Coronado Times

MainStreet Goes Ghostly
2024-10-31 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
It’s time for the annual spooktacular celebration as “MainStreet Goes Ghostly” this Halloween!
Get ready for an afternoon of frightful fun, trick-or-treating, and raffle drawings Bring your little ghouls and boys for a family-friendly evening filled with thrills and chills as Coronado merchants welcome trick-or-treaters.
Don’t forget to tag Coronado MainStreet in your best costume photos and use #MainStreetGoesGhostly for a chance to be featured.

Children's Library Decorating Day
2024-12-03 15:30 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Children’s Holiday Ornament and Library Decorating Day is an annual Coronado Library tradition. Each year, kids make two ornaments – one for the Children’s Area tree and one to take home. This year’s ornament is a surfboard!
Kids and families can enjoy cookies, juice and holiday stories read by staff all while making their ornaments and other holiday crafts. This year we will be making Cards for Hospitalized Kids. Please join us for a special Coronado Coastal Holiday!

CoSA Preview Night
2024-12-03 18:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), San Diego County’s premier public school arts conservatory, welcomes prospective CoSA students and families to CoSA Preview Night. The event takes place on Tuesday, December 3 at 6 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 650 D Avenue. The preview night is open to all San Diego students who will be in grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition, students can begin the audition process by visiting CoSASanDiego.com.

LEARN MORE
Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Welcomes Prospective New Students and Families at CoSA Preview Night, Tuesday, December 3

Hotel del Coronado Holiday Festival
2024-12-04 14:30 - 22:00 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Image Courtesy of Hotel del Coronado
The Del is kicking off the holiday season at its annual Holiday Festival with the local community. In a magnificent spectacle, Santa will skydive in to join the festivities. This community event also includes performances by Coronado school children, Skating by the Sea®, and a fireworks show.
Learn more about The Del’s holiday events here.
Schedule of Events
Coronado school performances
Crown Room | 2:30-4 pm
Join Coronado schools as they sing holiday favorites and spread holiday cheer.
Sacred Heart School Performances, 2:30-3:15 pm. Coronado School Performances 3:15-4 pm.
Skating by the Sea
Windsor Lawn | 4-10 pm
Take an ice skating adventure on San Diego’s only beachfront ice rink.
Skydiving Santa
Del Beach | 4:30pm
Surprise and delight your little ones as Santa skydives onto Del Beach to join them for the Holiday Festival.
Photos with Santa
Southpointe Lawn | 5-8pm
Santa Express Passes will be distributed to minimize lines and allow families to enjoy the holiday activities. No online reservations for this date.
“All that Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular
Founders Lawn | 5-9 pm
Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with festive holiday jazz music and snow flurries. Show takes place every 30 minutes.
Fireworks Show
Del Beach | 6:45 pm
Look to the skies over Del Beach for a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate the season.
Holiday Festival event times are weather permitting and may be subject to change.

"A Very Special Christmas Tree" Performance
2024-12-05 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Thanks to wonderful and generous sponsors, a free performance of A Very Special Christmas Tree will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
This 50 minute performance based on the children’s picture book is expressly created for little ones and places an emphasis on kindness, sharing, and self-worth. Coronado High School Principal Ms. Karin Mellina will perform as narrator.
The show is a lovely reminder of the importance of giving during the holiday season.
Synopsis:
Deep in the forest where the fairies dwell, a little pine tree grows among her lush and lofty neighbors. Her branches droop, her needles are sparse, and every other tree towers above her. Her greatest wish is to grow taller and stronger, so she will be chosen to stand in a special place for the Christmas season.
After every other tree finds a glorious home for the holiday, the little tree is disappointed to find where she has been taken.
But with the help of a kind man and a wise angel, the little tree discovers the true spirit of Christmas, and that her greatest wish has come true.

"Taking Turns" Book Signing Before Holiday Parade
2024-12-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Fair Trade Decor, 828 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Come join the holiday fun at a book signing of “Taking Turns”
Author Marianne Blackstone Tabner will be outside of Fair Trade Decor (828 Orange Ave.) on Friday, Dec. 6 before the annual holiday parade. Stop by between 3 and 4:30 pm to grab a holiday treat and enter for a chance to win a free signed book of the children’s book “Taking Turns.” Books will also be available for purchase and are regularly carried at Fair Trade Decor.

Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party
2024-12-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Qualcraft Construction, 1003 Isabella Ave Suite A, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Every year during the Holiday Parade, taking place December 6, Qualcraft Construction hosts a gingerbread house decorating event from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
All ages are welcome to come and enjoy hot cocoa as you decorate your gingerbread house with candies.
(Dani Schwartz / The Coronado Times)

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
2024-12-06 18:00 | CA
Family-friendly fun for everyone during the annual parade and tree and menorah lighting.
The parade starts at 6 pm and moves along Orange Avenue beginning at 7th Street and loops around at RH Dana & Adella. The tree and menorah lighting follows the parade, which is made possible through a community partnership between the City of Coronado and Discover Coronado.

Artisans Alley Craft Fair
2024-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Village Elementary School, 600 6th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Donation suggested upon entry, which includes a raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets available for purchase.
The 51st annual Coronado Artisans Alley Craft Fair includes a wide selection of more than 150 vendors selling homemade crafts and unique holiday gifts, food vendors, and live performances by the Coronado Elementary, Middle and High School Bands and Choirs!
All proceeds from the fair support the Coronado Band & Choir Boosters!

Holland's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration
2024-12-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Holland’s Bicycles, 977 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Celebrate 100 years with Holland’s Bicycles on Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 pm at 977 Orange Ave.
Enjoy music, pizza, drinks, and enter into a FREE raffle to win an Electra Townie Go! 5i valued at $2,900 and more prizes!

RELATED:
Holland’s Bicycles Celebrates 100 Years in Coronado

Student Classic Film Series -"Christmas In Connecticut"
2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:30 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Movie lovers of all ages are invited to attend a special screening of Christmas in Connecticut, Warner Brothers delightful 1945 holiday screwball romantic comedy. This Christmas Classic features Barbara Stanwyck in one of her most beloved comedic roles starring opposite one of Warner Brothers stalwart romantic leading men, Dennis Morgan.
The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 3:30 pm in the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library. It is free and open to the public.
READ MORE:
Coronado Island Film Festival Kicks Off 2025 Student Classic Film Series With “Christmas In Connecticut”

Ride the Lights 2024
2024-12-08 16:45 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join your friends and neighbors for this annual family-friendly neighborhood bike ride. Decorate your bike and helmet and help to spread the holiday cheer!
Participants will meet at Spreckels Park at 4:45 pm for the 2.5-mile bike ride. After the event, participants can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and other holiday festivities. The event is hosted by the City of Coronado Mobility Commission and sponsored by the City of Coronado, Optimist Club of Coronado, and Coronado Rotary Club.
Rules:

Obey all traffic laws,
Use a front headlight and a rear reflector,
Wear a helmet if under the age of 18 (highly encouraged for all ages),
Children under 13 must be accompanied at all times by an adult, and
Be aware of your speed, all bikes and e-bikes are required to ride safely and follow the officer leading the group.

Riders will follow a designated route:

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
2024-12-08 17:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-15 17:30 - 20:00 | San Diego Bay, 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Photo courtesy of Marv Sloben Photography.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 54th annual parade promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during two evenings in 2024: December 8 and December 15. Participants in this year’s holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme: Peace on Earth.
The parade of lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. There is no cost to view the parade.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Photo courtesy of Marv Sloben Photography.
This year, for the sixth time, the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade.
The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade route.
The parade takes approximately one hour to one and a half hours to pass any given point along the parade route. The approximate arrival time of the parade at various locations are:

Shelter Island (start of parade) 5:30 p.m.
Harbor Island 6:15 p.m.
The Embarcadero 6:45 p.m.
Seaport Village 7:15 p.m.
The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park 7:30 p.m.
Ferry Landing on Coronado 7:45 p.m.

Pre-Chanukah on Ice
2024-12-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
To book skating tickets:

Visit https://hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea/
Click “Purchase Skating Tickets”
Select December 12 at 5 pm
Select the number of desired next to “Ice Skating Tickets”
Purchase tickets

All participants must sign their waiver before arriving at the check-in window to skate. The link to the waiver will be in the confirmation email.

SOLD OUT - Holiday Traditions at the Hotel Del
2024-12-12 17:30 | Coronado Historical Association, 1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
SOLD OUT
On Thursday, December 12, Coronado Historical Association will host a very special historical lecture for the whole family, entitled: Holiday Traditions at the Hotel Del Coronado presented by Robin Siara.
Robin Siara is a tour guide at The Del and serves as Vice President of the Coronado Historical Association’s Board. The event will be held in the museum’s lecture hall located at 1100 Orange Avenue. A wine and cheese reception (with gingerbread cookies and apple cider for children) will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program at 6:00 p.m. Children are free with accompanying adult. Tickets for this event are available by visiting coronadohistory.org, or by calling 619-435-7242.
LEARN MORE HERE:
Holiday Traditions at the Hotel Del, CHA Presents Family-Friendly Lecture

Santa Storytime
2024-12-13 11:00 - 11:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Ho Ho Ho! Santa is dropping by the Coronado Public Library and wants to meet you! Listen to The Night Before Christmas read by Santa himself and hang around for a picture with Santa after!

