Hotel del Coronado is San Diego’s most festive hotel during the holidays. The resort transforms with thousands of lights, a beachfront ice rink on Windsor Lawn, themed Christmas trees throughout the grounds, beachside igloos, a nightly light show, photos with Santa, holiday teas, and the storied Christmas Day brunch in the Crown and Coronet Rooms.
I stayed overnight in Beach Village this past holiday season, skated, built gingerbread houses, walked the full Tinsel Trail, and booked clients into the resort throughout. My history with The Del runs deep, I was married there, and I talk about it all year round with clients. Below is the complete event list with my insider’s take on what’s worth it, plus practical notes on choosing a room, parking, and reservations.
Hotel del Coronado Christmas at a Glance
The Hotel del Coronado holiday season runs from late November through early January each year. The resort transforms with thousands of lights, a beachfront ice rink on Windsor Lawn, themed Christmas trees throughout the grounds, beachside igloos, a nightly light show on Founders Lawn, holiday teas and dining, photos with Santa, and a storied Christmas Day brunch in the restored Crown and Coronet Rooms. The exact theme and dates change year to year. The traditions don’t.
| Event | Dates | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skating by the Sea | Nov 21 – Jan 4 | $35–$40 per person |
| Frostbite Lounge | Nov 21 – Jan 4 | Reservation + F&B minimum |
| Beachside Igloos | Nov 21 – Jan 4 | $250–$500 / 2 hours |
| Tinsel Trail to Oz | Nov 21 – Jan 4 | Free |
| Wonder of Oz Lightshow | Nov 21 – Jan 4 (5–9 p.m. nightly) | Free |
| Thanksgiving Buffet | Thanksgiving Day | $205 adult, $100 child 5–12 |
| Photos with Santa | Dec 2, 5–6, 13–14, 19–24 | From $30 |
| Holiday Movies on the Beach | Nov 29; Dec 6, 13, 20, 27, 31 | GA + upgrade options |
| Gingerbread House Decorating | Dec 12–14, 20–24 | $65 per house |
| Elf Deliveries | Dec 12–14, 20–24 | Per package |
| Jingle Roast Bonfires | Dec 1–25 | By reservation |
| Victorian Holiday Tea | Dec 18–22 | $130 adult, $98.50 child 5–12 |
| Christmas Eve Dinner | Christmas Eve | TBA |
| Christmas Day Brunch | Christmas Day | TBA |
| New Year’s Eve Pub Bash | New Year’s Eve | TBA |
Skating by the Sea: Beachfront Ice Skating
Skating by the Sea is The Del’s beachfront ice rink on Windsor Lawn, with the Pacific in the background and string lights overhead. It’s really the centerpiece of all the holiday events and is very well done. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.
Skate sessions are 90 minutes, and rentals are included with the skating ticket. Spectators can sit nearby (the seating gets cool, so dress warmly). Reservations are made online and they do sell out, especially weekend evenings.
My tips for successful skating
Frostbite Lounge: Fireside Rinkside Tables
The Frostbite Lounge is the rentable fire-pit lounge alongside the rink. Tables seat 4 to 8 with a fire in the center, and the package includes a food and drink minimum. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the rink without skating, and it stays open into the evening alongside the skating session times.
Beachside Igloos: Private Domes on the Sand
The Beachside Igloos are private clear-bubble domes set up on the sand. Each is a two-hour reservation that holds up to 8 people (4 inside, 4 outside) and includes s’mores around an outdoor fire pit, plush lounge chairs and a heater inside the dome. They face the ocean, and they sell out fast.
Christmas Trees: The Tinsel Trail and the Lobby Tree
The resort decorates more than ten themed Christmas trees throughout the property each year, set along a self-guided trail. Each tree has its own concept, and signs near each tree explain it. The headline tree is in the Victorian Lobby (a two-story showpiece), and the trail winds through the Garden Courtyard, Founders Lawn, Southpointe Lawn, and the buildings around the resort.
Hotel del Christmas Lights and the Light Show on Founders Lawn
The resort is wrapped in thousands of holiday lights from late November through early January, and the centerpiece is a free nightly light show on Founders Lawn. The display uses the famous 1904 Norfolk Island Pine plus the surrounding pines, with synchronized lights and music in 30-minute cycles, every half hour from 5 to 9 p.m.
The show is free to the public, which is nice. It’s on Orange Avenue, so it’s easy for non-guests to view from outside the resort. Older kids may not appreciate it as much as younger kids. My husband thought it was just okay, but because it’s free, the crowds come to The Del just to see it.
Photos with Santa on the Southpoint Lawn
Santa visits the Southpoint Lawn near the 25-foot tree by Shore House, with a printed 5×7 included with each session. Reservations are recommended, and weekend slots fill up first. Santa typically arrives the first weekend of December and stays through Christmas Eve.
Classic Victorian Holiday Tea in the Crown Room
The holiday tea is held in the restored Crown Room, which has a 33-foot domed wood ceiling and crown chandeliers designed by L. Frank Baum himself. Tea includes finger sandwiches, sweets, kid plates, and live music. It’s elegant and runs only a handful of dates each season, so it sells out.
