11 Things to Do at Fairmont Grand Del Mar During the Holidays (2024)

One of our favorite San Diego luxury hotels, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, celebrates the holiday season in grand style with a host of festivities this year. From Thanksgiving to New Year — and plenty of Christmas events in between — the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a fantastic place to enjoy the holidays in San Diego.

Whether it’s ice skating, a Nutcracker Tea with the kids, or a sophisticated New Year’s Eve party for just the adults, the hotel has something for everyone during the holidays.

Here are some of the many things you can do here, whether you’re a San Diego resident or hotel guest.

1. Celebrate Thanksgiving in Style

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar kicks off the holiday season with two separate Thanksgiving options in their renowned restaurants, Amaya and the Ballroom and Manchester Salon.

Amaya

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

The celebrations take place from 12– 8 p.m. Tickets cost $175 per adult and $75 per child (3-12 years old) and can be purchased online.

Ballroom and Manchester Salon

A great option for families, this Thanksgiving Family Buffet in The Grand’s Ballroom and Manchester Salon is a great way to gather and give thanks to the whole family.

The event lasts from 12 – 6 p.m. Tickets cost $195 per adult (and include beer and wine) and $85 per child (ages 3-12) and can be purchased online. For both the Manchester and Amaya bookings, a $50 deposit per person is required, and a 72-hour cancellation fee applies.

2. Skate Outdoors on the Glice Ice Skating Rink

The Grand’s popular holiday ice skating experience is back. The outdoor Glice Skating Rink is a family favorite for locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great reason to visit the hotel in the holidays.

After zooming around the ice, you can opt to reserve a rink-side cabana, complete with a fire pit, to rest your weary feet. You can purchase holiday-themed beverages and treats and, of course, roast the obligatory s’mores.

Glice Skating can be booked on November 28 – December 2, December 6-8 & 13–15, December 21 – January 1, 2025. Times are Monday–Saturday: 5–9 p.m. & Sundays 3–7 p.m.

Tickets cost $40 per adult and $20 per child and can be purchased online. The price includes skate rental and one hour skating. If you’re a in town long enough, or you’re a local, you can also purchase a monthly skating pass for $150 per person.

3. Take Part in Christmas Festivities & Activities

The Fairmont has plenty of Christmas festivities and activities for the whole family to enjoy, but especially for children. Here’s the rundown:

Tree Lighting – The hotel’s spectacular 25-foot Christmas tree will come alive in a stunning lighting ceremony on Monday, December 2. You can watch the tree illuminate at 6.30 p.m. in the hotel’s Grand Social area. Special holiday treats and drinks can be purchased, and the Glice Skating Rink will be open for business from 5 – 9 p.m. General admission to the tree lighting costs $20 per person.

Meet Santa – Old Saint Nick will visit the Grand Social every weekend from November 28 through January 1, 2025 to delight children and ask them their Christmas wishes. On Friday and Saturdays from 5 – 9 p.m. and Sundays 3 – 7 p.m. He will also be sitting by the holiday tree on Christmas Eve for a special reading of ‘The Night Before Christmas‘ at 6 p.m. for an extra treat.

Brunch With Santa – If that isn’t enough, you can go a step further and enjoy a delicious brunch with a special visit from Santa during this memorable experience. Set in the Amaya restaurant, a festive brunch will be served as Santa does the rounds and delights the little ones. Held every Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 22 December from 11 a.m. Price TBD.

Wreath Decorating – Get creative and take home a festive craft to hang on your front door with this fun art session. Designed for all age and skill levels, this class is a great choice to do with your child to make a tangible memory together. The classes are drop-in and cost $45 per wreath. There have other crafting options, too. Classes are on Sunday, December 8, 15 and 22 from 3 – 7 p.m.

Holiday Cookie Decorating – For something a little sweeter, this workshop says it all. Again, it’s drop-in style and great fun for all. Held in the Grand Social on Saturdays, December 7, 14 and 21 from 5 – 7 p.m., it costs $30 for a set of 3 cookies.

