Holiday Pop-Up
2024-11-30 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mathewson Park, 713 Adella Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Find art, pottery, paintings, jewelry and more at this Holiday Pop-Up in Mathewson Park (aka Pomona Park) on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 am to 1 pm.

Beer by the Bay
2024-11-30 13:00 - 17:00 | Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Eat, drink, and enjoy live music on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Coronado’s craft beer festival.
Tickets are now on sale for Beer By The Bay 2024. It’s a fun filled day of beer and wine tasting all while supporting our military and local community. Learn more at www.beerbythebay.com.
There’s a new look, a new date, and a new team – The Coronado Marine Corps League with help from VFW Post 2422’s Auxiliary and friends at the Island Beer Club. Learn more at www.beerbythebay.com.
In addition to Coronado’s own “Surfin’ Santa, Toys for Tots boxes will be set up throughout the venue. Please bring a toy or two for local San Diego kids who might otherwise go without this Christmas.

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.

FILM FORUM CORONADO: "The Russian Question"
2024-12-04 18:00 - 20:45 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Public Library, in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival, presents FILM FORUM CORONADO, taking place the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the library’s Winn Room. Film expert Ralph DeLauro provides a brief introduction to each film and leads a discussion afterwards, often including pointers about how lighting or camera angles contribute to a scene’s mood or propel the story.

December 4: The Russian Question (1948, Not Rated, 91 min, Russian with English subtitles)
Renowned director Mikhail Romm’s controversial, rarely screened feature throws audiences back to the dawn of the Cold War when a natural affinity between two nations had been corrupted by American yellow journalism and the power of capitalist money. An honest journalist struggles with his conscience when he is forced to write a scaremongering report about Soviet belligerent and expansionist intentions in order to further a campaign of propaganda undertaken by American media and conservative elites.

Blood Drive at Sharp Coronado Hospital
2024-12-05 10:00 - 15:30 | 265 Soledad Place, 265 Soledad Place, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The San Diego Blood Bank will host a blood drive near Sharp Coronado Hospital. They will be parked near the auditorium at 265 Soledad Place.
Please call 800-400‑8251 or visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org for more information.
Anyone 17 and older, who weighs at least 114 pounds and is in good health, may be eligible to donate. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended prior to donation. Appointments are honored first and walk‑ins are welcome. Photo identification required.

Why Civic Education Matters with David Davenport
2024-12-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Library for an insightful discussion with author David Davenport on his book, A Republic If We Can Teach It: Fixing America’s Civic Education Crisis. Davenport examines the urgent need for better civic education to preserve the republic, highlighting the disconnect between young Americans and the foundational principles of self-government and freedom. Attendees will learn about this important issue and actionable solutions to bridge this civic knowledge gap at this talk.

David Davenport is a research fellow emeritus at the Hoover Institution specializing in constitutional federalism, civic education, modern American conservatism, and international law. During his career at Hoover, he also served in administrative capacities as counselor to the director and the inaugural director of Hoover’s Washington, DC, program. Davenport is the former president of Pepperdine University (1985–2000). Under his leadership, the university experienced significant growth in quality and reputation. He is the cofounder of Common Sense California and the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership. He also served on the board of California Forward, a major bipartisan reform group, and was a member of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Performance Review Commission. He is a former senior fellow of the Ashbrook Center, where he worked on civic education projects.
Davenport and Jeffrey Sikkenga have co-authored a new book on civic education in 2024, A Republic If You Can Teach It: Fixing America’s Civic Education Crisis. With his colleague Gordon Lloyd, Davenport co-authored Equality of Opportunity: A Century of Debate, which was released in 2023. They also co-wrote How Public Policy Became War (2019), Rugged Individualism: Dead or Alive? (2017), The New Deal and Modern American Conservatism: A Defining Rivalry (2013); These books offer distinctive ways of understanding both historic and current debates between progressives and conservatives in the United States.

A Republic If We Can Teach It: Fixing America‘s Civic Education Crisis is a call to action, an effort to save our republic through better civic education. America faces a crisis in civic education that imperils the long-term health of the country. Too many Americans―especially young people―do not have the knowledge of history and principles necessary to sustain the republic. In what has become a vicious cycle, young people are not learning about their country―its history and how it works―and they grow up disengaged and distrustful. Too many young people do not understand the principles of self-government on which America was founded. And they do not understand America’s history as the story of the struggle to live up to those principles of freedom articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Instead, too many believe that America’s story is essentially one of oppression, not freedom―injustice, not hope. In the first half of the book, authors Jeff Sikkenga and David Davenport diagnose the problem while proposing solutions in the second half. Truly, America faces a civics crisis and action is needed now to reverse the trend.

"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.

Holiday Gift Making Workshop
2024-12-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Herbal Holiday Cheer!

This fun hands-on class will give attendees a chance to taste a delicious holiday tea blend and make a couple of herbal holiday gifts – for giving or keeping. This 90 minute program will include a discussion of the herbs and their traditional and medicinal properties.
Presented by herbalist Cindy Saylor of Everyday Plant Magic.

"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
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:

Candy Cane Lane
2024-12-08 17:00 - 18:30
Coronado’s own holiday decoration extravaganza. Candy Cane Lane kicks off the season with a community celebration in the 400 and 500 blocks of Country Club Lane.
LEARN MORE
Candy Cane Lane Celebrates Christmas with 50-Year Tradition of Lights & Decorations

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
2024-12-08 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.

