Located only a bridge away from downtown San Diego, Coronado is a magical seaside getaway during the winter months with mild temperatures, glistening beaches and a nostalgic setting to enjoy a stocking full of holiday festivities for visitors of all ages. During the holiday season, the "Crown City" is transformed into a winter wonderland, from twinkling Christmas tree-lined streets and the Hotel del Coronado's delightful Skating by the Sea to Loews Coronado Bay Resort's enchanting marina with Santa gondoliers and boats adorned with colorful holiday lights.

Following are some festive offerings that are sure to make a winter visit to Coronado fun and memorable for the whole family.

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HOLIDAY FESTIVALS, FAIRS AND PARADES

• The landmark Hotel del Coronado is renowned for its festive holiday traditions. It was here in 1904 that America's first electrically lighted outdoor Christmas tree made its debut, setting the stage for over a century of holiday enchantment. This year's holiday theme is "A Time To Celebrate," kicking off the resort's 125th anniversary in 2013. The resort will deck the halls with festive timepieces, vintage Santas, gold and silver accents and more than 100,000 glittering white lights illuminating the grand Victorian structure.
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  Throughout the holiday season, guests at The Del can enjoy a merry mix of activities, including an elegant Victorian Tea, cookie decorating, a Kidtopia Camp with holiday scavenger hunts, family s'mores roasts on the beach and Elf Tuck-ins.
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  On November 28, from 4-7 p.m., children and adults alike can enjoy the resort's seasonal kick-off, "Holiday Festival…A Family Celebration," featuring a beachfront ice skating rink, holiday booths with games and prizes, a special appearance by St. Nick and his elves at Santa's Village, hot cocoa and other libations. A festive fireworks show provides an unforgettable ending for the day's events.
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• Guests can get in the holiday spirit during the 37th Annual Coronado Christmas Parade and Open House, occurring 3-9 p.m. on Friday, December 7. Children can play in real snow on Snow Mountain (3-8 p.m.) at the Coronado Ferry Landing and greet Santa Claus as he arrives to Coronado by ferryboat (3:20 p.m.). Admission to the Coronado Ferry Landing activities is free.
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  Other highlights include a popular Holiday Parade (6-7 p.m.) and Merchants Open House along Orange Avenue (closed to cars from 5-9 p.m.), followed by the traditional lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree (7 p.m.) and free community concert in Rotary Park.
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• Guests can enjoy a unique seasonal shopping experience during the 40th Annual Artisan's Alley Craft Fair, held 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on December 1 at the Coronado Village Elementary School. More than 170 booths will feature holiday crafts, handmade ceramics, jewelry, art and toys for unique gift items.
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• Held on consecutive Sundays, December 16 and 23, the 41st Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights and sailing along the waters of San Diego Bay; this year's theme is "Our 41st Anniversary, USS Santa Claus." The parade runs 5:30-9 p.m. and is followed by a dazzling fireworks show over the water. The Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Coronado Ferry Landing, a charming collection of gift shops, art galleries and restaurants, offer great viewing from the shore.

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CURTAIN CALLS

• Performed by Coronado's award-winning Lamb's Players Theatre, An American Christmas runs December 17-24 at the Hotel del Coronado. As guests step inside the gorgeous hotel ballroom, they are transported back to 1912 for a memorable Christmas celebration where 30 performers fill the evening with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a sumptuous five-course yuletide dinner.
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• Celebrating its 35th 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 on Orange Avenue. This year's performance, Christmas on my Mind, is the story of a diverse group of travelers who find themselves stranded in a cabin by an unexpected snowstorm and create a celebration of joyful songs and stories. The show runs November 30 – December 30.

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UNIQUE OUTDOOR RECREATION

• The Hotel del Coronado presents 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 21 through January 3, the resort's 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.
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• This holiday season, Loews Coronado Bay Resort brings back its "Buon Natale" gondola cruise, featuring a Santa Gondolier serenading guests with Christmas carols while cruising the canals and waterways of the neighboring Coronado Cays.
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  Located at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort's marina, the Gondola Company also offers visitors one-hour gondola rides to view dozens of boats and yachts festooned with colorful holiday lights in the Coronado Cays. 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.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• Revelers can ring in 2013 at the Hotel del Coronado's annual New Year's Eve Gala. The festivities kick off with a champagne 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 $285 per person or $325 per person for preferred ringside seating (includes tax and gratuity).
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• 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). The celebrations include dinner, crafts, beach games, bonfires and more.
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  The party at The Del continues on New Year's Day with a champagne brunch in the Crown Room from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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• 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.

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Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on winter activities and events in Coronado and the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website, www.sandiego.org and www.sandiego.org/coronado, or call 619.236-1212.
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Coronado winter holiday photos and video/b-roll are available upon request.

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