Archives for 2013

Beginning November 22, the Queen Mary will be overtaken by a deep freeze for the second annual CHILL, a experience that will bring holiday cheer, enchantment and North Pole temperatures to families across sunny Southern California.

An event like no other, CHILL offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Two million pounds of sparkling ice are used to create larger than life, hand carved ice sculptures that will fill a 14,000 square-foot “igloo” called The Ice Kingdom (housed in The Queen Mary’s Dome). The Ice Kingdom will feature scenes from The Nutcracker including life sized reproductions of Clara, the evil Mouse King, the battle scene, sugar plum fairies and The Nutcracker himself, plus a walk-through castle, and three ice slides off a 30’ high replica of The Queen Mary.  Each ice exhibit is meticulously hand carved and created by an international team of ice sculpture experts from Harbin, China and enhanced with LED lighting to create a visually spectacular experience like no other. The Ice Kingdom is kept at a frosty nine degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the ice and event goers will receive parkas to help protect against the Artic-like climate.

CHILL also brings ice tubing to the Queen Mary waterfront. Grab an oversized tube and race down one of the six ice slides standing two stories tall and 100-feet long. A 6,000 square-foot ice skating rink makes for the perfect winter tradition for all to enjoy. Skate rentals are available on-site for $2.95. A holiday village presents gingerbread houses, holiday carolers, the decoration adorned Candy Lane and a visit with Santa Claus. The world’s largest rocking horse and snowman bouncy are ready for holiday merriment by guests both young and young at heart.

“We are very excited for the return of CHILL as an annual seasonal tradition for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Steve Sheldon, director of entertainment events at The Queen Mary. “It’s truly unique to experience the cold winter holiday weather of other areas right here in Southern California. It immediately gets you into the holiday spirit.”

CHILL will also feature live entertainment, food and beverages. Pricing starts at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids, and includes The Ice Kingdom and choice of Ice Skating or Ice Tubing. Additional tickets for either Ice Skating or Ice Tubing are available for purchase and start at $12.95. Ice Skating Season Pass is available for $29.95. Lodging packages are also available. CHILL will be open Tuesdays through Sundays beginning Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. For more information, including hours or to purchase tickets online, visit http://queenmary.com/chill/.

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 314 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see  www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

Update: Giveaway has just been added!! One winner will win a  family four pack good for any weekday that is not a holiday! You must be a subscriber to enter!! Next, leave a comment below telling us your favorite thing about Winter! Deadline to enter is November 21st, 2013 at midnight! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries!

Circus Vargas presents an astonishing array of artists in its newest, most exciting spectacular! “Magikaria,” casts its spell on Torrance November 14-25.

An amazing production bursting with mystery, magic, music, and more, Magikaria entertains and amazes audiences with elaborate illusions, death-defying daredevilry and unbelievable feats of acrobatic and aerial artistry!

See Circus Vargas’ Magikaria at Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance November 14-25. Travel to a realm of fantasy as far as magic will allow, to a world where anything is possible, a world of magic …under the big top.  Behold the extraordinary, the unexplainable! Unleash your imagination and discover the secret to Magikaria!

Meet and mingle with the cast of Magikaria! Arrive 30 minutes early for an exciting, interactive pre-show where children (of all ages) can create their own magic under the big top!

For more information about Circus Vargas and to purchase tickets visit www.circusvargas.com, by phone at 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or at the circus box office which opens one day prior to the first show.

Photo courtesy of the Long Beach Ballet

WHAT:           The Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Ballet will present a reprise of their first joint production on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.The ocean-themed ballet, Guardians is directed by David Wilcox and choreographed by Johnny Zhong. The production captures the ever-changing relationship of humans with the ocean.Attendees will be surrounded by marine life in the Aquarium’s Great Hall as they embark on a voyage to witness humanity’s dynamic relationship with the ocean. Journey through time beginning with the entropic formation of the universe and Earth, to the emergence of man, to the domination and degradation of the Earth and the ocean by the growing human population and its over-consumption of resources. The ballet culminates in a reawakening of the human spirit, which leads to a strong environmental and ocean ethic. In the grand finale, humans embrace their role as guardians of this planet and live in harmony with Mother Earth’s natural support system that sustains all life. Last year’s premiere of Guardians was featured as the cover story for Curator Magazine, a national publication for science and museums. The Los Angeles Times 2012 Readers’ Choice selected the Long Beach Ballet as best in education for performing arts.

WHEN:           Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16, 2013 from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:           Section 1: $35 per person ($30 per Aquarium member)

Section 2: $25 per person ($20 per Aquarium member)

INFO:              (562) 590-3100 or http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/long_beach_ballet/

AQUARIUM:  The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, is dedicated to conserving and building natural capital (nature and nature’s services) by building social capital (the interactions between and among peoples). Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. It is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and a place where important topics facing our planet and our ocean are explored by scientists, policy-makers, and stakeholders in the search for sustainable solutions.