There’s No Place Like The Del for the Holidays
This festive season, the iconic Hotel del Coronado draws back the curtain on the man behind the Emerald City for “A Holiday in Oz”. This spectacular tribute to author L. Frank Baum celebrates one of the hotel’s most esteemed guests, who traveled frequently to The Del in the early 20th century. In fact, the hotel’s enchanting seaside setting was a muse for Baum, as he penned at least three books in the Wizard of Oz series.
From November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the legendary oceanside resort will transform into a whimsical world of dazzling décor, enchanting experiences, and new traditions. The festivities begin with the Tinsel Trail to Oz, a self-guided journey through 10 spectacularly themed Christmas trees, each honoring beloved characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman. Follow the illuminated Yellow Brick Road through the newly restored Victorian Garden Courtyard, where glowing poppies and dandelions light the way to the Emerald City. Marvel at the two-story Christmas tree in the Victorian Lobby, go Skating by the Sea® on a beachfront ice rink, and watch the evening glow under a Wonder of Oz Light Show, featuring a dazzling display of lights, music, and snow.
The magic continues with special events, including Victorian Tea, Christmas Eve Dinner, and Christmas Day Brunch in the historic Crown Room, where Baum himself designed the twinkling crown-shaped chandeliers. Delight the littles with elf-delivered goodie bags or indulge your family and friends with a private beachfront bonfire or movie night.
Already an enchanting destination its rich history, breathtaking setting, and world-class experiences, Hotel del Coronado Holiday in Oz is the ultimate holiday destination. Whether you’re skating by the sea, strolling the Tinsel Trail, or savoring festive feasts, A Holiday in Oz promises memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss this enchanting celebration—book your stay today!
Accommodations: Your Home for the Holidays
The Del has become a worldwide holiday destination, beckoning with unique, world-class experiences and a timeless allure. Choose from five characterful neighborhoods to make your friends and family feel at home this holiday season.
The Victorian
It doesn’t get more quintessential than The Victorian, The Del’s original, widely recognized 1888 beachfront hotel, where no two rooms are alike. More than $160 million has been poured into enhancing and preserving the beloved property, where you can gather for a classic holiday with those you cherish. Write your seasonal story here, from the moment you step foot on the welcoming Front Porch. Inviting rocking chairs assure you that “There Is No Place Like Home,” an ode to L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz and this year’s holiday theme at The Del. The Victorian is Coronado Island’s crown jewel, with colorful stained-glass windows, a grand lobby where you’ll marvel at the famed two-story Christmas tree, complete with 10,000 lights and 2,000 ornaments, a lush Garden Patio, and classic Queen Anne architecture. Pick up a cocktail at the Emerald Bar, then stroll the illuminated Yellow Brick Road into the Victorian Garden Courtyard to meet Dorothy and friends—stop at each of four 12-foot trees to read about Baum’s history at The Del.
The Cabanas
Completely reimagined for today’s visitors and reflective of the modern SoCal scene, The Cabanas is The Del’s up-to-the-minute social and music hub, just steps from the pool and Sun Deck. Beachside rooms make summer last well into the winter holiday season with terraces and fire pits, while poolside rooms act as your own private cabana, with walk-in showers and contemporary details. For bonus fun, consider reserving a Beachside Igloo, with a cozy living room that fits up to 8 guests and comes with dedicated holiday-themed libations and snacks.
The Views
Get a front-row seat to The Del’s holiday spectacular at The Views. From here, it’s easy to access the waves, sail the seas or bike along the beach before settling down on your balcony at the end of the day to watch the sunset over the Pacific and count your blessings.
Beach Village
For a private holiday with those who matter most to you, consider this gated community of beachfront cottage and villa rentals. You’ll enjoy exclusive, residential-style luxury and personalized, elevated service. Each of the luxury guest rooms has a private balcony, many with a view of the sparkling ocean. Guests have access to a variety of on-property amenities and experiences. Within the village, The Del restored and reopened the historic 1905 beachside Windsor Cottage as the Ocean Club. You may add the cottage to your stay, including exclusive concierge club-style dining and member-for-a-day privileges at The Beach Club.
A New Era: Much Ado at The Del
Since 2018, The Del has been on a mission to renovate, restore, and develop itself as a sought-after destination for the next 100 years to come. Among the many enhancements you’ll find over your holiday stay:
Revitalization of the original Victorian guest rooms and garden courtyard
Debut of new oceanfront restaurants, including Nobu Del Coronado
Refreshed accommodations in The Cabanas and The Views neighborhoods
Upgraded main pool and expanded fitness center
Re-conception of several restaurants
Reimagining of the Spa & Salon at The Del
Restoration of the Hotel del Coronado’s historic front porch
Addition of Shore House at The Del
Refresh of the seaside cottages and villas at Beach Village
New and restored event venues, including the iconic Crown Room, Ocean Ballroom, and new Southpointe Event Center
Resort Amenities - How to Do The Del at the Holidays
From private holiday movie viewings to s’mores on the beach, The Del’s Holiday Concierge can help create a magical vacation with priority access to the most popular experiences. You’ll also have access to The Del’s wide array of thoughtful amenities and experiences.
