It's called the COOLEST event in Southern California, but I wasn't really prepared for how downright COLD it was inside CHILL's Ice Kingdom.
9 degrees.
That's finger-freezing COLD!
Ice Kingdom
The Ice Kingdom is really the biggest reason to go to CHILL. It's pretty darn amazing to be inside a tent with the Nutcracker-themed ice sculptures. You get a big parka to wear over your clothes and it has a hood. However, there are no in/out privileges -- so you want to make sure you dress warm and make sure your little ones don't get cold fingers. They did have mittens & hats for sale for $5 and $7 - in case you forget to bring your own. I saw lots of cold faces and red noses. In underestimating the cold, I had to leave to thaw out my hands and go back in to finish seeing everything - a privilege only allowed on Media Preview night. That wouldn't have worked on a typical evening. So make sure you dress for the temperature to get the most out of your admission.
Recommendations for families:
Please read CHILL's FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for the tiniest of details including restaurants and menus -- which should really help your family! I've pulled some of the important info out below.
- Admission is basically about $35 adults and $20 for the kids -- and that would include FREE access to the Queen Mary (excluding tours)
- Look for deals & coupons
- It's generally $5 cheaper per ticket to order tickets online vs. at the door
- Certain Wednesdays through Fridays before Winter Break seem to offer further reduced prices (by $5 more)
- Kids under 4 are FREE, but they won't be able to do the bounce house, etc.
- VIP Tickets available at Costco (doesn't include ice skating or ice tubing -- not for nighttime in December -- read all the fine print before purchasing)
- Parking is $15-$20, so find someone with a van and take as few cars as possible
- Ages to actually go on rides and in bouncy house start at 4 years old - and it's 5 years old for the ice tubing
- Bring a hat and mittens for the Ice Kingdom
- Strollers NOT allowed inside the Ice Kingdom
- You'll need socks if you are ice skating
Ice Skating vs. Ice Tubing?
Both ice skating and ice tubing are featured at the venue -- and some admission options make you choose between them. As the night got later, there was quite a line for the ice tubing which is inside The Igloo near the Ice Kingdom. It was fun, but replicable up at Big Bear. I'd go for the ice skating outside and with a view of the Queen Mary. But, it's up to you!
Festival-Style Food
Food stands lined the Holiday Village area with vendors reminiscent of a county fair.
- Fried sweets are the star attraction. You can sample an array of funnel cake, Aebleskivers, and mini donuts.
- Curiously, there are also cocktails and mechanical reindeer riding (like mechanical bull riding). I just kinda put a "?" here for family-friendliness. But families are not the only audience.
- BBQ lovers rejoice! I saw and smelled kabobs and bacon-wrapped sausages. Garlic Fries were light & crispy with just the right amount of garlic & parmesan. St. Nick's Sliders came on nice, soft rolls with cole slaw on the side. Meat pizza and crepes with ham & cheese tempted hearty appetites. You could also get clam chowder or chili at the LegenDairy Gelato Barn.
- Sorry vegetarians. A little disappointing for the vegetarian crowd. Your best bet would be inside The Igloo at the slider stand where they have pretty hearty salads and even fruit salad. Yeah, not many options. The grilled cheese was wrapped in foil and pulled from the freezer to cook on a waffle cone press. Vegetable pizza was an option, but they were out when we got up to order.
A sweet spot in the evening was this little detail noticed on our way out (opposite Candy Cane Lane).
Disclosure: I received complimentary admission and dining for the Media Preview. All opinions are my own. Read full disclosure policy.
