You’ve seen the photos. A massive, glowing ocean liner towering over a tiny rink of ice, palm trees swaying in the background while people stumble around in thick parkas. It looks like a fever dream or a movie set.
Honestly, it kinda is.
But if you’re planning to go queen mary ice skating this year, you need to know that the experience has changed—a lot. People still show up at the Long Beach docks expecting the massive "CHILL" event of the mid-2010s, with its two-million-pound ice kingdom and frozen slides. That version of the event is dead. It’s been gone for years.
What’s left is something different. It’s more intimate, maybe a little more "authentic" to the ship’s history, but if you go in with the wrong expectations, you’re going to be disappointed. Let's get into the reality of skating in the shadow of the Grey Ghost.
The Truth About the Ice Rink Location
One of the biggest misconceptions is where the actual skating happens.
For a few seasons, they actually put the rink on the ship. Imagine gliding across the Sports Deck, the cold air hitting your face while you look out over the Pacific. It was iconic. It was also, apparently, a logistical nightmare.
Most years now, the rink is located on the event grounds adjacent to the ship.
You’re still right there. The hull of the Queen Mary looms over you like a steel mountain, which is cool as hell, but you aren’t technically on the water. The rink size varies year to year, but it’s usually what I’d call "boutique." Don't expect a massive NHL-sized sheet. It’s built for aesthetic, not for speed.
If you’re a serious skater looking to practice your triple axel, this isn’t the place. It’s for holding hands, taking selfies, and trying not to fall in front of a thousand tourists.
Why Queen Mary Ice Skating Hits Differently
There’s a specific vibe here that you just don't get at the rinks in Irvine or Santa Monica.
The Queen Mary is haunted. Or so they say. When the sun goes down and the holiday lights reflect off the black water of the harbor, the atmosphere gets heavy in a way that’s hard to describe.
It's nostalgic.
What to Actually Expect (The Details)
- The Ice Quality: It’s Southern California. It’s 65 degrees at 7:00 PM. The ice is going to be "wet." Expect a layer of slush on top, especially if it’s a crowded night. If you fall, you will get soaked.
- The Crowds: Weekends are a zoo. If you can sneak away on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, do it. You’ll actually have room to move.
- The Cost: It’s not cheap. Between parking (which can be $20–$30 depending on the event), skate rentals, and the actual ticket, you’re looking at a pricey night out.
- The Gear: They provide rentals, but they’re standard-issue plastic boots. If you have your own skates, bring them, but check the website first—sometimes they have weird rules about blade guards.
Surviving the Long Beach Winter
"Winter" in Long Beach is a suggestion.
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You’ll see people in full Arctic gear—beanies, scarves, gloves—standing next to a guy in cargo shorts and a hoodie. Both are probably comfortable.
Basically, wear layers. The air off the water gets nippy once the sun drops, and being near a giant block of ice doesn't help. But once you start moving, you’ll heat up fast.
The biggest pro tip? Bring extra socks. Since the ice is often slushy, water tends to seep into the rental boots. There is nothing worse than driving home with wet, freezing feet. Throw a spare pair in the car. You'll thank me later.
Beyond the Rink: Is it Worth It?
If you're just going for the skating, maybe not.
But the Queen Mary is doing this "12 Days of Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland" thing now. They’ve moved away from the massive carnival vibe and toward a more vintage, "Old World" holiday feel.
Last season, they had the Peppermint Lounge (a Christmas-themed bar) and a Holiday Bar Crawl on the ship. You can skate for an hour, then head up to the Observation Bar for a Scotch. That’s the real draw. You’re paying for the access and the atmosphere, not just the ice time.
A Quick Reality Check on "CHILL"
I still get people asking about the "Ice Kingdom"—the giant refrigerated dome with the ice sculptures.
That dome is now used for other things (like the Haunted House during Dark Harbor or as a terminal). The ice sculptures haven't been a thing since around 2017. If you’re coming from out of town specifically for that, stop. It’s not there.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're going to pull the trigger on a visit, do it right.
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- Check the Event Calendar: The Queen Mary changes its winter programming almost every year. Some years it’s "Queen Mary Christmas," others it’s a "Winter Wonderland."
- Buy Tickets Online: Do not walk up to the booth. It’s almost always more expensive, and sessions sell out, especially the sunset slots.
- The "Tuesday" Hack: Sometimes the ship offers free admission or discounted parking on certain Tuesdays. It’s worth checking their social media or the Long Beach city site to see if those deals align with the skating season.
- Eat Before You Go: Food on the ship and at the event is "theme park priced." There are plenty of great spots in Downtown Long Beach or at The Pike that won't cost you $18 for a mediocre burger.
- Mind the Fireworks: If you go on New Year's Eve, the skating is part of a much larger, much more expensive party. If you just want a casual skate, avoid the major holidays.
Queen Mary ice skating is about the spectacle. It’s about being in the presence of one of the most famous ships in history while doing something that feels totally out of place in sunny California. It’s weird, it’s a bit pricey, and it’s undeniably Long Beach. Just bring dry socks.