Cabana Pool
Sink into the shade and privacy of your private cabana or chaise lounge at the upgraded pool, with direct access to the Sun Deck. Elevate your pool day with a VIP luxury cabana with seating for up to 8 people and a plush sofa, stocked fridge, midday fresh-fruit delivery, a flat-screen TV, storage, and two reserved chaise lounges.
Del Beach
No one does the beach quite like The Del, particularly over the holidays when carefree, oceanside days eclipse the worries and cares of work weeks and the school routine. Enjoy luxurious beachfront lounge chairs, signature fringed umbrellas, half-moon cabanettes, and plush daybeds for half- and full-day rental. Here’s a holiday gift for you: because The Del owns its own beach—unlike any other California property—guests may enjoy full food and beverage service, including alcoholic beverages, on the sand.
Fitness in the Sun
Go ahead, indulge in your favorite holiday treats. Then, sign up for Beach Spin at The Del, a 45-minute class led by some of San Diego’s best spin instructors through headphones pumping out motivating tunes while you overlook the sea. Cyclists may also rent a bike at the Activity Cove and spin around more than 25 miles of path that crisscross Coronado Island. For a gentler pace, enjoy complimentary yoga on the beach each day.
Activities for All Ages
Get a sense of place at the start of your stay with The Del’s Legendary Tours, telling the story of the hotel’s history (including L. Frank Baum, inspiration for this year’s Wizard of Oz holiday theme), local legends, and even its most notorious spirit, Kate Morgan. Kids love Ocean Explorers, where they’ll learn about ocean preservation and marine life through one-of-a-kind adventures. Beginner surfers can experience world-class instruction on Coronado Island’s gentle waves at world-famous pro surfer Jamie O’Brien’s first and only mainland surf school. Try virtual reality snorkeling in the Cabana Pool, with several adventures available, from exploring the ocean to voyaging through space, or even skydiving.
Shops at The Del
Need a last-minute gift, or perhaps a hint for those seeking the perfect present for you? Take a break from the sand to shop for seaside treasures, home goods, signature apparel and beach-inspired fashion. The refreshed shops include BEACHOUSE for home decor, S.R.R. for Southern California sporting goods, Monroe for timeless sunglasses (the best stocking stuffer!), and more.
Gorgeous Golf
If golf’s your game, you’ll find more than 80 courses to choose from during your holiday break. There’s something to suit every level of golfer in San Diego, including the Coronado Municipal Golf Course and La Jolla’s legendary Torrey Pines.
A Refreshed Spa & Salon
Wind down for the holidays, and refresh for the New Year, at the Spa & Salon at The Del. Relaxation-seeking guests find a wealth of treatments and beauty therapies, including organic facials, luscious body scrubs and wraps and deep-tissue massages. Take time for a soak in the vanishing-edge pool overlooking the Pacific as part of your spa experience.
Dining: Something for Every Palate
Foodies, rejoice. With refreshed dining venues throughout the property, there’s a place for all tastes at The Del. Choose from a delicious lineup of festive holiday meals, from Thanksgiving straight through to New Year’s, the ideal way to enjoy all the trimmings, while leaving the prep and cleanup to someone else.
Gather and celebrate in the beautifully restored Crown Room and Coronet Rooms, or the Ocean Ballroom, for a lavish Thanksgiving dinner, with traditional favorites, regionally inspired cuisine, and indulgent desserts. Create new holiday memories over Christmas Eve, or wake to an elegant Christmas Day brunch. And don’t miss Victorian Tea, a special way to experience a charming tradition, including a special kids’ plate for the little ones.
For everyday dining at The Del, one can’t miss the just-opened Nobu Del Coronado, offering sweeping Pacific ocean views from indoor and alfresco oceanfront tables, complete with an outdoor covered patio, pagoda bar, and dedicated sushi bar.
At Veranda, diners are treated to the quintessential ocean-view, outdoor dining experience in the spirit of the hotel’s original wraparound veranda. The menu features exceptionally prepared American favorites, with fresh flavors based on regional produce, classic cocktails, and a California-forward wine list.
Serea offers upscale, sustainable, sea-to-table dining in an indoor-outdoor design, where the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean takes center stage. For cocktails and light bites, stop into Babcock & Story, with its restored original mahogany bar, or the Sun Deck, where you’ll have a front-row seat on the most spectacular sunset on the West Coast.
Casual settings include ENO Market & Pizzeria with extensive grab-and-go offerings as well as gazebo and indoor dining; Sundaes for sweet treats; and the Beach + Taco Shack bar just steps from the waves.
Holidays at The Del!
Imagine whirling around an ice-skating rink in view of the ocean, or cozying up in a sparkling igloo on the white sand as the sun sets. With these treats and more in store, The Del knows how to do the holidays right.
Look forward to Skating by the Sea®, special holiday dining events in the beautifully restored Crown Room, Lightshow Spectacular, Beachside Igloos and more.
