With its breezy palms and sun-soaked beaches, San Diego has garnered a reputation as the quintessential spot for a summer beach getaway. Needless to say, winter in Southern California is just as beautiful. The temperatures hover in the low- to mid-60s and cool winds whisper through the air, reminding locals to appreciate their enviable winter season. This pocket of sunshine doesn’t need snow to spread Christmas joy when December rolls around. Vibrant decor and tinsel adorn the city’s storefront, with Christmas trees gradually popping up in every plaza in town. Just off the bay from San Diego’s downtown neighborhood is the picturesque island of Coronado. A residency for the affluent and a year-round hot spot for locals, it’s the epitome of a California dream.
Setting the stage for an upscale island getaway is Coronado’s Hotel Del, an iconic San Diego beach resort nestled on a Victorian-style property. Summer brings an influx of tourists to the halls of The Del, yet winter boasts a dazzling charm all on its own. Perfectly situated on the ocean’s edge, Hotel Del is the perfect spot for a wintery festival with an extra layer of glitz and glam. Their beachfront ice skating rink is the main attraction during the month of December, an event anticipated by locals weeks in advance. If you’re looking for a warm-weather trip where sun, sand, and sea collide on a luxurious beachfront property, look no further than Coronado’s Hotel Del.
Skate by the sea in an oceanfront wonderland
Holidays at The Del are a magical whirlwind, to say the least. Breathtaking light displays, ruby and emerald ornaments, and beachside igloos bring the winter season to life in San Diego. Nearly every Southern California county attempts to compete with The Del’s iconic ice skating rink, but none of its contenders have been able to match this waterfront masterpiece. With an enormous rink framed by palm trees and backed by the Pacific Ocean, the annual Skating by the Sea event is the perfect way to kick off the holidays in a chic and cozy fashion. Being the season of giving, proceeds collected from the Skating by the Sea event are gifted to San Diego’s Make-A-Wish Foundation, spreading love and cheer during the holiday season.
If you need a break from skating, find a spot to “chill” at the Frostbite Lounge. Crackling fireplaces with plush red seating, holiday libations, and a festive selection of delicacies create a cozy rinkside ambiance. Skaters can restore their energy through fun holiday specials, like Rudolph’s reindeer chow, pretzel and sausage boards, and even a Christmas s’mores pizookie! As much planning as The Del puts into their honorary skating event, they’ve also curated the perfect lookout spots for a pre or post-skate sunset. When dusk approaches, head up to one of their sky decks, located on the Sun Deck Bar and Babcock and Story Bar.
A Southern California winter festival
Coronado’s Hotel Del Christmas extravaganza doesn’t end with just ice skating. While it’s certainly a main event of the evening, the hotel has curated a festive Christmas package for guests. Spicing things up for the 2023 holiday season, lounge on the seashore in a private beachside “igloo.” Did we mention it comes with unlimited s’mores? Each cozy abode features an embellishment of plush pillows and fuzzy throws to wrap up in while you toast marshmallows over the sand.
Step back in time to the 1920s for a live music performance at Hotel Del’s redesigned “All that Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular. Norfolk Island Pines are lit aglow in a dazzling display of lights and flurries to the beat of a specially curated jazz playlist. At the center of the show is a replica of the world’s first electrically-lit outdoor Christmas tree from 1904.
Sprinkled throughout December are a series of festive happenings the entire family can enjoy. Mark your calendar for seasonal events such as Movies on the Beach, Photos with Santa, and Elf deliveries. Between ice skating, cozy campfire s’mores, and Christmas carols, Coronado Island is quickly becoming Southern California’s new holiday hot spot.