Second Tuesday Seafood & Wine Tasting at Bluewater Boathouse
2024-12-10 | Bluewater Boathouse, 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
California Holiday Lobster
Savor Local California Spiny Lobster in season and served with drawn butter on this night only. We pair this delicacy with Tuscany’s Querceto Chianti Classic following a first course choice of housemade New England or Manhattan Chowder or Salad accompanied by Maso Caneli Pinot Grigio from Italy. The cost of this special evening is $85.
Reservations are suggested as the events usually sell out.

Crafty Hour: Book Wreaths
2024-12-10 18:30 | Ruby Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Feeling crafty? Join us on the second Tuesday of every month for arts and crafts.
In the month of December, make your own bookish holiday decor: a cute book wreath!

This program is for adults over the age of 18. Registration is not required but recommended.

Armchair Travel: Slovenia
2024-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Discover Slovenia with “The World’s Most Traveled Person”

Embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Slovenia without leaving Coronado! Join Bill Altaffer, celebrated as “The World’s Most Traveled Person,” as he shares his incredible experiences exploring this hidden gem of Southern Europe.
Nestled between Italy and Austria, Slovenia is a must-see destination, boasting snow-capped mountains, emerald green lakes, winding rivers, and intricate cave systems. From picturesque Alpine scenery to enchanting natural wonders, you’ll be captivated by this stunning country.
Take this opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of Slovenia’s beauty and culture from a world-renowned traveler. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!
For more information or to register, call 619-522-7343 or visit the John D. Spreckels Center. Don’t miss this evening of exploration and inspiration!

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!

Cooking Workshop: Holiday Cookies
2024-12-13 14:00 - 15:30 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready to sharpen your culinary skills with our exciting lineup of hands-on cooking workshops at the John D. Spreckels Center this fall and winter! Whether you’re looking to impress guests at Thanksgiving (Nov. 15 workshop), create sweet holiday memories, or streamline your meal prep routine, we’ve got something for everyone. All ingredients and materials are provided, you’ll leave each workshop with a plate of delectable treats along with the skills to create tasty dishes at home.
Holiday Cookies
Make this holiday season special by bonding with loved ones at our “Holiday Cookies” workshop! Perfect for grandparents and grandchildren, this festive class focuses on creating cherished memories while baking a variety of delightful cookies. From classic sugar cookies to fun no-bake treats, you’ll discover tips for decorating and baking that will make your cookies the star of any holiday gathering.
* One grandchild included per paid adult
The Coronado Times / canva
Spaces for all workshops are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged! To secure your spot or for more information, visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or visit the front desk at 1019 Seventh Street.
* Price: $30 – Coronado Residents; $40 – Nonresidents
Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your cooking skills and enjoy a delightful culinary experience at the John D. Spreckels Center.

Grinch Goo-tastic Kids Night Out Holiday Workshop
2024-12-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Goo? Slime? Green mess? The Grinch might just approve of this! The ‘Grinch Goo-tastic Kids Night Out’ is a chance for 1st-5th graders to get gooey with the Grinch, mixing slime, decorating cookies, making their own dinner and doing all kinds of merry mischief in their Christmas jammies.
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 13, 5pm-8pm, for an evening of fun at the Community Center. To register, call 619-522-7342 or visit coronado.ca.us/register. The Grinch may not be entirely merry, but let’s admit… this sounds delightfully icky, sticky and Fun!

"Unravel" - A CoSA Dance and Visual Arts Collaboration
2024-12-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Dance and Visual Arts Conservatories are teaming up with Safe Harbor to explore wellness and the mind/body connection in two evenings of dance, live art and an exhibition. It’s all happening on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 at 7 pm in the Coronado Performing Arts Center and lobby.
Tickets are for sale here or at CoSASanDiego.com.
“The evening will be a deeply moving, inspiring, and evocative collision of dance, art and catharsis,” said Gina Sorensen, CoSA Dance Conservatory Chair. “The production will feature performances of original dances by CoSA Dance and live art by CoSA Visual Art as well as an exhibit in the lobby.”

READ MORE:
When Art and Wellness Collide: Original Artwork and Dance Choreographies Featured in CoSA Collaboration with Safe Harbor

A Feast of Words with Richard Lederer
2024-12-14 11:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Master of wordplay, best-selling language author and U-T language columnist Richard Lederer will inspire, enlighten and amuse with this compendium of linguistic fun and wisdom. In A Feast of Words, he will serve up a veritable banquet of words, from a brief history of English to rib-tickling bloopers and puns. Come prepared to laugh and learn!

Union-Tribune language columnist Richard Lederer is the author of more than 60 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his current titles, A Feast of Words and American History for Everyone. He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words,” broadcast on KPBS. Dr. Lederer is the language columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.
Dr. Lederer will have books available for purchase at the event for those looking to take the linguistic fun home!

Golf Cart Christmas Parade & Grand Opening Party
2024-12-14 16:30 - 21:00 | Star Park, 1100 Star Park Circle, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The fifth annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade in Coronado! Decorate and light up your carts and cruise around Coronado with your friends, family & neighbors.
Afterwards, please stay for the Coronado Golf Cars new location grand opening party! Join us for a festive celebration at 1331 Orange Ave. Get ready for a jolly good time with music, food, and fun activities. This event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with friends and family and to celebrate our new chapter in our new location.
Reserve your tickets separately here.
Parade line-up: 4:30pm
Parade: 5-6pmGrand Opening Party: 6:30-9pm
