Situated a bridge away from downtown San Diego, Coronado offers the perfect winter getaway with mild temperatures, pristine beaches and a bevy of festive holiday activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. During the holiday season, the “Crown City” is transformed into a winter wonderland, from the magical Hotel del Coronado with its Skating by the Sea to the beautifully lit pine trees along the city’s main street, Orange Avenue.

Following are just some of the many offerings that are sure to make a winter visit to Coronado delightful, memorable and bright.

HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, FAIRS AND PARADES

• The landmark Hotel del Coronado is known for its festive holiday traditions. It was here in 1904 that America’s first electrically lighted Christmas tree made its debut, setting the stage for over a century of holiday enchantment. This year’s holiday theme is “Silver Bells,” and the resort will deck the halls with shining bells, sparkling snow, elegant décor and more than 100,000 twinkling lights illuminating the grand Victorian structure.

  On November 30, from 4 - 7 p.m., children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the resort’s special “Holiday Festival…A Family Celebration.” The event features a spectacular beachfront ice skating rink, holiday booths with games and prizes and a special appearance by St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village. A festive fireworks show provides an unforgettable ending for the day’s events.

• Guests can get in the holiday spirit during the 36th Annual Coronado Christmas Parade and Open House, occurring 4 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2. Children can play in real snow on Snow Mountain at the Coronado Ferry Landing and greet Santa Claus as he arrives to Coronado by ferryboat. Other highlights include a colorful holiday parade and Merchants Open House along Orange Avenue, followed by the traditional lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree and free community concert in Rotary Park.
• Guests can enjoy a unique seasonal shopping experience during the 39th Annual Artisan’s Alley Craft Fair, held 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3 at the Coronado Village Elementary School. More than 170 booths will feature holiday crafts, handmade ceramics and jewelry for unique gift items.
Held on consecutive Sundays, December 11 and 18, the 40th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features more than 100 private boat owners who decorate their boats with holiday lights and sail along the waters of San Diego Bay. This year’s theme is “Back to the Future;” the parade runs 5:30 - 9 p.m. and is followed by a dazzling fireworks show over the water. For guests viewing from the shore, the Coronado Ferry Landing offers great views along with a charming collection of shops, art galleries, fine restaurants and fun eateries.

CURTAIN CALLS

• Performed by Coronado’s award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, An American Christmas runs December 11 - 24 at the Hotel del Coronado. As guests step inside the gorgeous hotel ballroom, they are transported back to 1911 for a memorable Christmas celebration where 30 performers fill the evening with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a sumptuous four-course yuletide dinner prepared by The Del’s master chefs.
• Celebrating its 34rd year as one of Coronado’s favorite holiday traditions, Lamb’s Players Theatre also presents its annual Festival of Christmas, a musical production that takes place each year on its resident stage in Coronado. This year’s performance, “The Spirit of Christmas Present,” is the story of five neighbors (only they don’t know it) and includes unforgettable music of the season. The show runs December 1 - 30.

UNIQUE OUTDOOR RECREATION

• The Hotel del Coronado offers one of the most unique winter experiences in Southern California with Skating by the Sea, an outdoor ice-skating rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Open November 23 through January 2, the resort’s famous Windsor Lawn is transformed into a seaside skating rink surrounded by swaying palm trees. Three-hour skating sessions cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids ages 10 and under; two-hour matinee sessions cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Skate rentals are included in the price and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.

• This holiday season, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is launching a fun “Buon Natale” gondola cruise, featuring a Santa Gondolier serenading guests with Christmas carols as they cruise the enchanting canals and waterways of neighboring Coronado Cays. In addition, resort guests can enjoy a stocking full of festive holiday activities, including peppermint spa scrubs, carols and cocoa in the lobby, bayside marshmallow roasts, holiday movie nights and more.

  Located at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s marina, the Gondola Company also offers visitors a unique one-hour gondola ride to view the dozens of boats and yachts in the Coronado Cays festooned with colorful holiday lights. The gondolas can accommodate up to six guests; blankets are provided along with a complimentary appetizer or dessert plate, and guests can bring their own beverage.

• Families and friends can also view Coronado’s festive holiday lights on a private powerboat or sailboat rented through Seaforth Boat Rentals, located across from the Glorietta Bay Inn. Guests can sit back and relax, as the captain takes them on a scenic custom boat ride through the island’s picturesque marinas, canals and waterways.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• Revelers can ring in 2012 at the Hotel del Coronado’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala. The festivities kick off with a reception in the magnificent Crown Room, followed by a lavish dinner in the oceanfront ballroom with dancing to the contemporary sounds of the Mar Dels, plus a champagne toast at midnight. Cost is $275 per person or $325 per person for ringside seating (includes tax and gratuity).

  The Del is also offering separate parties for kids ages 4-12 at the resort’s Kidtopia ($100 for the first child and $90 for each additional child) and teens ages 13-17 at the Vibz Teen Lounge ($60 per teen). Celebrations include dinner, crafts, beach parties, bonfires and more.

  The party continues on New Year’s Day with a champagne brunch in the historic Crown Room from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost is $78.50 for adults, $35 for children ages 6-10 and free for kids ages five and under.

• Partygoers can also bring in the New Year at Current Restaurant in the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Festivities include live music, a special four-course dinner with wine pairing and a champagne toast at midnight. Cost is still TBD.

Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on Coronado or the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site, www.sandiego.org/coronado and www.sandiego.org, or call 619-236-1212. In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located along the Embarcadero at the corner of West Broadway and Harbor Drive in downtown; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla; or the California Welcome Center, located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.

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