It’s time to plan holiday getaways — and if a seaside escape is on your list, the newly renovated Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is prepared to make the season memorable. A beloved holiday destination since 1888, “The Del” has a rich history that includes hosting one of the earliest outdoor Christmas trees lit with electric lights. For the 2014 holiday season, festivities run from Nov. 26 through Jan. 4 and feature Skating by the Sea, an outdoor rink set on the Windsor Lawn with sweeping views of the beach.
Traditional holiday dining is part of the experience: a buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner is offered in the oceanfront ballroom and in the Crown Room, giving guests a chance to celebrate with coastal ambiance. On Dec. 3, Santa and his elves will appear beneath the hotel’s iconic red-roofed turrets, followed by a private fireworks display that adds a special sparkle to the evening.
Guests can enjoy a daily Victorian Tea served from noon to 4 p.m. during two holiday runs: Dec. 13–24 and Dec. 26–31. Families traveling with children will find plenty of seasonal activities designed for younger visitors, including cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, holiday crafts and Kidtopia Camp. For a cozy end to each day, Nightly Elf Tuck-Ins are available, where one of Santa’s helpers visits at bedtime to ensure little ones are comfortable and ready for sleep.
Whether you choose to glide on the seaside ice rink, relax over a festive tea, or share a holiday meal in an oceanfront ballroom, Hotel del Coronado combines historical charm with contemporary amenities to create a warm, family-friendly seasonal retreat. The combination of classic traditions and carefully planned children’s programming makes it an appealing option for travelers seeking a memorable coastal holiday.