There is so much to do and see at the Hotel Del Coronado during the holiday season. Hotel del Coronado has been celebrating the holidays in grand tradition since 1888. In 1904, America experienced the first electrically-lit outdoor Christmas tree. Today, The Del transforms into a holiday wonderland with the new DELights experience in the Garden Patio, beachfront ice skating, lavish feasts, festive decor, and thousands of white lights adorning the historic Victorian building.
- DELights will be on display from November 26 to January 1, daily from 4pm to 9:30pm (weather permitting; opens at 7:30pm on December 12; closed New Year’s Eve)
- Experience holiday sights, smells and sounds with a shimmering array of icy colors, dazzling snowflakes and whimsical polar bears
- Holiday favorites like house-made gingerbread and cookies, mulled cider and hot cocoa will be available for purchase
- A stunning 5-minute video mapping light show will be projected onto a 30’ multi-faceted tree, on the half hour beginning at 5pm (last show at 9pm)
- Get a front-row seat from your Garden View guestroom with the DELights room package
- This exciting new tradition is complimentary for overnight resort guests throughout the season
The resort’s beautiful lobby Christmas tree is decorated to match this year’s theme, “Making Seasides Bright”. I just love all of the beautiful ornaments. Each year, many people from around the world come to see the famous Christmas tree in the lobby.
Holiday Recreation
Guests of all ages enjoy a variety of activities including holiday night bike tours through festive Coronado Island, story time with Mrs. Claus (December 19-24, 3pm, complimentary) and Kidtopia Camp with holiday scavenger hunts. Little ones will love the“Elf Tuck-Ins” where they are visited by real elves at bedtime (available December 12-25 by reservation, 7pm to 10:30pm, $30 per child). And in the days leading up to Christmas, snuggle in Santa hats by a beach bonfire for “Jingle Roast” (December 12-27 by reservation, price based on party size), which includes your private beach bonfire and s’mores made from cinnamon graham crackers, Ghirardelli mint chocolate, and marshmallows.
Call your Experience Planner at 619-522-8100
DELights: November 26 – January 1
This year, The Del added even more holiday magic with DELights, a glittering light show and holiday experience in the Garden Patio at the center of our iconic resort from 4pm to 9:30pm, November 26 to January 1.
Skating by the Sea on Coronado
Skating by the Sea returns to Hotel del Coronado for the 11th year from Thanksgiving day, November 26, through January 7. This spectacular ice rink is located seaside on Windsor Lawn and features stunning views of the Pacific and Coronado beach.
The Del’s iconic Victorian Building, adorned with thousands of white lights, provides a magical backdrop as holiday music fills the air and guests enjoy hot chocolate and libations.
Reserve your stay with the “Skate & S’mores” package
Skating by the Sea Hours
You may come any time during rink hours to skate. For schedule updates, check back here or follow them on Twitter
November 26 – December 18* (Closed December 12)
Saturdays: 10am – 10pm
Sundays: 11am – 8pm
Weekdays: 3:30pm – 10pm
December 19 – January 3*
Mondays to Saturdays: 10am – 10pm
Sundays: 11am – 8pm
Holidays (Dec. 24-25, 31, Jan. 1): 11am – 9pm
January 4-7*
Daily: 3:30pm – 10pm
*Closures (subject to change):
December 9: 5:30-7:30pm for a Make-A-Wish event
December 12: All day
January 5: 6-8pm
Skating is $25 per person and ice skate rentals are free. Skate times may be limited to 90 minutes based on capacity. Advance tickets are available online and via phone at 619-522-8490, and at the rink starting 15 minutes prior to opening. No refunds or exchanges. There are group discounts, professional skating instruction, and season passes available. All skaters must sign a waiver prior to entering the rink (click to print and sign in advance). Group skating inquiries and special requests should be directed to the rink manager at hoteldel@icerinkevents.com.
The Del’s Skating by the Sea partially benefits the Wish Kids served by Make-A-Wish San Diego. If you would like to make an additional donation this holiday season and help us Make Every Wish Come True for children with life-threatening medical conditions, please visit http://site.wish.org/goto/hoteldel or call 858-707-9474. Thank you for your generosity!
Holiday Dining
Hotel Del Coronado’s famous Sunday Brunch turns jolly in December with a visit from ol’ St. Nick on December 6, 13 and 20. Learn the intricacies of creating decadent chocolate confections with Pastry Chef Daphne on December 7. And have yourself a very merry Christmas at The Del with elegant feasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with musical entertainment.
Sunday Brunch with Santa
As an added treat this holiday season, kids of all ages can visit with jolly ol’ St. Nick in the Crown Room during The Del’s festive Sunday brunch on December 6, 13 and 20. Parents will want to bring their cameras to capture the magical moments with Santa. Click here to reserve through OpenTable or call 619-522-8490.
Chocolate Workshop by Pastry Chef Daphne – December 7
Dream of becoming a chocolatier? Our decadent Chocolate Workshop by Pastry Chef Daphne will guide you through the intricacies of creating decadent confections with her years of experience and passion for the art of chocolate. From smooth ganaches and exotic truffles to dipped chocolates, you’ll end the class with a thorough understanding of how to work with all types of chocolates, the health benefits of dark chocolate, and have a gorgeous array of confections to take home. Registration is $50 per person and includes recipes (including gluten-free options), tastings and a stylish Hotel del Coronado apron. Monday, December 7, 3-5pm in the 1500 OCEAN kitchen. Space is limited. Please call 619-522-8490 for reservations or click here to reserve online.
Christmas Eve – December 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve with an elegant Victorian buffet dinner in the magnificent Crown Room from 5-9pm, which will be decorated for the season. The celebration will include live musical entertainment. Cost is $120 for adults and $45.50 for children (plus tax and gratuity)*. Children ages 5 and under are free with a paying adult. View the Christmas Eve menu. Call 619-522-8490 to reserve your table or click “Book Now” below.
Christmas Day – December 25
On Christmas Day, the oceanfront Ballroom and the magnificent Crown Room will feature traditional holiday buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings from noon to 6pm with live musical entertainment. Both rooms will be beautifully decorated for the season. Cost is $105 for adults and $40 for children in the Ballroom, and $120 for adults and $45 for children in the Crown Room (plus tax and gratuity)*. Children ages 5 and under are free with a paying adult. View the Christmas Day menu. Call 619-522-8490 to reserve your table or click “Book Now” below.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Join us in the lobby as we light the menorah each evening and celebrate the eight nights of Chanukah. Plus on Sunday, December 13, join the Chabad of Coronado at the skating rink for “Chanukah on Ice” with a large menorah lighting plus donuts, latkes and more.
Sunday, December 6, 5:30pm
Monday, December 7, 5:30pm
Tuesday, December 8, 5:30pm
Wednesday, December 9: 5:30pm
Thursday, December 10: 5:30pm
Friday, December 11, 4:30pm
Saturday, December 12, 5:30pm
Sunday, December 13, 5:30pm – LARGE MENORAH LIGHTING & CHANUKAH-ON-ICE
New Year’s Eve & Day – December 31 & January 1
Welcome the New Year in style at our “Havana Nights” New Year’s Eve Gala or at the “Club Crown” dance party. Or for a more intimate celebration, join us at 1500 OCEAN for an exquisite dinner accompanied by live music. Keep the party going on January 1 with our annual New Year’s Day champagne brunch.
Learn more about The Del’s New Year celebrations >>
*All holiday events are by reservation only and must be pre-paid to confirm. Self-parking is validated for 3 hours. A special discounted rate is offered for valet parking. Any changes or cancelations must be made by 5pm at least 5 days in advance.
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