Holidays at The Del
Visitors can take a spin around the beachfront ice rink on the Windsor Lawn, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and includes skate rentals. Across the grounds on the Founders Lawn, towering Norfolk Island pines are illuminated in a dynamic light show choreographed to festive music and concluding with snow flurries. Guests can also enjoy views of the rink and festivities from adjacent outdoor lounges with roaring fire pits.
What to Expect
Beachfront ice skating and a musical holiday light show with snow flurries.
Event Details
Duration
90 minutes of ice skating, beginning at check-in.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Coronado Island
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hotel del Coronado
Food & Drink
Guests can reserve a rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge for food and drink service, including holiday-themed libations and bites.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and scenic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Complimentary.
- Parking: Standard parking rates apply. Shop or dine at the resort to receive $10 off self-parking for day visitors.
- Accessibility: The ice rink is ADA-compliant, and wheelchairs are allowed and encouraged on the ice.
Tips & Advice
- Buy skating tickets online or by phone and sign the waiver before heading to the check-in window, since on-site phone sales are limited.
- Arrive on time for your skate slot, because check-in closes 20 minutes after your scheduled time and tickets can't move to another day.
- Wear socks for the rental skates and bring your own helmet if you want one, since the rink recommends helmets but doesn't rent them.
- Pick double-runner skates for toddlers and plan for an adult to skate with any child under 12, since parents can't carry kids on the ice.
- Shop or dine at the resort during your visit to get a discount on self-parking as a day visitor.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the Lightshow Spectacular on the Founders Lawn, a free 10-minute show every 30 minutes each night.
- Photos with Santa on Dec 4–6, 11–13 and 18–24, by reservation.
- Holiday dining in the Crown Room by reservation: Thanksgiving buffet (Nov 26), Victorian Tea (Dec 18–22), Christmas Eve dinner (Dec 24) and Christmas Day brunch (Dec 25).
- Extras you reserve separately: rink-side Frostbite Lounges, Beachside Igloos, Jingle Roast beach bonfires (Dec 1–27) and Gingerbread House Decorating on select December dates.
- Movies on the Beach on Friday and Saturday nights, plus a Rockin' New Year's Eve Party at The Laundry on Dec 31 with a live band and open bar.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy skating tickets ahead of time?
Yes. Buy tickets online or by phone and sign your waivers before you go to the check-in window. You can buy on-site with your phone, but quantities are limited. Your ticket is good only for the date and time you booked and can't be moved to another day or person.
Can young children skate?
There's no age limit, but there are no refunds if a small child decides not to skate. Anyone under 12 must be with a skating adult, and parents can't carry children on the ice. Double-runner skates come in toddler sizes 8 to 12 for extra stability. Strollers aren't allowed on the ice.
What should I wear or bring for skating?
Wear socks. Skate rentals are included and run from toddler size 8 to adult size 15. You can bring your own skates, but you pay the same price and there's no sharpening service. Helmets are recommended but aren't rented or provided.
What is there besides skating?
The new Lightshow Spectacular lights up the Norfolk Island pines on the Founders Lawn to holiday music and ends with snow flurries. A bar sits next to the show. Themed Christmas trees trace The Del's history from 1888 to today. You can also watch the rink from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Nobu, Veranda and Serẽa.
Is the ice rink wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The rink is ADA-compliant, and wheelchairs are allowed and encouraged on the ice. Ask a Guest Service member for help.
More Christmas Events Near Coronado
More Christmas Events near Coronado
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.