Ferry Landing Christmas Carnival
2024-12-22 12:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Head to the Coronado Ferry Landing on Sunday, Dec. 22 from noon to 3 pm for a Christmas Carnival. Get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, test your mettle at carnival games, get stocking decorations, enjoy live music, and partake in the petting zoo.

URT Santa Surf Off and Toy Drive
2024-12-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Stan’s Beach, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Head to Stan’s Beach from 10 am to noon on Christmas Eve. Bring your surfboard and holiday-themed outfit and join the lineup for a truly unique SoCal Christmas tradition. Please bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive. Toys will be driven to the Ronald McDonald Charity house directly after the event where the gifts will be distributed to children spending Christmas in the hospital.
URT will be handing out Santa hats, Heave Ho Coffee Co will have free coffee and hot cocoa, Clayton’s Diner will provide donuts.
See you there!

Holiday Bowl Parade
2024-12-27 10:00 | CA
Bands, floats, balloons, drill teams and more! Image: Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego is set to host over 100,000 visitors and residents on the Embarcadero for this year’s Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade – America’s largest balloon parade! Presented by Kaiser Permanente, the Holiday Bowl Parade marches along the San Diego Bay waterfront on Friday, December 27 at 10 a.m.
“The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade is a cherished holiday tradition that draws tens of thousands of visitors and residents to our bayfront each year,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “I am excited for the public to enjoy this year’s balloons, floats, live music, and more. We are proud to continue delivering on our promise to provide a clean, safe, and vibrant waterfront for all to enjoy. On behalf of the Port, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors and residents to San Diego Bay.”
Chairman Frank Urtasun, Vice Chair Danielle Moore, and Commissioner Sid Voorakkara will be among those greeting spectators along the parade route. For the 45th year, spectators can take part in this holiday tradition, which includes the largest procession of giant balloons in the United States – in addition to the Port’s very own balloon – as well as creative floats and world-class marching bands.
The Port sponsors the Holiday Bowl Parade through its Tidelands Activation Programs, also known as TAP. TAP is an annual grant program through which the Port supports events of all sizes that engage and inspire visitors to enjoy San Diego Bay.
Visit holidaybowl.com for more information on the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente, including parking, parade route, grandstand tickets, volunteering, and all Holiday Bowl events.

Village Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Los Angeles Fire Victims
2025-01-25 09:30 - 11:30 | Village Hall, 600 6th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a pancake breakfast at Village Elementary School on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Please enter through Village Hall on H Avenue.
Proceeds donated to California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund.

Community Science: Great Backyard Bird Count
2025-02-16 09:30 - 13:00 | Grand Caribe Shoreline Park, 598 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the annual search to observe birds during this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, February 14-17. Library staff will be at Grand Caribe Shoreline park on Sunday from 9:30 am to 1 pm with a naturalist from SD Bird Alliance (formerly San Diego Audubon Society) to coordinate bird viewing and help you learn to identify birds. Bird identification books and taxidermy specimens will be available for participants to view and Library staff will be there to assist with using bird identification apps. SD Bird Alliance will provide a scope that participants can use to get better views of birds.
Grand Caribe is loved by birds because of the native plants. SD Bird Alliance has been hard at work replanting the park with natives and you can help us plant some more at this event!
Bring sunscreen, a smartphone, water, and your love for birds! Download the free Merlin Bird ID app before you come so you can be ready to report the birds you see. Teens can earn volunteer hours for their participation.

Coronado Community READ Kickoff
2025-03-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The 2025 Coronado Community READ, now in its ninth year, is a monthlong program designed to bring the community together through the shared reading of a single book. This year’s selection is The Women by Kristin Hannah.
The Community READ will kick off Saturday, March 1, with a concert by the Summer of Love Band at Coronado Public Library Park from 1 to 3 pm. The event will feature live music, a tie-dye activity, and a pet rock station.
The event is free and open to the public.
Summer of Love is the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s Rock ‘n Roll Experience. More than a band that pays tribute to a single act but a tribute to the golden age of popular music. We absolutely love what we do and it shows! Summer of Love Band begins with the 1960’s Woodstock set of music with tie-dye outfits and music to match. Our second set features the influence of the 1970’s “Disco generation” with authentic polyester-style outfits. We are here to have a good time with you and entertain your people. Light up the incense and get ready to ROCK!
Find more information on the Coronado Community READ, and the children and teen companion books HERE.
Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” is a Powerful Story With Ties To Coronado

"Movie Night" with the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra
2025-03-08 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Immerse yourself in iconic film scores performed live, celebrating the power of cinema and music.

