanwhile, Christmas music, dancing and magic were featured entertainment on the Forest and Candy Lane stages. 
But the centerpiece of CHILL, as always, is this:.
Parkas are part of the experience because, according to a staffer, the temperature, in the Ice Kingdom, must be kept between six and ten degrees! 
Staffers warn you, as you go in, that you may take pictures, but keep your digital camera in a warm place. It literally freezes if you keep it out too long–as we’ve experienced!
This year’s Ice Kingdom pays tribute to Southern California surfing!
And, as always, the ice sculptures combine whimsy and beauty.
And this replica of the Queen Mary (yes, it’s an ice sculpture too) includes a slide that’s a lot of fun!
For all its nine degrees in its third year, CHILL has warm wishes for all visitors–including a CHILL-y New Year!
CHILL, at the Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Christmas Eve, 5 pm to 11 pm on Christmas Day and at 10 am the following week. More information is available here. CHILL will remain open through January 11th, 2015.