This Holiday season, the Hotel Del Coronado, on the delightful Coronado Island off the San Diego coast, is celebrating all things shiny and bright in what they’re calling “a Season to Sparkle,” and what sounds like a magical family vacation. White, gold and silver decorations will adorn the property, from the twinkling white lights on the historic Victorian building to the spectacular two-story lobby tree. The DELights holiday experience in the Garden Patio means guests and locals can stroll through the Shops at The Del and end in up a Winter Wonderland of illumination.
A light show will project daily from the historic balconies onto a multi-faceted tree, surrounded by flickering icicles and snowy palms. Holiday favorites like house-made gingerbread and cookies, mulled cider, hot cocoa and spiked coffee will be available for purchase around the resort, along with many other fabulous foods and holiday traditions all season long. And a portion of proceeds of Holidays at The Del benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego.
My family has vacationed on Coronado Island last year and loved every minute of it. The island is very walkable and picturesque, with cute stores and restaurants for shopping and dining options, bike rentals are available, and of course, there’s always strolling on the beach and enjoying the views at the Hotel Del.
This historic resort, set on 28 acres of one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, was built in 1888 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977. There are more than 750 guest rooms, with 28 suites and 78 Beach Village units. The Del has played host to Hollywood celebrities, US presidents and dignitaries from around the world. And it has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, including, possibly most famously, 1958’s Some Like it Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.
Special Holiday Activities at the Hotel Del Coronado Include:
Skating by the Sea
Daily; November 24 – January 2
Hotel del Coronado’s beachfront ice skating experience returns for the 12th season.
Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 24
The resort’s holiday programs will kick off Thanksgiving weekend, beginning with brunch in the 12,567 square-foot Ballroom on November 24.
Sunday Brunch with Santa
Sunday, December 4th,11th and 18th
As an added treat this holiday season, kids of all ages can visit with jolly ol’ St. Nick in the Crown Room.
Victorian Tea
Daily; December 17 – December 24
For the tea lovers, or those who just want to relax and enjoy the background sounds of our delightful harpist, The Del will serve Victorian Tea from 11am to 3pm on selected days throughout the holidays.
Polar Bear Tea
Thursday, December 22
Families are invited to join us for Polar Bear Tea on December 22, where guests are treated to a classic tea experience with a family twist. A special children’s spread will include activities, book readings with Mrs. Claus and more. A plush polar bear keepsake gift from Coca-Cola will be given to guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Elf Tuck-Ins
Daily
Children are delighted when Elves stop by for a visit at bedtime! Each child receives a stocking with toys and candy, as our Del Elves read them a bedtime holiday story. This is available as an add-on to guestroom reservations.
Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop
Monday, December 5
The class by Pastry Chef Daphne beginning at 4pm will guide you through the intricacies of creating a gingerbread house as a family with the use of royal icing and an array of garnishes.
Christmas Eve and Day Dining
Saturday, December 24 and Sunday, December 25
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a lavish Victorian buffet dinner paired with live musical entertainment in the magnificent Crown Room at 5:30pm. On Christmas Day at 11:00am, the oceanfront Ballroom and the historic Crown Room will feature traditional holiday buffet dinners, while both 1500 OCEAN and Sheerwater will offer special holiday menus for your family and loved ones.
New Year’s Eve
Saturday, December 31
The Del is the perfect place to ring in the New Year, with multiple offerings for the most celebrated night of the season.
Holiday Recreation
Children of all ages will enjoy a variety of holiday activities throughout the season including holiday night bike tours through festive Coronado Island, story time with Mrs. Claus, and Kidtopia Camp with holiday scavenger hunts, and the whole family will love Jingle S’mores, when our classic s’mores experience on the sand turns festive with Santa Hats and holiday treats.
Spa La La La La
Spa at The Del celebrates a Season to Sparkle with treatments designed with a little flair. A Diamond Microdermabrasion facial will get you photo-ready, while our Shimmer and Shine Manicure and Gemstone Sparkle Massage will leave you relaxed and ready for the holidays. Don’t forget your holiday spray tan, a blow-out from the salon and much more.
Holiday Shopping
This year’s 24th Annual Collector’s Ornament was inspired by the magic of The Del during the holiday season when the hotel becomes a winter wonderland – Southern California style. From the twinkling lights adorning peaks of our famed turrets to the festive atmosphere of the beachfront ice skating rink, The Del is all sparkle! The 2016 ornament captures the sparkle of The Del and comes in a beautiful, padded gift box, ready for both travel and gift-giving.
Please visit the Hotel Del Coronado’s website for additional details and reservations for all of the activities listed above.
Sarah Auerswald is the co-Founder of MomsLA.com. She was treated to a preview of the Season to Sparkle at the Hotel Del Coronado for this article. Photos provided by the Hotel Del Coronado.