“Movie Night” with the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra is a sure fire way for the whole family to experience music from Coronado’s very own professional orchestra, featuring selections from Oscar-winning movies such as Spider-Man, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, The Dark Knight Rises and many more. Conducted by Founder/Director Osvaldo Mendoza.
Tickets are going fast and the concert is expected to be the sixth sell out concert, so don’t delay.
Ticket sales are all done online. Click on the “Buy Tickets” button to select your seat(s) and purchase. New, affordable student tickets prices available for $15-$25.
The Coronado Philharmonia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose goal is to enrich the cultural life of our community by providing classical repertoire performed at a professional level.

Tickets Go On Sale for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
2025-03-19 09:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for the annual Breakfast with The Easter Bunny! Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Nautilus Banquet Room of the Community Center for a delightful breakfast buffet with your family.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m. Adults are $22 and kids 12 and under are $18. You can purchase them by calling us at 619-522-7342, or visiting the front desk.
Children will have the opportunity to create Easter crafts, spin the prize wheel, visit with the Easter Bunny, and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture special moments with the Bunny, and an Easter basket to collect eggs!

Eco Camp with Emerald Keepers Interns
2025-03-22 10:00 - 15:30 | Coronado High School Garden, Garden behind the high school stadium, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Kids are invited to a free Eco Camp Saturday, March 22 hosted by Emerald Keepers interns. Campers will enjoy exciting outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and interactive lessons on sustainability as they learn about native seeds and pollinators, paint flower pots, and plant their very own plant. Camps are held at the Emerald Keepers garden located behind the high school stadium visitor stands and adjacent to the Village Elementary School playground.

Middle school camp (grades 6 through 8) is 10am to 12pm.
Elementary school camp (grades 1 through 5) is 1:30 to 3:30pm.

Online registration required through Emerald Keepers. Please confirm you register for the correct age group.

Arbor Day in Coronado
2025-03-29 08:30 - 11:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join in growing Coronado’s urban forest on Arbor Day in Coronado – Saturday, March 29. The city’s Public Services Department will provide tools and instructions for the planting that will take place throughout town.

To volunteer, arrive at Spreckels Park (601 Orange Ave) by 8:30 am. Make sure to bring gloves and wear comfortable attire. For more information, call the Public Services Department at 619-522-7380.

Past events:
Coronado’s 37th Arbor Day Celebration – Making Coronado Greener

Tree Planting – Coronado Arbor Day Celebration

Coronado Arbor Day Tree Planting

Tails & Treats Easter Workshop
2025-04-03 10:00 - 14:30 | Club Room, 1985 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Spring Break just got a whole lot more exciting! The Easter Bunny is inviting kids (and parents) to a special Tails & Treats Holiday Workshop on Thursday, April 3, at the Club Room in Glorietta Bay Park.
Children will jump into a world of egg-citing games, creative bunny crafts, and fun-filled cooking activities, all while making new friends and enjoying a morning or afternoon of festive fun.
Little ones ages 3-11 can come (with a parent) to the morning session from 10 to 11:30 am (#3436), while children ages 6-11 can enjoy the afternoon session from 1 to 2:30 pm — no parents needed! (#3435).
Give your child a magical Easter experience—sign up today at coronado.ca.us/civicrec or call 619-522-7342 for more details!

Zoo's Who Workshop - Create an Entry for the Flower Show
2025-04-10 16:00 - 17:30 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Calling all young artists and animal lovers! Join the Zoo’s Who Workshop at the Coronado Community Center on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 pm. Kids and teens (ages 3-14) will use a variety of fruits and vegetables to craft imaginative animal creations, from roaring lions to playful monkeys and any other fantastical creatures they can imagine!. Recreation staff will guide participants in transforming produce into animal forms using toothpicks, creativity, and their own hands. For those children ages 3-7, this is a perfect parent-child bonding experience.
This workshop is also a great opportunity to create an entry for the 103rd Coronado Flower Show, happening April 12-13 in Spreckels Park. This could be your child’s moment to shine!
Day of registration will be an increased rate, so be sure to register in advance for a discount. This event is hosted in partnership with Coronado Recreation & Golf Services, the Coronado Floral Association, the Coronado Junior Woman’s Club, and the Coronado Certified Farmers Market.
Sign up at here or call 619-522-7342 for details.

Movie Night Under the Tents
2025-04-11 16:00 - 21:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Kick off the Flower Show weekend with a cozy family movie night under the tents. The event will include whimsical kids’ activities, snacks, and a beer garden for parents.
