Hotel del Coronado Christmas

California’s only beachfront ice skating rink, nightly “Wonder of Oz” light shows, Victorian tea service, and beach bonfires transform San Diego’s most historic oceanfront resort each winter. The 2025 holiday season celebrates author L. Frank Baum’s connection to The Del with an Oz-inspired theme threaded through the décor and events.

2025 Season: A Holiday in Oz

This year’s celebration reimagines The Del through an Oz lens — emerald accents, whimsical displays, and themed Christmas trees across the property. It’s a nod to L. Frank Baum, who wrote parts of The Wizard of Oz while wintering at the hotel. His touch remains visible today in the Crown Room’s chandeliers, which he designed himself. Expect an Oz-themed light show, snow flurries, and holiday dining under those same chandeliers.

What makes it special

Skating on real ice beside the Pacific Ocean isn’t something you can do anywhere else in California. Each winter, the Hotel del Coronado turns its beachfront lawn into a full ice rink—real ice, ocean views, and sunshine that feels almost surreal. It’s a perfect snapshot of San Diego at Christmas: palm trees, sea breeze, and skaters in T-shirts under holiday lights.

The Tree at The Del

The Christmas tree in the hotel’s grand lobby is the heart of the celebration and one of San Diego’s most photographed holiday sights. Rising beneath the soaring wood-beamed ceiling, it reflects more than a century of festive tradition at The Del. For 2025’s “Holiday in Oz,” the tree glows with emerald and gold accents and whimsical ornaments inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. It’s free to view and open to the public throughout December, making it an essential stop even if you’re not skating or staying overnight.

The rest of the property matches the spectacle. Thousands of lights wrap the historic Norfolk pines, the synchronized “Wonder of Oz” light show brings snow flurries to the beachfront, and seasonal events—from beach bonfires to Victorian tea—fill the calendar. The experience balances old-world elegance with a touch of storybook fantasy, more “seaside tradition” than “theme park production.”

This works for: couples after a romantic coastal Christmas, families seeking premium seasonal activities, visitors wanting a quintessential San Diego holiday moment, and anyone on Coronado Island making a full day of it.

Main attractions & activities

Skating by the Sea (Nov 21 – Jan 4)

The signature experience: 90-minute skating sessions on real ice with ocean views. Runs daily. Book sessions early — sunset and holiday week slots sell out fast.

“Wonder of Oz” Light Show Spectacular (Nov 21 – Jan 4)

Free nightly light shows illuminate the Norfolk pines to an Oz-inspired soundtrack, ending in gentle snow flurries. Each runs about ten minutes and repeats every 30 minutes from 5–9pm. Light show details.

Frostbite Lounge (Nov 21 – Jan 4)

Private rinkside seating for up to eight, complete with fire pits and food-and-drink service. Reserve Frostbite Lounge.

Beach Igloos

Heated igloos on the sand with plush seating and a private bonfire for s’mores. Book beach igloos.

Jingle Roast (Dec 1–25)

Private beach bonfires with holiday s’mores kits and Santa hats. A relaxed December-only experience. Jingle Roast info.

Holiday Movies on the Beach

Outdoor screenings of holiday classics on the sand. Movie schedule.

Photos with Santa

Family photo sessions with Santa Claus, select weekends: Dec 5-24. Santa photos.

Gingerbread House Decorating

Hands-on decorating workshops for families, Dec 12–14 and 20–24. Details.

Victorian Tea

Traditional tea service beneath Baum’s chandeliers in the Crown Room. Five days only. Reserve tea service.

Special Holiday Dining

Holiday meals in the Crown Room and Ocean Ballroom:

• Christmas Eve (Dec 24): Buffet dinner in the Crown Room. Details.
• Christmas Day Brunch (Dec 25): Festive brunch under Baum’s chandeliers. Book now.
• New Year’s Eve at The Laundry (Dec 31): Live music, open bar, appetizers. Event info.

Community Holiday Festival (Dec 3)

Free community event with local vendors, crafts, and live entertainment. Festival details.

Elf Deliveries

For overnight guests: surprise deliveries from Santa’s helpers to rooms or cottages. More info.

What you’ll experience

Skating sessions run 90 minutes with skate rental included. The rink is modest—around 80 by 40 feet—but the setting is the draw. Ice quality stays consistent thanks to resurfacing between sessions, and the crowd ranges from first-timers to confident skaters. Ocean breezes can be cool, so layers help even in mild weather.

The “Wonder of Oz” light show runs several times each night, bathing the towering pines in synchronized lights set to music. The free show lasts about ten minutes and can be viewed from anywhere on the grounds—no ticket or reservation needed.

Insider tips

Book early: Popular skating and dining slots fill weeks ahead, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Reservations typically open in early November.

Best times: Weekday late mornings (11am–1pm) are quietest. Sunset sessions are most scenic but busiest. Light shows repeat every half hour—catching a later one means smaller crowds.

Parking: On-site parking runs $40–$50 for non-guests. Free street parking on nearby residential blocks is limited. You can park in Coronado Village and walk ten minutes, or use rideshare.

Bring: Layers and gloves. Even mild evenings feel cool with ocean wind. Lockers are limited; leave valuables secured elsewhere.

Make an evening of it: The light show, lobby displays, and hotel grounds are free. Add a bonfire, movie, or igloo rental for a longer visit, or pair skating with dinner on Orange Avenue.

Dining: Hotel restaurants skew upscale and book up fast. For casual options within walking distance, try Clayton’s Coffee Shop, Burger Lounge, or Miguel’s Cocina.

Packages: Holiday Escape Packages often include skating and discounts on activities—worth checking if you’re staying overnight.

Combine it with

Spend a full day on Coronado: Coronado Village hosts its own tree lighting and parade in early December (see full Coronado guide). The area’s shops, restaurants, and beach access are all within walking distance of the hotel.

Arrive by ferry from downtown San Diego for a scenic 15-minute trip. Nearby attractions like the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village make easy add-ons to a holiday itinerary. Browse all San Diego Christmas events.

Bottom line

The Hotel del Coronado’s Christmas celebration remains San Diego’s most ambitious holiday display. Skating by the Sea is pricey but singular, and the 2025 Oz theme adds a fresh layer to the resort’s Victorian character. Between the light shows, dining, and beachfront setting, there’s something for every budget—from free displays to full luxury experiences.

Come for the novelty of oceanfront skating, stay for the atmosphere: the lights, the history, and that unmistakable sense of California winter. Even if you skip the rink, the light show and hotel décor alone justify a visit.

See our romantic Christmas date guide or explore family activities.