Experience A Holiday in Oz at Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado recently announced its annual holiday theme: A Holiday in Oz, celebrating the hotel’s connection to author L. Frank Baum, who traveled there frequently between 1904 and 1917 — and perfect for family travelers. While there, he penned at least three books in the Wizard of Oz series, including Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (1908), The Road to Oz (1909) and The Emerald City of Oz (1910). Baum himself famously designed the crown-shaped chandeliers in the hotel.

The recently restored Victorian Garden Courtyard will be reimagined as a passage to Oz, with the centerpiece being the Tinsel Trail to Oz, a projected yellow brick road guiding visitors through a landscape of giant glowing dandelions and electric poppies. Along this path, find four 12-foot trees, each decorated to honor the beloved characters of Dorothy and Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion. Cherished traditions also return, including the two-story Christmas tree in the lobby and Skating by the Sea. Guests will also enjoy a redesigned Wonder of Oz Dynamic Light Show, cozy Beachside Igloos, festive Frostbite Lounge and holiday dining. The Del once again partners with Make-A-Wish San Diego, donating a portion of proceeds from Skating by the Sea.

Celebrations kick off Nov. 21, and run through Jan. 4, 2026. The Del recently restored all the guestrooms in the Victorian building, part of the property’s $550 million restoration.

The following activities and offerings will be available:

• Skating by the Sea scenic ice rink
• Frostbite – A Place to Chill with fire pits and lounges around the ice rink
• Beachside Igloos featuring a living room that accommodates up to eight
• “Wonder of Oz” Lightshow Spectacular on Founders Lawn, featuring the famed 1904 Norfolk Pine, the world’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree
• The Tinsel Trail to Oz, a self-guided trail featuring 10 themed Christmas trees and other key stops
• Thanksgiving Dinner, a buffet with traditional Thanksgiving dishes and all the trimmings
• Fork n’ Film, an immersive dining and cinema experience
• Holiday Movies on the Beach with a selection of holiday family classics
• Jingle Roast to snuggle around the fire and roast holiday-themed s’mores
• Holiday Festival on Dec. 2
• Photos with Santa and receive a professionally printed image
• Elf Deliveries to guestrooms filled with holiday goodies
• Victorian Tea in the restored Crown Room
• Christmas Eve Dinner buffet full of traditional favorites
• Christmas Day Brunch buffet decked with all the trimmings
• Holiday Gatherings perfect for your team
• Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at The Laundry with a live band, full open bar, tray-passed bites and dessert bar, for guests 21-plus only

From Nov. 21–Dec. 18, book the Holiday Escape Package, including 10 percent off accommodations when you book by Oct. 10; a $150 daily resort credit for stays in The Victorian, The Views and The Cabanas, or a $200 daily resort credit for Shore House and Beach Village; and your own Holiday Concierge to help create a magical vacation.