Holiday Movies on the Beach
The Del shows family holiday movies on select beach evenings at 7:30 p.m. General admission includes a red Del sand chair. There’s an upgrade called the “Roast Family Movie Package” that adds a private bonfire and s’mores supplies for up to 6.
Gingerbread House Decorating with Lots of Candy
The gingerbread event runs in the Crown Room (or a similar event space depending on the year). The houses come pre-cut, the candy bar is fully stocked, and the staff is generous (you can ask for more frosting and grab as much candy as you want). Sessions are about an hour.
Elf Deliveries to Your Room
If you’re staying overnight, you can book an Elf Delivery: a personalized themed bag with treats and a stuffed animal, brought to your room by Santa’s elves. It’s a nice touch for families with young kids. Overnight guests only, and an advance reservation is required.
Jingle Roast: Private Beach Bonfires with S’mores
A Jingle Roast is a one-hour private bonfire reservation on the beach for up to 10 people. The package includes s’mores supplies and Santa hats, and you can add food from ENO Market & Pizzeria or Beach + Taco Shack.
Holiday Dining at The Del: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
The Del’s biggest holiday meals all take place in the restored Crown and Coronet Rooms beneath those 33-foot domed wood ceilings. The space is unmatched in San Diego for holiday atmosphere. Reservations open early in the fall and the popular seatings sell out, so book as soon as the dates are released.
Thanksgiving Buffet
A traditional Thanksgiving spread served from noon to 6 p.m. with live music. The buffet runs in the Crown Room, the Coronet Rooms, and the Ocean Ballroom depending on the year’s setup.
Christmas Eve Dinner
A holiday buffet in the Crown and Coronet Rooms with a seasonal menu.
The Famous Hotel del Coronado Christmas Day Brunch
This is the meal The Del is best known for during the holidays. The buffet runs in the Crown and Coronet Rooms with the towering Christmas tree visible from the lobby.
New Year’s Eve Pub Bash at The Laundry
The Del closes out the season with a New Year’s Eve Pub Bash at The Laundry, the resort’s pub. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll and blues night with an open bar, pub bites, a dessert bar, and a beer garden. Pricing varies by year.
The Annual Hotel del Coronado Christmas Ornament
Every year, the resort releases a Collector’s Ornament tied to that season’s theme. They sell in a green padded gift box and are available in the resort’s shops and online. They sell out, so order early if you want one.
I have multiple Hotel del Coronado ornaments on my tree, including one from the year I was married there. Part of the proceeds historically benefits the Coronado Schools Foundation.
Choosing a Room During the Holidays
Where you stay on the resort matters more during the holidays than at any other time of year. The Victorian Oceanfront rooms face the ice rink and the Frostbite Lounge, so you’ll receive ambient noise and music until about 10 p.m. I would request a high floor during this time, or perhaps a different room type if noise bothers you. Some clients we have like being in the thick of things, so they prefer this location. It’s completely personal preference.
If you’re in search of quiet, I suggest staying in The Views building, Beach Village, or Shore House.
There are a couple of things I’ve known and observed firsthand during this past season’s events. On the weekends, the Windsor Lawn (where the ice rink is) is the busiest I’ve ever seen it. Plus, The Victorian Building’s outdoor restaurant patios were also buzzing.
Parking, Reservations, and Practical Tips
Parking during the holiday season
The resort’s normal parking validation does not apply during the holiday event season. Normally, you’ll receive a $15 validation on parking at The Del when you spend $100 on dining and shopping. This does not apply during the holiday event season. Day guests should plan accordingly.
During my last stay, the valet offered me a flat $49 (paid by cash or Venmo) to park for as long as I wanted, which I took him up on because we were having dinner at Nobu and wanted to spend time wandering the grounds.
I did not try to self-park. First, the lot isn’t that large and the savings wasn’t worth it to me. We were also running late for our Nobu reservation. The nearby parking lots were full on apps like SpotHero.
Reservation tips
- Book everything in advance: skating, igloos, Frostbite, Tea, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining, gingerbread, Jingle Roast.
- Reservations open in early fall and the popular slots go fast.
- If you’re staying overnight, book your activities the same day you book the room.
- The “Christmas in San Diego” crowd grows every year, so don’t expect last-minute openings.
Crowds
Weekend evenings during December are packed. If your visit can be flexible, weekday afternoons (especially after 2 p.m.) and Sunday mornings are noticeably calmer.
Is Hotel del Coronado Worth Visiting for the Holidays?
Yes, with caveats.
It’s worth it if you:
- Want a true seaside Christmas with thousands of lights, a beachfront ice rink, and a storied resort backdrop
- Are traveling with kids who’d love Santa, gingerbread, igloos, and movies on the beach
- Want a holiday meal in a genuinely beautiful setting (the Crown and Coronet Rooms are special)
- Like to plan in advance and lock in reservations early
It may not be the right fit if you:
- Prefer a quiet, low-key holiday with no crowds
- Don’t want to budget $200+ per person for the popular meals or $250+ for an igloo
- Plan to wing it and book day-of (most things will be sold out)
The Del is by far our most festive place to be during the holidays, especially for families, but the activity costs can add up (including parking or an Uber). If you are visiting on a budget, that is okay. Go for the holiday decor, a walk along the beach, and maybe treat yourself to some fudge from Spreckels or an ice cream. That is a fun-filled day.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay?
