Hotel del Coronado Celebrates the 2026 Festive Season with “A Holiday Through Time”

Iconic Hotel del Coronado Set to Transport Guests Through the Decades with Historic Decor, Festive Programming and a Celebration of American History for the 2026 Holiday Season

SAN DIEGO (August 27, 2026) – Today, the legendary Hotel del Coronado announced its annual holiday theme: “A Holiday Through Time.” ​​Celebrating more than 135 years of holiday memories, this year’s theme invites guests to experience the holidays through the eras that shaped The Del’s extraordinary legacy, showcasing the timeless traditions, milestones, and stories that have made The Del an enduring icon of American history. Since welcoming its first guests in 1888, The Del has stood as both a witness to and backdrop for defining moments in American culture, from the elegance of the Victorian era and the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age to today’s modern coastal escapes. This season’s theme brings these distinct chapters of history to life through festive decor, including themed Christmas trees representing different eras, and immersive seasonal experiences that honor the traditions, memories, and magic that have defined The Del for more than a century.

The season will welcome the return of ​the famed two-story Christmas tree in the lobby, and holiday experience favorites including Skating by the Sea®, Frostbite Lounge, traditional holiday dinners in the Crown Room, the Lightshow Spectacular, Beachside Igloos, and more. The Del will also once again partner with Make-A-Wish®, donating a portion of proceeds from the Skating by the Sea® to Make-A-Wish® San Diego. 

New this year, guests and locals can also experience the Holiday Lodge, located in The Del’s historic 1919 Laundry building, which will be transformed into an immersive holiday destination with glittering lights, festive décor, a family-friendly pub-style menu, holiday shopping, and children’s activities including cookie and stocking decorating.

The festive celebrations will kick off on November 20, 2026, and last through January 3, 2027. As part of its recently completed, more than $550M restoration, The Del welcomes overnight guests to experience newly reimagined accommodations, including the restored guestrooms in the historic Victorian building, the revitalized Beach Village, and its newest neighborhood, Shore House, offering residential-style villas for families, groups, and travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind coastal escape. The following activities, food and beverage offerings, and celebratory events will be available throughout the 2026 holiday season: 

