Holidays at Hotel Del Coronado: A Seaside Tradition
S’mores on the sand. Holiday dinners in the Crown Room. Cozying up in a beachside igloo. Skating by the Sea®. At Hotel del Coronado, California sunshine meets generations of holiday magic.
This year, The Del’s most cherished season returns with “A Holiday Through Time,” framing 138 years of the legendary California beach resort’s charmed history through traditions that have long brought generations together. Elaborately decorated Christmas trees, festive decor, thousands of glowing lights, indulgent dining, igloos on the sand, and more jazz up the season, and the Lightshow Spectacular brings the resort’s towering pines to life. Santa’s around whenever you need him for a keepsake photo. It’s the classic holiday vacation, with a decidedly California point of view, and where celebratory evenings end with your toes in the sand.
Your Home for the Holidays
Whether you’ve come from afar or live close by, The Del’s five distinctive neighborhoods offer a different take on the season, while always making you feel at home. Bring the entire family, plan a romantic escape a deux, or gather multiple generations under one roof. This might be your new favorite holiday tradition in the making!
The Victorian
For those drawn to the nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas, there's no better address than The Victorian. The Del's original 1888 hotel is the heart of the resort, with its iconic red turrets, Queen Anne architecture, stained-glass windows, and beautifully restored interiors. Come December, The Victorian really shines. Her grandeur gets an extra dose of holiday spirit, with a two-story Christmas tree in the soaring lobby and grounds that showcase festive decorations inspired by chapters of The Del's history. After The Del’s extensive restoration, The Victorian’s guestrooms offer all their original architectural character with the modern comforts you crave when you’re away from home, making this an especially memorable place to settle in for the season.
The Cabanas
If you’ve chased the sun for your holiday gathering, perhaps it’s The Cabanas that’ll speak to you the most. This contemporary, social-minded neighborhood is centered around the resort's refreshed pool and just steps from the beach. No need to give up the crackle of a fire just because you’re not surrounded by snowdrifts. Beachside accommodations feature inviting terraces and fire pits (s’mores anyone?), while poolside rooms place you close to the action. Families find it an ideal home base for balancing holiday activities with leisurely afternoons outdoors. Because even in December, there's something to be said for a pool day.
The Views
If you’re picturing family photos against a glistening Pacific backdrop, the Views delivers. These contemporary beachfront accommodations offer private balconies overlooking the shoreline and are a photographer’s dream. Spend the morning exploring Coronado by bike, head to the ice rink in the afternoon, then retreat to your room as the sun begins its descent over the water.
Shore House
Bringing the whole gang with you? Holidays are often better with a full house. The Shore House residential-style villas create a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for families and groups who want the comforts of home alongside a world-class resort. Think spacious living areas, full kitchens, private terraces, and an oceanfront pool. It’s simple to gather on your own schedule for a leisurely breakfast before the day’s fun or a sunset toast before dinner. You’ll also have access to the private bistro just for Shore House guests. Enjoy the freedom of a coastal residence, with The Del’s seasonal celebrations just a short stroll away.
Beach Village
Go even more private for your holiday retreat at Beach Village, The Del’s exclusive collection of beachfront cottages and villas set within a gated enclave. Recently refreshed accommodations, personalized service, and residential-style comforts make these seaside sanctuaries a particularly appealing choice for extended families and groups. Private terraces, beautifully appointed interiors, and access to exclusive village amenities give you the best of both worlds: a festive resort atmosphere when you want it, and a sense of seclusion when you don't.
Holiday Experiences: Traditions With a Coastal Twist
There are plenty of places to see holiday lights or gather around a fire. At The Del, you can do both with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Skating by the Sea®
Holiday tip: If you like your holiday with a steaming mug of hot cocoa and step back into a simpler time, that’s an easy lift at The Del. Just grab a cup from one of the festive carts throughout the property and stroll through The Victorian Garden as this year’s theme, “A Holiday Through Time,” comes to life.
Ice skating and ocean views aren't exactly a traditional pairing. And that’s exactly why it’s one of The Del’s most beloved holiday experiences. Each winter, the resort transforms its Windsor Lawn into a beachfront ice rink, framed by the Pacific and the hotel’s unmistakable Victorian architecture. Skaters of all ages can take a spin while enjoying one of the most distinctive winter settings in California, and better still, knowing that a portion of the proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish® San Diego.
Care to spectate rather than skate? Just grab one of the plush seats in the adjoining Frostbite Lounge, order a festive cocktail, and feel the glow of the fire pit as you take in rink-side views.
Beachside Igloos & Jingle Roast
A sparkling igloo on the sand, your own fire pit, holiday-inspired bites and drinks? Yes, please. Reserve one of The Del’s charming Beachside Igloos for your own cozy coastal retreat, complete with comfortable seating. Settle into a quintessential winter experience, minus the freezing temperatures. For a more traditional fireside gathering, Jingle Roast brings the family together around a private beach bonfire, with festive touches and plenty of marshmallows to go around.
