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This holiday season, set sail aboard the Queen Mary for twelve nights of festive magic during the spectacular Queen Mary 12 Days of Christmas event, running from December 12th through December 23rd, 2024. Each evening offers a unique holiday experience and activation, ensuring something new and exciting to discover every night. From a whimsical Snow Day and a Krampus-themed celebration to Breakfast with Santa and festive scavenger hunts, this one-of-a-kind event is perfect for making unforgettable holiday memories. Tickets to Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas are available on the Queen Mary website.
The nearly two-week celebration begins on December 12th with the Lighting of the Stacks ceremony, where guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas socks and join in the festivities. As the ship’s towering stacks light up the night sky, visitors will enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, and the chance to bask in the holiday spirit aboard one of Southern California’s most iconic venues.
Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary, shared his excitement, saying, “The Lighting of the Stacks is a magical way to kick off the holiday season. Each night of our 12 Days of Christmas brings something new to experience, making it the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones.”
Adding an eerie twist to the festivities, the second day of Queen Mary Christmas on Friday, December 13th, invites guests to Krampus After Dark. This chillingly festive evening features Krampus-themed activations, a Q&A with the writer of Krampus, and a Spooktacular Bazaar showcasing unique creations from local artisans.
For families, December 19th is a must-see with the Snow Day & Train Ride, where the area in front of the ship will transform into a snowy wonderland. Formerly the site of the summer Night Market, this space will now host a magical winter experience complete with frosty fun, perfect photo opportunities, and an iconic holiday train ride, making it a day to remember for all ages.
Other highlights include Breakfast with Santa on December 14th and 21st, where families can enjoy a delightful meal and photo opportunities with Santa himself. December 14th also features the White-Out Winter Wonderland Market, where guests can explore artisan vendors, enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, and decorate cookies with Santa’s elves. For adults, December 15th and 19th bring a creative twist with Brushes and Bubbly painting sessions, alongside festive activities like Eggnog Tasting. On December 20th guests can participate in a cozy Blanket Making Class and Holiday Bingo.
In addition to the unique nightly themes, every evening of the 12 Days of Christmas includes holiday favorites like cookie decorating, gingerbread house building, and stocking decorating. Families can cozy up in one of the ship’s festive salons or sip on steaming cocoa from the Hot Cocoa Bar. Little ones will love story time with Mrs. Claus in the Starboard Lounge, while dance parties and carolers spread cheer throughout the ship.
Caloca added, “From carolers strolling the decks to eggnog tasting and the quirky fun of Ugly Sweater Karaoke, every night of the 12 Days of Christmas offers something special to enjoy for all ages.”
12 Days of Christmas Nightly Themes are:
- Day 1, Dec. 12th – Lighting of the Stacks Ceremony & Holiday Market
- Day 2, Dec. 13th – Spooktacular Bazaar: Krampus After Dark
- Day 3, Dec. 14th – Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
- Day 4, Dec. 15th – Queen Mary Gives Back
- Day 5, Dec. 16th – Community Day
- Day 6, Dec. 17th – Christmas Movie Day
- Day 7, Dec. 18th – Ugly Sweater Karaoke
- Day 8, Dec. 19th – Snow Day
- Day 9, Dec. 20th – Christmas Bingo
- Day 10, Dec. 21st – Christmas Scavenger Hunt
- Day 11, Dec. 22nd – Christmas Pajama Jam
- Day 12, Dec. 23rd – Holiday Silent Disco
General admission to The Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas starts at just $25 per person, per day. The QM Christmas Activity Pass is $45 and includes five redeemable coins for holiday activities, while the Season Pass is $99, offering access to all 12 nights along with three activity coins per night. Additional coins can be purchased in Santa’s Workshop or at the Ship’s Concierge Desk starting at $25 for five coins. Special activities like Brushes and Bubbly and Breakfast with Santa require additional fees and reservations.
Deck the halls and sail into the season aboard the Queen Mary! With festive themes, cherished traditions, and unforgettable experiences each night, The Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas is the ultimate holiday celebration. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit queenmary.com/whatsondeck