• Skating by the Sea (Nov. 20-Jan. 3) – California’s most recognizable and scenic ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages with an incomparable backdrop of the stunning Pacific Ocean and The Del’s iconic red turret on the hotel’s Windsor Lawn. A portion of the Skating by the Sea proceeds will once again benefit Make-A-Wish® San Diego. Tickets are $35-$45 per person for general admission, with a $5 discount for hotel guests, members, military, and first responders; each Skating by the Sea session is 90 minutes.
• Frostbite Lounge (Nov. 20-Jan. 3) – Frostbite offers the best seat in the house. Cozy fire pits and luxury lounges trim the ice rink on an elevated platform where guests can relax with spectacular skating and sunset views while sipping holiday drinks and nibbling gourmet bites. Guests will enjoy the festive rink-side spectacle of lights, laughter, and holiday fun.
• Beachside Igloos (Nov. 20-Jan. 3) – Guests and locals can enjoy a unique Beachside Igloo featuring a cozy living room, a roaring fire pit, ingredients for premium s’mores, and a dedicated server ready to deliver holiday-themed libations and snacks.
• Lightshow Spectacular (Nov. 20-Jan. 3) – The grove of towering Norfolk Island Pines on the Founders Lawn is the scene of a dynamic light show orchestrated to a holiday soundtrack—a brilliant ethereal experience with a finale of snow flurries. The complimentary 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5-9pm nightly.
• NEW Holiday Lodge (Select Dates, Nov. 25-Jan. 3) – A festive transformation of the historic Laundry building, this new holiday experience features glittering lights, festive décor, a family-friendly pub-style menu, holiday shopping and children’s activities including cookie and stocking decorating.
• Thanksgiving Dinner (Nov. 26) – Give thanks and celebrate with family and friends at The Del’s exquisite Thanksgiving buffet in the beautifully restored Crown Room. Dine beneath soaring sugar pine ceilings and ornate chandeliers designed by Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum.
• Holiday Movies on the Beach (Friday & Saturday nights, Nov. 20-Dec. 31) – Snuggle up at this theater under the stars with a selection of holiday family classics including “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Polar Express” and more. Guests can upgrade their experience to include a private bonfire with s’mores and plush daybed. Reservations are required.
• Jingle Roast (Dec. 1 – 27) – Private roasts at The Del are a longstanding tradition, but come December, the roast experience gets a sprinkle of holiday magic as guests are given their own Santa hat to snuggle around the fire and roast holiday-themed s’mores. Reservations are required, with one pit accommodating up to 10 guests.  
• Holiday Festival (Dec. 2) – Join The Del for its annual community Holiday Festival. Festivities include Skating by the Sea®, photos with St. Nick, and performances by Coronado school children. With a special “skydiving Santa” parachuting in to join the festivities, and a fireworks show, it’s a high-flying start to the holiday season.
• Photos with Santa (Select Dates, Dec. 4 – 24) – Guests of all ages can capture a classic photo with Old St. Nick and receive a professionally printed image.
• Elf Deliveries (Select Dates, Dec. 12 – 24) – To get children in the holiday spirit, Santa’s elves deliver personalized themed bags to guest rooms filled with holiday goodies, including a stuffed animal and holiday treats. Available to overnight guests only.
• Victorian Tea (Dec. 18-22) – Take a step back in time with a classic Victorian Tea for the holidays in the beautifully restored Crown Room. Enjoy a variety of teas, finger sandwiches and sweets while beautiful music sets the atmosphere for this charming tradition. There is also a special kids’ plate so little ones can join in the experience.
• Gingerbread House Decorating (Select Dates, Dec. 5 – 27) – Celebrate the season with the classic tradition of decorating your own gingerbread house with colorful candy décor and icing in festive colors. Best of all, to make your Gingerbread House an instant success, The Del’s culinary team will be pre-assembling the gingerbread houses so your family and friends will have more time for decorating and creating timeless holiday memories.
• Christmas Eve Dinner (Dec. 24) – Create beautiful new holiday memories with a decadent Christmas Eve buffet dinner full of traditional favorites in the stunning Crown and Coronet rooms.
• Christmas Day Brunch (Dec. 25): Merry Christmas, from the Hotel del Coronado family to yours. The Del welcomes guests to feast with loved ones in the beautifully restored Crown and Coronet rooms. Gather around the table with those you love most for an elegant buffet decked with all the trimmings.
• Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party at The Laundry (Dec. 31): Rock in the New Year with an unforgettable night of music, merriment, and memories. The Del’s historic Laundry will feature a live band, full open bar, tantalizing array of tray-passed bites, and a decadent dessert bar.
• Holiday Gatherings (Based on availability): Treat your team to a beachfront holiday party. From hosting a holiday beach bonfire with s’mores and other fireside treats, to planning a private Holiday Movie on the Beach, hosting a dinner party at one of our beachfront restaurants, or throwing a holiday gala in one of our larger venues, The Del has the perfect holiday party for your team.

All holiday events are by reservation only and must be prepaid to confirm. Please visit hoteldel.com or call 619-522-8100 to book. Additional information about Hotel del Coronado’s 2026 holiday programming can be found at www.hoteldel.com/experience/holidays. 

Media Assets

Hotel del Coronado holiday images can be found here. 

###

About Hotel del Coronado 

Set on one of America’s most iconic beaches, the legendary Hotel del Coronado has welcomed discerning travelers for more than 135 years to experience the Southern California coastal lifestyle at its best. Following the completion of a seven-year, more than $550 million property-wide restoration and enhancement plan, the magic and nostalgia of the property’s storied past now blend seamlessly with contemporary luxury in overnight and day experiences that offer every amenity imaginable. Hotel del Coronado offers five distinct neighborhood experiences, including Shore House at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s newest residential-style neighborhood featuring luxury villa accommodations, which complement the luxurious and newly renovated Beach Village at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts; The Cabanas, where refined coastal design complements the newly refreshed pool, serving as the social center of the hotel; The Views, the hotel’s home-base for coastal adventure experiences and activities; and The Victorian building, which has re-emerged after a historic restoration that preserves its cherished architecture while elevating the guest experience. For more information, please visit hoteldel.com. 

About Curio Collection by Hilton   

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 180 individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/curio, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X. 

About LXR Hotels & Resorts  

LXR Hotels & Resorts is a growing collection of 16 award-winning luxury properties that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure. Found in the world’s most alluring destinations, each hand-selected property boasts its own storied past and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, providing a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer. As part of its commitment to enriching the guest experience, LXR Hotels & Resorts celebrates experiential travel with the Pursuit of Adventure, a new brand signature that immerses guests in authentic, curated experiences that reflect the unique culture and character of each destination. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience an inspiring stay at LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking at lxrhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/lxr and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.