Lightshow Spectacular
At night, The Del’s historic Norfolk Island Pines become the centerpiece of the resort’s Lightshow Spectacular. Grab a mug of hot chocolate from one of the festive carts and head to Founders Lawn and watch as the night lights up for a winter wonderland performance with enchanting music, and even a flurry of snow!
The Holiday Lodge
New this year, The Del’s historic 1919 Laundry building takes on a second life as the Holiday Lodge. Head over for sparkling decor, casual food and drinks, a bit of holiday shopping (perhaps you’ll find the perfect last-minute gift!), and hands-on activities for the kids like cookie- and stocking-decorating.
More Holiday Moments for All Ages
Cozy up for classic movies screened under the stars on Del Beach, decorate gingerbread houses, arrange a visit with Santa, or surprise your little ones with personalized Elf Deliveries. The annual Holiday Festival brings the local community and resort guests together for performances, fireworks, and an appearance by Santa, who makes his entrance by parachute!
Resort Amenities: Beyond the Holiday Calendar
Of course, one of the pleasures of spending the holidays in Southern California is that winter doesn’t require retreating indoors. There’s plenty to enjoy between festive events, too.
Del Beach
With its wide stretch of golden sand and views of the Pacific, Del Beach is ideal for long, leisurely walks along the water. Settle into a reserved lounge chair beneath a signature fringed umbrella, stretch out on a daybed, or gather with the family for a beachside bonfire. Food and beverage service on the sand adds an extra measure of ease.
the Cabana Pool
Swap snowsuits for swimsuits at The Del’s refreshed main pool, with stylish cabanas, comfortable loungers, and easy access to the Sun Deck. Reserve a private cabana for an easy afternoon between holiday activities, particularly if you’re traveling with children who still have plenty of energy.
Wellness by the Water
While the holidays can be wonderfully indulgent, they're also a good excuse to slow down. Gift yourself some time at the reimagined Spa & Salon at The Del, where you can unwind with massages, facials, and treatments inspired by the coast. After, make time for a soak in the outdoor vanishing-edge pool overlooking the Pacific. There are also plenty of opportunities to move your body, with fitness classes, beach yoga, and cycling around Coronado.
Holiday Dining: Gather Around the Table
Some of the best holiday memories happen around a table. And at The Del, the dining settings are as indulgent as what’s being served, with historic spaces, oceanfront restaurants, and festive menus.
Few dining rooms are as closely tied to a hotel’s history as The Del's Crown Room. With its soaring sugar-pine ceilings and elaborate chandeliers designed by The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, the beautifully restored space sets an extraordinary scene, particularly for the holidays. Come in for the festive buffets, complete with traditional favorites, seasonal specialties, and elaborate desserts. (And yes, someone else handles the dishes.)
Don’t overlook Victorian Tea, served in the Crown Room on select December dates. It’s a delightful afternoon experience of fine teas, finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a special offering for younger guests.
Dining at The Del, Every Day
Holiday feasts aside, The Del’s collection of restaurants makes it easy to plan meals around the day's adventures.
Nobu Del Coronado brings the celebrated restaurant’s Japanese cuisine, signature dishes, and sushi to a striking oceanfront setting. Indoor and alfresco seating makes this an especially appealing choice for a special evening or an extended lunch with Pacific views.
At Veranda, the spirit of the hotel’s original wraparound porch is reimagined through an inviting outdoor dining experience, with American classics, seasonal California ingredients, and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Serẽa celebrates the region’s coastal bounty with sustainable sea-to-table dining and an elegant indoor-outdoor atmosphere. Nearby, Babcock & Story Bar offers craft cocktails and light bites in a historic setting, while Sun Deck is a natural gathering place for sunset drinks, ocean views, and relaxed coastal fare.
For more casual meals, ENO Market & Pizzeria is ideal for a quick bite between activities, Beach + Taco Shack brings laid-back California flavors close to the sand, and Sundaes offers a sweet finish to the day.
THIRD NIGHT FREE
Celebrate the season with seaside holiday traditions, festive dining, and a little extra time by the ocean. Book two nights by November 20, 2026, for stays through March 3, 2027, and enjoy a complimentary third night plus:
- Upgrade on arrival, based on availability
- Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person
- $100 food and beverage credit
- Early check-in and late check-out, based on availability
Make This Holiday One to Remember
The magic of a holiday at Hotel del Coronado is found in the combination of old traditions and new discoveries: skating beside the Pacific, gathering for an unforgettable meal, watching the resort glow after sunset, and waking up to another day on the California coast.
With five distinctive places to stay and a festive calendar designed for all generations, The Del offers the opportunity to be together, without having to orchestrate every moment. And isn’t that the best kind of holiday gift?
