It hasn’t snowed in San Diego for 44 years, but The Del promises a “White Christmas” for Coronado for the 2019 holiday season. This theme will be carried out all through the hotel and holiday festivities. In fact, the iconic lobby Christmas tree arrived early and is already on display. If you are like me and prefer to stay and shop local as much as possible, The Del offers some great options for holiday gifts, traditions, and new experiences.
Definitely on my Christmas list is the 2019 Ornament, which is part of the collectible series started in 1993. I wonder how many people have all 27? It’s hard to choose between this year’s annual collectible or The Del Snow Globe. Maybe I’ll have to ask Santa for both… Babcock and Story and all the shops are decked out in the White Christmas beach theme with Santas, deer, frosted trees with shells, and an array of gifts and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Find scrumptious Spreckels sweets, an array of unique clothes, bags, and spa products to help you check names off your list.
Winter Wonderland Complete with Ice Princess and Santa
The Del’s Garden Patio has been transformed into a winter wonderland through December 31. Krystal, The Del’s resident Ice Princess, will bring a kiss of winter to the warm shores of Coronado this holiday season amidst thousands of white sparkling lights, poinsettia trees, and ornament-trimmed evergreens. Bring the kids or grandkids to join her for photos on a shimmering throne with igloos, sparkling festive trees and friendly elves. Children can decorate cookies, make ornaments, send letters to Santa, pose with polar bears, and play pretend with sparkly glitter tattoos and tiaras, magic wands, and bows and arrows, while Mom and Dad sip boozy cocoa and cocktails in the garden bar to keep warm. Krystal will be available for “Meet & Greet” photo opportunities on November 29 and 30, and December 6,7,9,11,13-14,20-31, so bring your cameras to capture these cherished #delmemories. Santa will also be available for pictures in The Del’s sparkly patio the first two weekends in December.
Skating by the Sea®
Skating by the Sea® has returned to The Del through January 5 and is always a fun time for the whole family. Check the website for details at https://hoteldel.com/events/skating/. This dazzling beachfront ice rink features stunning ocean views and benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego. This is a family tradition for many local residents and their guests. Tickets are available online for $30; at the rink for $35 per person, and $25 with Military ID. Gift cards are also available. Group tickets of 20 tickets are offered for $500 ($25 per person). Additional group tickets are available at the door for groups over 20.
Frostbite ~ A Place to Chill
Frostbite returns this year with plush seating around a roaring fire with front row seats by the beachfront ice rink. Reservations include four to six skating passes, based on table size, and seating for 90 minutes. Choose from an a la carte holiday menu of holiday snacks and libations, including loaded French fries, artichoke dip, California cheese tray, clam chowder and warm apricot bread pudding. Frostbite is also perfect for beachfront holiday parties. For groups under 20, contact [email protected]. For parties over 20, please contact the Catering Team at 619-522-8070.
Annual Festive Holiday Festival
Another favorite tradition is the Holiday Festival which will be December 11 from 4 to 7 pm, and photos with Santa begin at 3:30 pm by Vista Walk. You can find carnival games and prizes on Del Beach at 4 pm, and children from Coronado schools will be performing a variety of musical selections in Upper Grande Hall from 4 to 5 pm. Professional ice skating demonstrations take place from 6:15 to 6:45 pm, and the evening concludes with fireworks on Del Beach lighting up the sky at 6:45 pm. Get all the details at https://hoteldel.com/events/holiday-festival/.
Holiday Movies
Bundle up the whole family to enjoy holiday movies on Del Beach. Elf will be shown on December 14 at 7 pm and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) will be featured on December 21 at 7 pm. Movies are free if you bring your own chair, but you can also reserve comfy chairs for $20 or reserve a VIP Family Movie Package, complete with bonfire. Call 619-522-8490 to reserve your spot and check out more details at https://hoteldel.com/events/holiday-movies-on-the-beach/2019-12-14/
Victorian and Polar Bear Holiday Teas
Families are invited to enjoy a Polar Bear Tea on December 20 in the oceanfront Ballroom. Guests are treated to a classic tea experience with a fun family twist. A special children’s spread will include holiday activities and every guest who donates a new toy for Toys for Tots will receive a plush polar bear keepsake gift from Coca-Cola. For details, check out https://hoteldel.com/events/polar-bear-tea/
Classic Victorian Holiday Teas are also offered on December 16, 18, 19, 21 & 23. Guests will enjoy a variety of teas, finger sandwiches and sweets with beautiful music. Kids can join the grown-ups and enjoy their own special place. Tickets are $65 for adults; children 4 through 10 are $35, and kids 3 and under are free for both teas. Reservations and more information is available at https://hoteldel.com/events/victorian-tea/2019-12-18/ or call (619) 522-8100 to reserve by phone.
Legacy Brick Program
In the midst of the $400 million multi-phase master plan renovation, The Del is debuting a Legacy Brick program to honor its storied past as it transitions into the future. Long time guests and loyal followers of the resort have the opportunity to purchase a custom-engraved brick paver preserved from The Del’s original 1910 industrial buildings. The Legacy Bricks will be integrated into the design of the Legacy Court Terrace at the entrance to The Del’s future Ice House Museum. Buyers will also receive an invitation to the Ice House Museum when it opens. Prices for the bricks are $1500 and can be personalized and come with a certificate of authenticity. A portion of the proceeds will support Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) and the Coronado Historical Association (CHA). “This is a great gift for the person who has everything, to commemorate your family, friend or loved one, so they will always be part of The Del,” says Stacey Ellis, Director of Public Relations. See details at https://masterplan2022.hoteldel.com/historic-preservation/legacy-brick/
On the Rocks
Don’t forget the new beachside Food Truck that is temporarily replacing the Sun Deck during renovations. On the Rocks offers a delectable array of loaded French fries, salads and sandwiches, along with creative libations, including margaritas that you can blend yourself on a bike. Check it out at https://hoteldel.com/restaurant-coronado/on-the-rocks/
Sheerwater Update
New to Sheerwater, chop house favorites are the stars on the menu. A 38-oz Prime Tomahawk Steak, served table side, is a treat for diners. Napa Valley rack of lamb, braised bone-in short rib and fresh seafood with gourmet twists are on the revamped menu. As the master plan renovation progresses, the future of Sheerwater will be decidedly French Brasserie. January through June 2020, locals should be on the lookout for Sheerwater’s monthly French Master Chefs Dinner Series. Each month, The Del’s Chef Patrick Ponsaty, and Executive Chef Stefan Peroutka will invite an acclaimed French Master Chef to prepare an amazing four-course dining event with wine pairing.
Christmas at The Del
The Del offers a Christmas Eve buffet in the Crown Room for the whole family with live music. Details can be found at https://hoteldel.com/events/christmas-eve/
Christmas Day is also a great holiday to enjoy a lavish a buffet in the oceanfront Ballroom or Crown Room. Details are available at https://hoteldel.com/events/christmas-day/
Veuve Clicquot Camper Bar Returns
Trailers are trendy and they’re pulling in again at The Del for locals and guests to enjoy a glass of bubbly or a cocktail with an ocean view from December 26 through New Year’s Eve. Guests 21 and up can also play lawn games like giant Jenga.
New Year’s Hoopla
In addition to the usual New Year’s Eve Gala in the ballroom, The Del will be showing the movie Aladdin at 6:30 pm on Del Beach, with the Times Square ball drop and fireworks following at 9 pm. Masked Ball is the theme of this year’s New Year’s Eve Gala with music and dancing to The Mighty Untouchables band. Both Serea and Sheerwater will have two seatings, featuring special menus and view of the fireworks. Reservations are recommended.
