Open Nov. 24 through Jan. 2, the Hotel del Coronado’s famous Windsor Lawn is transformed into a seaside skating rink.
IT’S A WONDERFUL WINTER IN CORONADO
Situated across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado offers the perfect winter getaway with mild temperatures, pristine beaches and a bevy of festive holiday activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. During the holiday season, Coronado is transformed into a winter wonderland, from the magical Hotel del Coronado with its Skating by the Sea to the beautifully lit trees along the city’s main street, Orange Avenue.
Following are just some of the many offerings that are sure to make a winter visit to Coronado delightful, memorable and bright.
HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, FAIRS AND PARADES
- The landmark Hotel del Coronado is known for its festive holiday traditions. It was here in 1904 that America’s first electrically lighted Christmas tree made its debut, setting the stage for over a century of holiday enchantment. This year’s holiday theme is “The Sweetest Season,” and the resort will be decked out from head to toe with sugar plums, peppermint swirls, lollipops and more than 100,000 twinkling lights illuminating the grand Victorian structure.
- On Wednesday, December 1 during 4 – 7 p.m., children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the resort’s special “Holiday Festival a Family Celebration.” The event features a spectacular beachfront ice skating rink, holiday booths with games and prizes, and a special appearance by St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village. A festive fireworks show provides an unforgettable ending for the day’s events. www.hoteldel.com/holidays
- Guests can get in the holiday spirit during the 35th Annual Coronado Christmas Open House and Parade, occurring 4 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 3. Children can play in real snow on Snow Mountain at Coronado’s Ferry Landing and greet Santa Claus as he arrives to Coronado by ferryboat. Other highlights include a colorful holiday parade and Merchants Open House along Orange Avenue, followed by the traditional lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree and free community concert in Rotary Park.
View the December 3rd holiday schedule here. - Guests can also enjoy a unique seasonal shopping experience during the 38th Annual Artisan’s Alley Craft Fair. Held 9 a.m. 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 4 at the Coronado Village Elementary School, more than 170 booths feature holiday crafts, handmade ceramics and jewelry for unique gift items. www.artisansalley.net
- Held on two Sundays, December 12 and 19, the 39th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features more than 100 private boat owners who decorate their boats with holiday lights and sail along the waters of San Diego Bay. This year’s theme is “The Sounds of Christmas;” the parade runs 5:30 – 9 p.m., followed by an extravagant firework show over the water. For guests viewing on dry land, the Coronado Ferry Landing offers great views along with a charming collection of shops, art galleries, fine restaurants and fun eateries. www.sdparadeoflights.org
CURTAIN CALLS
- An American Christmas, performed by Coronado’s award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, runs December 12 – 26 at the Hotel del Coronado. As guests step inside the gorgeous hotel ballroom, they are transported back to 1910 for a memorable Christmas celebration where 30 performers fill the evening with music, dance and song, all woven around an interactive, 5-course yuletide feast. www.lambsplayers.org
- Celebrating its 33rd year as one of Coronado’s favorite holiday traditions, Lamb’s Players Theatre also presents its annual Festival of Christmas, a musical production that takes place each year on its resident stage in Coronado. This year’s performance is set in an all-girls school in the 1950s and includes classic ensembles and music of the season. The show runs November 30 through December 30. www.lambsplayers.org
UNIQUE OUTDOOR RECREATION
- The Hotel del Coronado offers a unique winter experience in Southern California with Skating by the Sea, an outdoor ice-skating rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Open November 24 through January 2, the resort’s famous Windsor Lawn is transformed into a seaside skating rink. During November 24 through January 2, three-hour skating sessions are offered daily 2 5 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m. with special matinee skating sessions 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on weekends and holidays. During December 18 through January 2, all three skating sessions are offered daily. www.hoteldel.com/holidays
- Located at the marina of Loews Coronado Bay Resort, the Gondola Company offers family and friends a one-of-kind experience to view Coronado’s festive holiday lights. Guests can cruise the enchanting canals and waterways of the neighboring Coronado Cays on a gentle, one-hour gondola ride. The gondolas can accommodate up to 6 guests; blankets are provided along with a complimentary appetizer or dessert plate, and guests can bring their own beverage. www.gondolacompany.com
- Families and friends can also view the city’s festive holiday lights on a private powerboat or sailboat rented through Seaforth Boat Rentals, located across from the Glorietta Bay Inn. Guests can sit back and relax, as the captain takes them on a scenic custom boat ride through the island’s picturesque canals and waterways. www.seaforthboatrental.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
- Revelers can ring in 2011 at the Hotel del Coronado’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala. The festivities kick off with a reception in the magnificent Crown Room, followed by a lavish dinner in the oceanfront ballroom with dancing to the contemporary sounds of the Mar Dels, plus a champagne toast at midnight. Cost is $260 per person or $310 per person for ringside seating (includes tax and gratuity).
- The Del is also offering separate parties for kids ages 4-12 at the resort’s Kidtopia ($100 for the first child and $90 for each additional child) and teens ages 13-17 at the Vibz Teen Lounge ($60 per teen). Celebrations include dinner, crafts, beach parties, bonfires and more. www.hoteldel/com/holidays
- Partygoers can also bring in the New Year at Current Restaurant in the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Festivities include live music, a special four-course dinner with wine pairing a champagne toast at midnight. Cost is still TBD. www.coronadomarriottresort.com
Happy happens in Coronado. For more information on Coronado or the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site, www.sandiego.org/coronado, or call (619) 236-1212. In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located along the Embarcadero at the corner of West Broadway and Harbor Drive in downtown; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla; or the California Welcome Center, located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.
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San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Contacts:
Joe Timko (619) 557-2812
[email protected]
Kate Buska (619) 557-2889
[email protected]
Stephenie Medina (619) 557-2838
[email protected]
