Seasonal Guide
Christmas at Hotel del Coronado
Skating by the Sea, Holiday in Oz, and the Victorian tree lighting — your complete 2026 guide to the holidays at The Del.
Quick Facts
- Season: Mid-Nov through early Jan
- Tree lighting: Day after Thanksgiving
- Ice rink: Skating by the Sea on Windsor Lawn
- Light show: Holiday in Oz, nightly after sunset
- Public access: Lobby, beach, light walk — free
- Best for photos: Blue hour, ~30 min after sunset
Dates and pricing shift each season — confirm specifics on The Del's official site before you go.
Skating by the Sea: oceanfront ice rink
Skating by the Sea is the most photographed thing The Del does all year — a real ice rink set up on Windsor Lawn with nothing between you and the Pacific but a string of palm trees. Sessions run roughly 60–90 minutes and the rink stays open from late morning until late evening, with the prettiest skating just after sunset when the Victorian rooflines and the Hotel del Coronado holiday lights flick on.
Book online a few days ahead for any weekend or anything inside Christmas week — those sessions sell out. Skate rentals are included with admission; you can bring your own if you prefer. Dress in layers: it's California-cold, not Minnesota-cold, but the ocean breeze still bites once the sun drops.
Coronado ice skating tips
- Aim for the 5pm or 6pm session — the rink glows once the sky turns indigo.
- Weekday afternoons are quietest; Saturday evening is the busiest slot of the week.
- First-time skaters can rent walker-style trainers at the rink for younger kids.
- Cap the night with hot cocoa or churros from the on-lawn holiday market.
Holiday in Oz light show
Holiday in Oz is The Del's nightly walk-through light experience inspired by L. Frank Baum, who wrote portions of his Oz books while staying at the hotel in the early 1900s. Projection mapping, immersive light installations, and themed photo moments turn the gardens, lawns, and Victorian facades into the Emerald City after dark.
The walk is free, runs every evening of the season, and takes about 30–45 minutes if you're stopping for photos. The best entry point is from the south lawn near Babcock & Story Bar; loop counterclockwise to finish with the Victorian facade lit gold from the beach side.
Victorian lobby tree lighting
The official kickoff to the holiday season at The Del is the lighting of the Victorian lobby tree on the day after Thanksgiving. The 30-foot tree fills the historic rotunda; carolers in period dress, hot cocoa, and a public countdown make it one of San Diego's most charming free holiday traditions. Arrive 45–60 minutes early to get into the lobby — it fills up fast.
A perfect holiday day visit
- 3:30pm — Park at the Coronado public lot or take the Coronado Ferry; walk through the Victorian lobby to see the tree.
- 4:30pm — 5pm Skating by the Sea session as the sun drops.
- 6:00pm — Hot cocoa from the holiday market, then walk the Holiday in Oz light loop.
- 7:30pm — Dinner at Serẽa or a fireside cocktail at Babcock & Story Bar.
Staying overnight is the easiest way to do all of it — and holiday rooms book out by October. Compare current rates and lock yours in:
Compare Holiday Rates at The Del →Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hotel del Coronado decorate for Christmas?
The Del begins its holiday transformation in mid-November, with the Victorian lobby tree, garlands, and twinkle lights typically lit by Thanksgiving week. The full holiday experience — including Skating by the Sea and Holiday in Oz — generally runs from mid/late November through early January.
What is Skating by the Sea?
Skating by the Sea is The Del's seasonal oceanfront ice rink set up on Windsor Lawn, directly overlooking the Pacific. It's open daily through the holiday season (typically mid-November to early January) with timed sessions of about 60–90 minutes. Skate rentals are included with admission and walk-ups are welcome, though weekends and Christmas week sell out — book a session online in advance.
How much does Skating by the Sea cost?
Recent seasons have priced sessions around $40–$55 per skater for hotel guests and $50–$65 for the general public, with skate rentals included. Pricing varies by date — weekends and the Christmas-to-New-Year week are the most expensive. Children under 3 typically skate free with a paying adult.
What is the Holiday in Oz light show?
Holiday in Oz is a nightly Wizard of Oz–themed light and projection experience that turns the resort grounds into the Emerald City. The show ties back to L. Frank Baum, who wrote several Oz books while staying at The Del. It runs after sunset throughout the holiday season and is free to walk through for both guests and day visitors.
Can I visit Hotel del Coronado at Christmas without staying there?
Yes. The lobby, Victorian tree, beach, boardwalk, shops, and most of the Holiday in Oz light walk are open to the public. Skating by the Sea tickets are sold to the public as well. Reserve dinner at Serẽa or Babcock & Story Bar, or grab a quick bite at ENO Market, to round out a day visit.
When is the Victorian tree lighting at The Del?
The official tree lighting in the historic Victorian lobby takes place the day after Thanksgiving each year, kicking off the holiday season with carolers, hot cocoa, and a countdown. It's free and open to the public — arrive an hour early for a good spot.