No need for mittens when you and your family enjoy a day or evening during the holidays at the Hotel del Coronado as they celebrate 130 years of traditions. Did you know that The Del had the world’s first electrically lit, outdoor, living Christmas tree? Each holiday season there is so much to see and do and this year is no exception. Start in the lobby with the traditionally decorated elegant tree that this year has a crown and musical theme.
Don’t forget to pick up your exquisite 2018 Hotel Del annual collector’s ornament with a beautiful nostalgic design of holidays past and a secret compartment inside where you can place special mementos. This is the 26th annual holiday ornament and it’s a lovely addition for your collection or to give as a gift. The Del also has another special ornament this year celebrating the 130th anniversary of the hotel. Both ornaments can be purchased in the hotel or online.
Wander down the stairs out of the lobby and meander through the Shops at the Del featuring unique and high-quality clothes and gifts for everyone on your list. As you head outside towards the beach, a must-see on the sand are the remarkable, ever-changing, themed sand sculptures created by “The Sandcastle Man,” Bill Pavlacka.
To get warm and toasty, plan to experience Frostbite – A Place to Chill, new this year with plush seating around a roaring fire pit offering front row seats to Skating by the Sea®. My family and I were delighted to attend an event and get cozy around a firepit as we enjoyed chatting, sipping and munching, watching the skaters, and taking in the night sky. Packages include enjoying unlimited hot cocoa and coffee as well as ordering from a creative a la carte holiday menu of snacks and libations, with drinks such as Gnome for the Holidays and Blitzen’s Brew. Seating is for 90 minutes and is available for groups of 4 or 6, reservations can be made online. Larger groups can also be accommodated, call for details.
Lace up your skates as Skating by the Sea® has returned to The Del from November 22 through January 6. This spectacular beachfront ice rink features stunning views of the ocean and benefits Make-a-Wish San Diego. Mark your calendar to skate with Olympic Gold Medalist Tara Lipinski for a once-in-a-lifetime skate session on December 15 from 4pm to 5pm. A maximum of 50 children, of all skill levels, will skate with Tara to her custom playlist. After ice time, guests will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, along with an opportunity for photos with the figure skating champion. Tickets are $150 for children, and benefit Make-a-Wish San Diego.
Skating by the Sea®
General Skating hours are: Weekdays: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10pm
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Special holiday Skating hours for Christmas:
December 24 & 25: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
December 26 – 30
Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
New Year’s Holiday
Dec 31: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Jan 1: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
January 2- 6
Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Skating tickets are $30/person in advance online, $35/person same day at the rink (military & group discounts available). For groups of 20+ or to inquire about season passes, please contact [email protected]. Group skate is during public skating sessions.
With so much to experience this holiday season as The Del hosts its 130-year celebration, families are sure to find a variety of fun activities to delight and entertain all ages. Get in the spirit and listen to and sing along with the Tinseltone Carolers, who return to The Del on December 14-15 and 21-25. Look for this talented a cappella group as they sing holiday classics roaming around the lobby, shopping promenade and ice rink.
Indulge in Seasonal Spa Specials
‘Tis the season to treat yourself to one of the spa indulgences including the Cranberry Pomegranate Facial, the Cinnamon Vanilla and Brown Sugar Scrub with Tension Relief Massage or the Instinctual Ginger Manicure and Pedicure. They also offer a two-hour Holiday Prep Package to get you picture perfect for your holiday events. For details and to reserve your spot, call 619-522-8100.
Daily Legendary Tours
Discover The Del’s history through an in-depth, docent-led walking tour of the Victorian building and gardens, offered daily at 10 a.m. The $40 tours last approximately 90 minutes and require reservations.
Victorian Tea December 17-21
Take a step back in time with a classic Victorian Tea for the holidays, available Dec 17-21. Enjoy a variety of teas, finger sandwiches and sweets while beautiful music sets the atmosphere for this charming tradition. They also have a special kids’ plate so little ones can join the grown-ups for afternoon tea.
Join Santa for Brunch on December 16 and 23
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 16 and 23. Parents will want to bring their cameras to capture the magical moments with Santa. Reservations are recommended. Tickets: Adults are $105, Children (6-12) are $40, and Children under 5 are complimentary
Holiday Feasts Await on December 24 and 25
Choose between the Crown Room and 1500 Ocean for your scrumptious holiday feast with a special yuletide menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Prices are $110 for adults at 1500 Ocean from 4 – 9 p.m. and $140 for adults in the Crown Room; Children are $50 at both restaurants. Call for reservations.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Start the year off right by welcoming 2019 at The Greatest Legend on Earth circus-themed black-tie gala in The Del’s ballroom with a five-course dinner, dancing, open bar, champagne toasts and dancing to the music of The Mighty Untouchables. Enjoy a colorful extravaganza with thrilling hula hoop, aerial and acrobatic performances. Ringside seating begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $325. Call for reservations.
Experience Roasts through December 31
Bonfires on the beach have long been a favorite tradition at The Del, and now the toes-in-the-sand, fireside experience has gone gourmet. Guests tuck into beach sand chairs with blankets and choose from an expanded a la carte menu of s’mores, artisan pizzas and more. Fire pits are $100 for a one-hour experience, plus add-on menu options (prices vary for Holiday Roasts). One pit accommodates up to 10 guests. Available daily at 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. For reservations, call 619-522-8100 or text 619-535-8705.
Added Cheer at Jingle Roast – December 18-24
Cozy up by a private beach bonfire with Santa hats and choose from a menu of roasted holiday favorites. Jingle Roast fire pits are $125 for a one-hour experience with add-on menu options.
Join the California tradition of Holiday Movies on the Beach
December 15: The Santa Clause (1994)
December 22: Elf (2003)
General Admission Seating $20 – Enjoy the movie from a comfy Del Beach sand chair. Chairs are chosen on a first come, first served basis. This event is free if you bring your own chairs.
VIP Family Movie Package $300 – Treat yourself to the ultimate movie experience with a Roast private beach bonfire, s’mores for 4 people, two Del Beach chairs and a Del Beach daybed. This package must be reserved in advance.
For more information on all of the Hotel del Coronado’s holiday events and activities, visit The Del’s website.
