These San Diego Hotels keep the Holiday spirit Merry and Bright
“A Holiday in Oz” at the Hotel Del Coronado
When: Nov. 21, 2025 -Jan. 4, 2026
One of California’s most recognizable and scenic ice rinks 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.
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 4, 2026
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.
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 4, 2026
Guests and locals can enjoy a unique Beachside Igloo featuring a cozy living room that comfortably accommodates up to eight guests. The experience also includes a roaring fire pit, ingredients for premium s’mores, and a dedicated server ready to deliver holiday-themed libations and snacks.
“Wonder of Oz” Lightshow Spectacular
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 4, 2026
Experience a dazzling, Oz-themed light show on the Founders Lawn, featuring the famed 1904 Norfolk Pine—the world’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree. With a whimsical Oz-inspired soundtrack and a flurry of snow for a finale, this complimentary show runs nightly every 30 minutes from 5-9 p.m. and is open to all.
The Tinsel Trail to Oz
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 4, 2026
Meet iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz on a self-guided trail featuring 10 dazzlingly themed Christmas trees, with additional trees for those staying at the resort. Journey along "The Yellow Brick Road," seek out Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of Oz, and find your way to the glittering "Emerald City" in this magical holiday experience.
Snuggle up at this theater under the stars with a selection of holiday family classics. Guests can upgrade their experience to include a private bonfire with s’mores and a plush daybed. Movie titles and dates to be announced. Reservations are required.
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.
When: 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.
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.
When: 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.
Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at The Laundry
When: Dec. 31
Rock in the new year with an unforgettable night of music, merriment, and memories to last a lifetime. The Laundry will be celebrating with a live band, full open bar, tray-passed bites, and a decadent dessert bar. The event is for guests 21+ only.
Holiday Celebrations at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
When: Beginning on Dec. 1st
Step into a holiday wonderland as Mustangs & Burros transforms into a festive pop-up bar. Sip on holiday-inspired cocktails and savor seasonal bites in a cozy, spirited setting.
When: Every Friday and Saturday from Dec. 5 through Dec. 20,
Children and families can delight in visits with Santa, decorate cookies, and enjoy hot chocolate in Santa’s Suite.
Estancia’s Holiday Snow Globe Experience
When: Starting on Dec. 5th
Dine inside your very own private holiday igloo just steps from The Frosty Saddle. Each experience begins with a festive welcome drink, followed by a family-style prix fixe holiday menu featuring elevated seasonal favorites.
Holiday Celebrations at San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 11
San Diego Mission Bay Resort kicks off the holiday season with the grand lighting of its iconic Christmas tree. The evening includes visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday games, hot chocolate, letter-writing to Santa, and more.
When: Dec.6 ,13, and 21
Santa is making a special stop at Covewood for a festive storytime brunch.
When: Dec. 10 and 18
San Diego Mission Bay Resort is calling on all guests and locals to break out their ugliest Christmas sweaters and head to Covewood for an evening of festive cocktail sipping, live music and coastal sunset viewing.
Merry & Bright Paint & Sip Night:
When: Dec. 16
Guests are invited to uncork creativity during a holiday-inspired evening of painting and sipping
Jolly Gingerbread House Workshop
When: Dec. 22
Join Executive Pastry Chef Melissa for a beloved holiday tradition of gingerbread house decorating.
When: Every Friday throughout December
San Diego Mission Bay Resort will host holiday movie nights in the conference center. The lineup features festive favorites like Frozen, Elf, Rango, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Holiday Celebrations at Kona Kai
12 Days of Cocktails & Mocktails
Kick off the holiday season at Kona Kai San Diego’s Vessel Restaurant + Bar, with 12 days of festive libations. At the top of December, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of holiday-inspired cocktails and mocktails, each crafted with care and served in picture-worthy glassware.
Holidays at the Rancho Bernardo Inn
Gingerbread Village: The Nutcracker: Clara’s Land of Sweets
When: Nov. 28 – Jan. 5, 2026
Step into Clara’s Land of Sweets at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Nutcracker Gingerbread Village. Perfect for festive photos, cheerful strolls, and magical moments, this beloved tradition promises to make the season sparkle for guests of all ages.
Tis The Season Tavern
When: Nov. 28 –Jan. 1, 2026
Step into the magic of the holidays at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s ’Tis the Season Tavern, a festive Christmas-themed pop-up bar that brings cheer to every toast.
Letters To The North Pole
When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 25
Bring a little magic to your holiday at Rancho Bernardo Inn with our Letters To The North Pole experience! Visit our enchanting Gingerbread Village and pull up a chair to write your wishes and dreams, then tuck them into Santa’s special mailbox. Who knows — your letter might just inspire a little extra holiday cheer from the North Pole!
Jingle & Mingle with Santa
When: December 17
Celebrate the season at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Jingle & Mingle with Santa. Enjoy live music on the Granada Lawn & Veranda, festive treats, a holiday trunk show, and photos with Santa. Guests can sip hot chocolate, unwind with mini chair massages from The Spa, and take in a classic Christmas movie during this one-night winter wonderland event.
Toys for Tots at The Inn
When: November 28 – December 17 | Reception
Join Rancho Bernardo Inn in spreading holiday cheer through its Toys for Tots gift drive. Guests are invited to donate unwrapped toys near the Christmas Tree in the lobby and receive a 10% dining voucher for Veranda and $30 off any spa service with a donation valued at $20 or more.
Holiday Celebrations at the Sheraton
Festival of Lights at Rumorosa
When: December 14
Kick off Hanukkah at Rumorosa Bar with festive Festival of Lights drink specials. No reservations required—walk-ins welcome!
Bay Parade of Lights at Shorelight
When: December 14 & 21
Watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from Shorelight’s waterfront patio while enjoying $6 Hoppy Harbor cans and 15% off appetizers. Themed “An Out of This World Christmas,” the parade begins at 5:30 PM. Arrive early for the best views—no reservations needed.
Waterfront Breakfast with Santa at Sunglow
When: December 21
Meet Santa seaside at Sunglow Cabana Bar during a festive breakfast buffet with cookie decorating and photo opportunities overlooking the marina. $55/adult, $45/child (plus tax and gratuity). Tickets available on Eventbrite.
Holidays at Town and Country Resort
When: December
This season, Town and Country Resort transforms into a festive retreat filled with immersive décor, holiday dining, and family fun. Guests can enjoy themed experiences like the Grinch Brunch at ARLO (December 6), elegant Christmas dinners and buffets, and the family-friendly Let It Snow celebration with real snow (December 28).
Across the resort, the holidays come to life with Monkeybar’s Fully Lit Holiday Pop-Up, holiday movie nights, cookie decorating, mixology classes, and special surprise activations. Cozy touches—from the Slide and Sled stay package and Toys for Tots drive to nostalgic s’mores stations and festive boozy milkshakes and hot cocoa at Trixie—make every moment feel like a holiday postcard.