Both work. I’ve done both, and it’s likely next season I will also stay overnight AND visit for the day.
What an overnight stay gets you
- Access to in-room experiences like Elf Deliveries
- Discounted skating and exclusive event pricing on some activities
- Access to the resort grounds in the evening when day-guest crowds thin out
- Crown Club benefits if you book through me (more on that below)
- No parking headache during the day: valet or self-park is paid per night with the room
What a day visit gets you
- Most events (skating, Frostbite, igloos, light show, gingerbread, dining, ornament shop) are open to day guests
- Free walk-through of the Tinsel Trail and the light show
- Lower cost overall, since you can DIY the day
Bottom line. If you’re a San Diego local, a day visit is a great tradition. If you’re traveling in for the holidays from out of town, the overnight stay is much more relaxing because you don’t have to fight for parking and you get the resort to yourself in the early morning.
Use My Booking Benefits at The Del
Many people, even locals, stay overnight at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays. I have some advice if this is in your plans, and I also have access to amazing perks and services at the hotel.
If you’d like to book through me, I have Crown Club benefits available for the upcoming season.
SALE: 4th Night Free on select dates. The promotional rate shows as a 25% discount on a four-night stay. Log in to Virtuoso.com to see exclusive sale pricing. Hilton also runs special rates that may be better on your dates — send me your dates to check.
Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate. Enter only the number of adults when booking — kids can be added later when we collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room, choose the lowest. Check ocean swimming status at Coronado Lifeguard Tower (the testing station in front of The Del), as conditions change.
Hotel del Coronado Christmas FAQ
When does Hotel del Coronado decorate for Christmas?
The resort begins decorating in early November each year, with the official holiday season opening the weekend before Thanksgiving. Decor stays up through the first week of January. The most recent season ran November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
How long is Hotel del Coronado decorated for Christmas?
About six weeks every year, from late November through the first week of January. Skating by the Sea, the light show, igloos, and the Frostbite Lounge all run the full season. Specialty events (Tea, gingerbread, Santa photos) run on selected dates within that window.
Does Hotel del Coronado have ice skating? How much does it cost?
Yes. Skating by the Sea is the resort’s beachfront ice rink on Windsor Lawn, open the full holiday season. Skate sessions are 90 minutes and rentals are included. During the 2025–2026 season, sessions ran $40 general admission, $35 on Value Skate Days, and $35 for hotel guests, members, military and first responders.
What is this year’s holiday theme at Hotel del Coronado?
The theme changes annually. The 2025–2026 theme was “A Holiday in Oz,” inspired by L. Frank Baum’s connection to the resort. Past themes have included a coastal Victorian Christmas and Old Hollywood. The Tinsel Trail trees, light show music, and select decor reflect each year’s theme. The 2026–2027 theme is announced in early fall.
Is there a Hotel del Coronado Christmas tree lighting?
The community Holiday Festival on the first weekend of December is the resort’s marquee public lighting moment, with Skydiving Santa, Coronado school performances, photos with Santa, the light show, and a fireworks display. The 2025 Holiday Festival was December 3.
Where can I have Christmas brunch at Hotel del Coronado?
The famous Christmas Day Brunch is served on Christmas Day in the restored Crown and Coronet Rooms, beneath the 33-foot domed wood ceilings designed by L. Frank Baum. Reservations open in the fall and sell out, so book early.
Do you need to stay overnight at Hotel del Coronado for the holiday activities?
No. Most events (skating, Frostbite Lounge, igloos, light show, Tinsel Trail, holiday dining, gingerbread, ornament shop) are open to day guests. Overnight stays unlock in-room Elf Deliveries, exclusive event pricing on some activities, and a much calmer experience after the day-guest crowds leave. If you’re traveling from out of town, I recommend staying overnight.
How does parking work at Hotel del Coronado at Christmas?
The resort’s normal $15 dining-and-shopping parking validation does not apply during the holiday event season. Day-guest self-parking in the North Garage runs $39 for the first two hours and $17 for each additional hour, with a $100 daily max. Valet is $49 for the first two hours and $17 for each additional hour, also $100 daily max. Overnight guests pay $59 per night for self-parking or $79 per night for valet, charged separately from the room rate. SpotHero lots near the resort fill up fast on weekend evenings.
Plan a Full San Diego Holiday Trip
The Del isn’t the only thing happening across San Diego in December. If you’re building a full trip, these guides go together:
- The Best San Diego Christmas Events & Holiday Activities: every major event across the city, from Balboa Park to LEGOLAND to Coronado.
- San Diego in December: Weather, Events, Things to Do, and Insider Tips: what December actually feels like in San Diego, plus what to pack and where to stay.
- Coronado Island with Kids: the full family planning guide for Coronado, beyond The Del.
- How to Spend a Day at Hotel del Coronado: the year-round day-visit guide.
What is your favorite thing to do at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays?
Katie Dillon
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