9 Things to Do at Fairmont Grand Del Mar's Winter Wonderland Holiday Events

One of our favorite San Diego luxury hotels, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, celebrates the season in spectacular style by transforming this beautiful coastal canyon into a magnificent winter wonderland. Twinkling palms and a dazzling 25-foot Christmas tree immediately set the festive mood.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, this resort is an essential spot for enjoying San Diego’s holiday season. Whether you’re gliding around the Glice rink, savoring a refined Nutcracker Tea with the kids, or toasting 2027 at a sophisticated New Year’s Eve party, the resort has a luxurious holiday event for everyone.

Here is a look at the spectacular holiday events you can enjoy this season, whether you’re a hotel guest or a local San Diego resident looking for a memorable family activity.

1. Celebrate Thanksgiving in Grand Style

Fairmont Grand Del Mar kicks off the season with two distinct Thanksgiving dining options in its renowned venues: Amaya and The Grand Ballroom.

Amaya: Thanksgiving Feast

A festive and traditional Thanksgiving feast will be served in the hotel’s elegant Amaya restaurant. Featuring a tasting menu, this gourmet dinner will include the unique flavors of autumn. Alcohol is not included in the price.

Dinner is served from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Tickets cost $185 per adult and $85 per child (ages 3–12) and can be purchased online.

Ballroom and Solana: Family Buffet

The Thanksgiving Family Buffet in The Grand Ballroom and Solana is a fantastic, worry-free way for the whole family to gather and give thanks. This option includes beer and wine for the adults.

Tickets cost $195 per adult (which includes beer and wine) and $95 per child (ages 3–12), and can be purchased online. The resort’s holiday page and its event page list different buffet times, so confirm your seating time when you book.

2. Experience Winter Wonderland on the Glice Skating Rink

The Grand’s popular outdoor skating experience is a core part of their winter wonderland charm and is back for another year! The eco-friendly Glice Skating Rink is a family favorite for both visitors and locals, and it is a festive reason to visit this luxury San Diego resort.

After you enjoy skating, I highly recommend reserving a rink-side cabana complete with a fire pit to relax tired feet. You can purchase holiday-themed beverages and savory treats, and, of course, roast the classic s’mores.

• Passes: Locals or long-term guests can purchase a monthly skating pass for $150 per person (plus tax).
• Dates: Open November 26–30, December 4–6, December 11–13, and December 18, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
• Typical Hours: Mondays–Saturdays, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hours differ on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Price: $45 per adult and $25 per child (plus tax). This includes skate rental and one hour of skating.

3. Take Part in Festive Christmas Activities

The Fairmont offers plenty of Christmas festivities that the whole family will enjoy.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

The resort’s spectacular 25-foot Christmas tree will come alive in a stunning lighting ceremony at the Grand Social area.

• Details: Monday, November 30, 2026, with the tree lit at 6:30 p.m.
• General Admission: $25 per person, and children ages 3 and younger are complimentary.

Meet Santa Claus

Old Saint Nick visits the Grand Social to delight children on November 27–30, December 4–6, December 11–13, and December 18–24.

• Times: Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and December 21–24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Special Reading: Santa also sits by the holiday tree on Christmas Eve (December 24) for a special reading of “The Night Before Christmas” at 6 p.m.

Brunch with Santa Claus

For an extra-special event, enjoy a delicious brunch with a visit from Santa at Amaya. A festive brunch is served as Santa does his rounds and visits the little ones.

Dates: November 28 and 29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu is à la carte.

Creative Workshops

In December 2024, the resort also ran two holiday workshops. Neither appears on the resort’s 2026 holiday page, so ask the resort before you plan a visit around one.

• Holiday Cookie Decorating: A cookie decorating workshop ran on Saturdays that December.
• Wreath Decorating: Wreath decorating sessions ran on Sundays that December.

4. Enjoy a Holiday Afternoon Tea

The resort’s elegant Lobby Lounge hosts a special festive tea on select dates in November and December. The menu includes delectable holiday scones, savory finger sandwiches, and sweet treats, all served in the lobby’s sophisticated setting.

• Price: $125 per adult and $65 per child.
• Details: Every Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through December 29, 2026, plus December 14–18 and December 23–24, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

5. Book a Nutcracker Holiday Tea

For a unique and enchanting experience, reserve your spot for the Nutcracker Tea.

This luxurious event includes a traditional holiday afternoon tea followed by a special narrated, abridged performance of the timeless ballet, The Nutcracker, beautifully brought to life by the talented dancers of The Dance Academy Del Mar.

Details: December 21 and 22, 2026, with tea from 1:30 p.m. and the 45-minute show at 2:30 p.m.
Price: $175 per adult, $90 per child (ages 2–10).

6. Experience Festive Christmas Dining

From a refined Christmas Eve dinner to a spectacular Christmas Day buffet, The Grand offers multiple dining options so you can skip the cooking.

Christmas Eve at Amaya

Experience an opulent four-course dinner in Amaya.

• Details: Thursday, December 24, 2026. Alcohol is not included.

Christmas Day Dining

• Amaya: Savor a fantastic four-course Christmas dinner. Available Friday, December 25, 2026.
• Grand Ballroom & Solana Buffet: This festive Family Buffet is a marvelous dining experience for the family. Available Friday, December 25, 2026.

Note: The resort’s holiday page and its event pages list different 2026 prices and times for Christmas dining, so confirm both when you reserve.

7. Ring in 2027 at the New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Bid farewell to 2026 and welcome 2027 with an unforgettable celebration at The Grand.

New Year’s Eve at Amaya

Step into a world of sophistication as you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. This celebration features a sumptuous culinary journey with an elegant five-course prix fixe menu.

• Details: Thursday, December 31, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.
• Price: $295 per adult and $95 per child (ages 3–12), exclusive of tax, gratuity, and alcohol. A glass of Champagne or sparkling cider is included.

The Lobby Lounge Celebration

Welcome the new year in style right in the heart of the resort. This soirée combines the finest Champagne and an exquisite à la carte menu, along with the harmonious melodies of live music.

Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere with live entertainment throughout the evening.

• Late Seating Countdown: As the clock strikes midnight, join fellow guests for a collective countdown, complete with a burst of confetti and cheers.
• Price: $95 per person, inclusive of a split of Champagne.
• Details: Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

8. New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch

Last season, Amaya served a three-course New Year’s Day Champagne brunch. It isn’t on the resort’s 2026 holiday page, so check the page again closer to New Year’s.

9. Stay Overnight — With VIP Benefits

Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of the hotels that I recommend when people ask me where to stay in San Diego.

The best way to enjoy all the magic of this Winter Wonderland is to check in as an overnight guest. We can book you in with value-added amenities at no cost to you that include:

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a truly special way to celebrate the holidays in San Diego, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is simply one of the best choices. The resort has perfected the concept of a high-end San Diego winter wonderland, delivering a memorable experience for both families and couples.

The most important tip? Always check the Grand Del Mar’s website for the latest ticket releases, as the most popular dining and tea events sell out quickly.

Remember that booking your stay with us guarantees those incredible VIP perks—like daily breakfast and resort credits—to make your already luxurious holiday getaway even better.

It may be San Diego, but remember, it does get chilly in the evenings, especially for those on the outdoor Glice rink. Remember to bring layers! See what to pack for San Diego and San Diego in December if you need more advice.