Hotel del Coronado has been doing the holidays for over 135 years, and this season’s theme – “A Holiday Through Time” – leans into exactly that. The concept walks through the eras that shaped The Del, from the Victorian 1880s through Hollywood’s Golden Age to today, with themed Christmas trees and era-specific decor making each corner of the property feel like a different chapter.

It’s a lot to take in, and honestly, one visit probably won’t cover all of it.

The 1919 Laundry Building Just Became a Holiday Destination

New this year: the Holiday Lodge, set inside The Del’s historic 1919 Laundry building, has been transformed into a destination of its own.

Glittering lights, festive decor, a family-friendly pub-style menu, holiday shopping, and children’s activities including cookie and stocking decorating. It’s a solid reason to visit even if you’ve done The Del’s holiday programming before.

Ice Skating With a Pacific Ocean View – and it Benefits Make-A-Wish

Skating by the Sea runs November 20 through January 3 on the Windsor Lawn, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and The Del’s red turret on the other. Sessions are 90 minutes, with tickets at $35-$45 per person ($5 off for hotel guests, members, military, and first responders). A portion of proceeds goes to Make-A-Wish San Diego.

Rinkside, Frostbite Lounge sets up on an elevated platform with fire pits and lounge seating for watching the skating and catching the sunset with holiday drinks. No skates required.

A Free Light Show Every 30 Minutes, Plus Snow

The Lightshow Spectacular (November 20 – January 3) is one of the best-kept secrets on this list – and it’s free. Every evening from 5 PM to 9 PM, the grove of Norfolk Island Pines on the Founders Lawn lights up with a 10-minute show set to a holiday soundtrack, ending with snow flurries.

It runs every 30 minutes nightly, so you can time your whole visit around it.

The Beach is Very Much Part of the Plan

Beachside Igloos (November 20 – January 3) are private setups with a fire pit, premium s’mores ingredients, and a dedicated server for holiday drinks and snacks.

The Jingle Roast (December 1 – 27) takes The Del’s signature private fire pit experience, adds Santa hats and holiday-themed s’mores, and opens it up for groups of up to 10. Reservations required for both.

On Friday and Saturday nights from November 20 through December 31, Holiday Movies on the Beach screens classics like The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with the option to upgrade to a private bonfire with s’mores and a plush daybed.

On December 2, the annual Holiday Festival brings a community event to the property: Skating by the Sea, photos with Santa, and performances by Coronado school children. The headliner: a skydiving Santa parachuting in to join the festivities, followed by a fireworks show.

From Thanksgiving Under L. Frank Baum’s Chandeliers to New Year’s Eve in the Laundry

The dining lineup deserves its own paragraph. Thanksgiving dinner (November 26), Christmas Eve dinner (December 24), and Christmas Day brunch (December 25) are all held in the Crown Room – the restaurant with soaring sugar pine ceilings and ornate chandeliers designed by L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz. The room alone is reason enough to book.

New Year’s Eve (December 31) moves to The Laundry: live band, full open bar, passed bites, and a dessert bar. It’s called the Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party, and it will be exactly that.

See you there!

The Del does the holidays better than almost anywhere in San Diego. Book early – spots fill fast and everything requires advance reservations.

📆 November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
🎟️ Make reservations here or call 619-522-8100
ℹ️ See the full holiday lineup here

See you there, San Diego!