Hotel del Coronado will open its 2026 holiday season on Nov. 20 with a six-week celebration called "A Holiday Through Time." It is the resort's first full festive season after completing a more than $550 million renovation.
The lineup runs through Jan. 3, 2027, and includes the return of Skating by the Sea on the Windsor Lawn, a nightly light show, beach movies and a new attraction housed in a 107-year-old building on the property. All events require prepaid reservations, according to the hotel's Aug. 27 announcement.
The theme draws on more than 135 years of history at the 1888 resort, with period-themed Christmas trees representing different eras and the return of the hotel's two-story lobby tree.
Skating, lights and movies
Skating by the Sea tickets run $35 to $45 per person for 90-minute sessions. Hotel guests, military, first responders and members get a $5 discount. A portion of proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish San Diego, according to the hotel's press release.
The Lightshow Spectacular is free.
The show plays every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly in a grove of Norfolk Island pines on the Founders Lawn and ends with snow flurries.
Holiday Movies on the Beach play Friday and Saturday nights from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, with titles including "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Polar Express." Guests can upgrade to a private bonfire with s'mores and a plush daybed.
New this year: the Holiday Lodge
The biggest addition is the Holiday Lodge, set inside The Del's historic 1919 Laundry building. The space will feature a pub-style menu, holiday shopping and children's activities such as cookie and stocking decorating. It opens on select dates starting Nov. 25.
Other returning events include Beachside Igloos with fire pits and dedicated servers, Victorian Tea in the Crown Room from Dec. 18 to 22, Gingerbread House Decorating on select dates starting Dec. 5 and photos with Santa beginning Dec. 4.
Holiday dining and community night
The resort's annual Holiday Festival is set for Dec. 2 and will feature performances by Coronado schoolchildren, a skydiving Santa and fireworks. Crown Room holiday meals include Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26, Christmas Eve dinner on Dec. 24, Christmas Day brunch on Dec. 25 and a New Year's Eve party at The Laundry on Dec. 31.
The season marks a milestone for the Orange Avenue property. Managing director JP Oliver told the New York Post on Sept. 2 that the seven-year renovation was about "striking a balance between honoring our 1888 heritage and reimagining the property for the modern era."
Reservations for all holiday programming can be made at hoteldel.com/experience/holidays or by calling 619-522-8100.
