Southern California doesn’t usually feature the type of weather typically associated with the winter holidays. With the bright sun shining and temperatures above sixty degrees, it’s sometimes hard to believe that it is December. In Coronado, however, the holiday spirit is more than present. The lovely decorated trees in the medians, Christmas carols played in the local shops and restaurants, the Del lit up at night, the amazing traditions, all are sure to put people into the right spirit. The team of interns at eCoronado, all local residents, share some of their favorite holiday experiences on the island:
Maddy Hopson
Amid the many holiday traditions that take place on island, one festivity turns locals’ attention to the bay between Coronado and San Diego. Every year, the San Diego “Bay Parade of Lights” takes place on several Sunday evenings in December; it features boats that are decorated with Christmas lights and parade through the bay, beginning at 5:30 at Shelter Island and ending at the Coronado Ferry Landing. This year’s parades are scheduled for December 8th and 15th. For natives of Coronado and San Diego alike, it’s a tradition to watch the brightly ornamented sails brighten a dark winter night along any bay shore. And each year, winners are picked in a multitude of categories such as “Best of Parade,” “Best Self Powered,” or “Best Yacht Club Entry”. Coronado fans looking to participate can visit their website to see how they can be a part of this bright holiday tradition.
Sophia Zaller
Those remaining in Coronado for the holiday season can truly enjoy the best of both worlds: warm weather and a white winter. A holiday tradition that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike is the “Snow Mountain” at the Coronado Ferry Landing. After layering up in warm coats, hats and gloves; snow-lovers can enter a sparkling snowy wonderland. Even though snowball fights are discouraged, participants can build snowmen or slide down the “mountain”.
Caroline Minchella
Coronado is the quintessential town for Christmas lovers. The second its community members flip their calendars to 
December, the trees all along Orange Avenue are lit up. Perhaps one of the best activities for holiday lovers, after the fake-snow and Santa show at the Christmas parade, is ice-skating at the Hotel Del. The entire hotel is lit up, with enough lights strung to light up a street of homes in Coronado. The magical feeling of Christmas is truly exemplified by the rink, with community members and tourists holding hands with cold red noses, or twirling all around the ice, or trying really hard not to fall. The 2013 Skate by the Sea, in its ninth year, runs from November 27th to January 5th, with two-hour stages and prices ranging from $18 to $23. Pull out your mittens, lace up your skates, and get in the holiday spirit!”
Whether its participating in one of these activities, or simply walking down Orange with a hot chocolate, Coronado surely is a great place to spend this holiday season.
Photos courtesy of: Kevin Queen, E. Miles Harvey, Ashley J, Amanda Barnett Rimmer
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Dani Fernandez
Staff Writer Intern
eCoronado.com
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