Lauren Donoho
Director of Public Relations
619.522.8041
ldonoho@hoteldel.com

NEWS RELEASE

A TIME TO CELEBRATE
Hotel del Coronado Celebrates the 2012 Holiday Season

Coronado, CA — The Hotel del Coronado has been celebrating the holidays in grand tradition since 1888. Famous for its elegant surroundings and lavish service, The Del is also known for its festive holiday traditions. It was here in 1904 that America was favored with the first electrically lighted outdoor Christmas tree, setting the stage for over a century of holiday enchantment.

This year’s holiday theme is "A Time to Celebrate" as we kick off the resort's 125th anniversary in 2013! The resort will be decorated from head to toe with festive timepieces, gold and silver accents, and vintage Santas. Add 100,000 glittering lights and a spectacular beachfront ice skating rink, and Hotel del Coronado will truly be Southern California’s holiday wonderland.

Thanksgiving
The Del is pleased to present several festive Thanksgiving options on Thursday, November 22. The oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings and live musical entertainment from 12pm to 6pm. 1500 OCEAN and Sheerwater will offer special menus along with spectacular Pacific views. The resort’s holiday programs will be kicked off on Thanksgiving weekend, including seaside ice skating against the backdrop of 100,000 white lights.

Skating by the Sea
The Hotel del Coronado is celebrating the eighth anniversary of Skating by the Sea, a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn will be transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily. From November 21 through December 14, there will be two daily sessions from 2pm – 5pm and 6pm – 9pm and a third matinee session from 11am – 1pm on weekends and holidays. From December 15 through January 1, all three sessions will be offered daily. Three-hour sessions cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids ages 10 and under. The two-hour matinee session costs $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 10 and under (skate rentals are included in the price). A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego.

Holiday Festival
On Wednesday, November 28, The Del will feature a special event for the whole family – “Holiday Festival…A Family Celebration.” In addition to the outdoor ice rink, kids of all ages can visit with St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village and enjoy holiday booths with games and prizes from 4pm to 7pm. There will also be hot cocoa, libations and fireworks. The resort’s 100,000 twinkling white lights will provide a magical backdrop for the evening’s festivities.

An American Christmas
The Del is pleased to present the annual production An American Christmas, performed by the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, for a limited engagement in the Ballroom. The Marshall family – played by 30 versatile performers who never miss a beat – welcome you to an interactive lavish feast and celebration set in the year 1912. Beginning with hors d’oeuvres, the Marshall’s entertain their guests with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a sumptuous four-course yuletide dinner prepared by The Del’s master chefs. San Diego Magazine calls An American Christmas “a perfect melding of food, ambience and showmanship.” For information and tickets, contact the Lamb’s Players Box Office at 619-437-0600.

Christmas Dining
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a lavish Victorian buffet dinner in the magnificent Crown Room from 5pm to 9pm. The celebration will include live musical entertainment. On Christmas Day, the oceanfront Ballroom and the magnificent Crown Room will feature traditional holiday buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings. For a more intimate celebration, both 1500 OCEAN and Sheerwater offer special holiday menus for your family and loved ones.

Victorian Tea
As a special treat for tea lovers, or those who just want to relax and enjoy the background sounds of our delightful harpist, The Del serves Victorian Tea throughout the holidays. Ladies and gentlemen, mothers and daughters and good friends will love this charming tradition.

Holiday Recreation
During the holiday season at The Del, guests of all ages enjoy a variety of activities including holiday night bike tours through festive Coronado Island, cookie decorating, crafts for kids, and Kidtopia Camp with holiday scavenger hunts and family s’mores roasts. Little ones will love the “Elf Tuck-Ins” where they are visited by real elves at bedtime. Teens can hang out at Vibz teen lounge, featuring billiards, foosball, computers and more (for those ages 13-17).

Spa La La La La
Spa at The Del offers the perfect way to unwind during the holiday rush. With fabulous ocean-inspired treatments, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and a spectacular outdoor terrace and vanishing edge pool overlooking the Pacific, there’s truly something for everyone. In keeping with this year’s holiday theme “A Time to Celebrate”, choose from a variety of specials including Face-time facials, Me-time salon treatments and Party-time celebration packages with your friends.

Holiday Shopping
Offering everything from fine jewelry, fun toys, apparel and accessories for all ages to home décor, bath and body, sweets and treats, and holiday keepsakes, Shops at The Del make it easy to find just the right gift for everyone on your list. A variety of shops and boutiques are open daily from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Or, shop from home at www.delshop.com.

The Del’s 20th annual ornament is a perfect gift or a wonderful addition to your own collection. This elegant ornament features the iconic resort set within a traditional pocket watch and pays homage to Hotel Del founders Babcock and Story who built the grandest hotel they could imagine. Like pocket watches from past generations, we trust this ornament will be handed down to future generations. Ornaments will be available at The Signature Shop and Est. 1888 in late November. You can pre-order yours now at 888.236.1357 or online at www.delshop.com.
This year, make gift giving easy and economical! Del Gift Cards are available in any increment and may be redeemed for dining, shopping, spa treatments or accommodations.

New Year's Celebrations
Ring in 2013 at The Del’s New Year’s Gala as we welcome 2013 with “A Time to Celebrate”. The evening will begin with a champagne reception in the magnificent Crown Room, followed by a lavish dinner in the oceanfront Ballroom, dancing to the contemporary sounds of local favorites, The Mar Dels, plus a champagne toast. The reception begins at 7pm in the Crown Room followed by dinner in the Ballroom. The cost for the New Year’s Eve reception and gala is $285 per person (includes tax and gratuity) or $325 per person for preferred ring-side seating (includes tax and gratuity).

For a more intimate celebration, 1500 OCEAN is the perfect energetic nightspot to ring in 2013. Prices vary.

The Del is offering separate parties at Kidtopia from 7pm to 12:30am for kids ages 4-12 ($100 for the first child and $90 for each additional child). Teens, ages 13-17, will have fun at Vibz Teen Lounge ($60 per person). Celebrations include dinner, crafts, beach games, bonfires and more. Open to hotel guests and Gala Celebration guests.

Keep the party going on January 1 with the annual New Year’s Day champagne brunch in the historic Crown Room from 10am to 2pm.

For information and reservations, call 800-HOTEL-DEL or visit www.hoteldel.com/holiday-packages.

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