4. Enjoy a Holiday Afternoon Tea

The Fairmont’s elegant Lobby Lounge will host a special festive tea on select dates in December. The delectable menu includes sweet treats, scones, and delicious sandwiches, all served in the lobby’s sophisticated setting.

The tea takes place every Saturday and Sunday from November 30 through December 29, plus weekdays from December 16 through December 20 and December 23 & December 24, from 12– 3.30 p.m. Tickets cost $125 for adults and $65 per child (ages 6-12).

5. Book a Nutcracker Holiday Tea

Another delicious – and unique – to celebrate the holidays is with a special Tea and performance of the timeless Christmas classic, ‘The Nutcracker,’ at the Manchester Salon.

The package includes a delicious afternoon tea of traditional holiday favorites, after which guests will be treated to a special narrated, abridged performance of The Nutcracker, performed by the Scripps Performing Arts Youth Academy.

The Nutcracker Holiday Tea is available after Christmas only this year, on December 27, 28 and 29. The tea starts at 2 p.m., and the ballet performance begins at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $170 per adult, and $88 per child (ages 2-10).

6. Book a Grand Christmas Brunch

The Amaya hosts a luxurious festive brunch every weekend in December. The restaurant exudes style and sophistication for this special event, and the menu features indulgent holiday-inspired classics, both sweet and savory.

The Brunch takes place every Saturday and Sunday throughout December from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

7. Dine at Amaya on Christmas Eve

The Amaya is also the venue for the hotel’s Grand Feast this Christmas Eve. The spectacular festive dinner comprises a four-course tasting menu inspired by the festive season and will be served from 5 –10 p.m.

You can buy tickets for this December 24 event online, and they cost $210 per adult and $75 per child (ages 3-12). Note the required $50 deposit per person and 72-hour cancellation policy. Tickets prices do not include alcohol.

8. Enjoy a Luxury Festive Dinner on Christmas Day

Amaya

If you want to forgo cooking the family feast and eat out on the big day instead, The Fairmont Del Mar Grand is a great option at the luxurious end of the price scale. The culinary festivities in the hotel’s Amaya restaurant feature a four-course tasting menu among elegant and festive surroundings. The event runs from 12–8 p.m., so there’s no rush!

Tickets are priced at $210 per adult and $75 per child. A $50 deposit per person is required, with a 72-hour cancellation policy. Alcohol is not included. Tickets can be purchased online.

Grand Ballroom & Manchester Salon

Over at the Grand Ballroom and Manchester Salon, another option to sample the hotel’s culinary delights is a festive buffet, which will be served while guests enjoy live entertainment. A great family event, the meal features an appetizer and dessert buffet, and each guest will receive a glass of sparkling wine or sparkling cider.

Tickets are priced at $195 per adult and $85 per child. A $50 deposit per person is required, and there’s also a 72-hour cancellation policy. You can book online.

9. Ring in 2025 at the New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Amaya

You can bid farewell to 2024 in sophisticated style at the hotel’s Amaya restaurant (again!). Their New Year’s Eve party promises a celebration oozing opulence and elegance and an exclusive menu curated especially for the occasion.

After enjoying a gourmet culinary feast, guests will move to the Lobby Lounge at midnight for a complimentary Champagne toast to welcome in the new year.

Tickets cost $295 per adult and $95 per child (ages 3-12).

Lobby Lounge

Over in the Lobby Lounge, guests can enjoy live music and plenty of ambiance all evening until the midnight countdown to 2025. You can party away the last hours of 2024 in the lobby’s warm atmosphere by reserving a table with friends. Drinks, including Champagne, and an a la carte menu, are all available to purchase.

Guests can either opt for open seating in the Library and Lobby Bar areas, or tables with a view of the band can be pre-booked. Each table costs $100.

10. New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch

Start the new year in glorious style with a sumptuous brunch in Amaya. The three-course tasting menu will be fabulous, and each booking will include a glass of sparkling wine.

You can enjoy the brunch from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $125 per adult and $65 per child, and you can prebook online.

11. 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 their holiday activities is to check in as an overnight guest. We can book you in with value-added amenities at no cost to you that include:

*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.

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