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2003 Holidays at the Del

The Hotel del Coronado has been celebrating the holidays in grand tradition since 1888.  Famous for its elegant surroundings and lavish service, The Del is also known for its festive holiday traditions.  It was here in 1904, that America was favored with the first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree, setting the stage for a century of holiday enchantment. Today that tradition of festive elegance continues.

Thanksgiving

The resort kicks off the holidays with several festive Thanksgiving offerings on Thursday, November 27. The oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings.  Prince of Wales offers a special menu along with romantic candlelit ambiance and Pacific views. All three venues feature live music. Sheerwater offers an a la carte menu along with Thanksgiving specials.

Lighting of The Del

The merriment continues with the annual Lighting of The Del ceremony on the Windsor Lawn on December 3. This fun-filled event includes entertainment by Coronado school children and the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre. The ceremony culminates when 50,000 dazzling lights outlining the Victorian Building are magically lit. Festivities continue on the Sun Deck with refreshments and photos with Santa. 

An American Christmas

The Del is pleased to present the annual production of An American Christmas performed by the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre. This 2-½ hour performance includes stories, songs, dance and holiday cheer from the turn-of-the-century.  Fourteen cast members portray the Marshalls, a typical American family in the early 1900s. This charming production includes hors d’oeuvres and a traditional four-course yuletide dinner prepared by The Del’s master chefs.  An American Christmas runs from December 14 – 28 (except for Christmas Day).  Returning this year, the Lamb’s Players are pleased to present a matinee offering called Aunt Agatha’s Christmas Tea on December 20 & 21. This special engagement includes a three-course Christmas tea hosted by the irrepressible Aunt Agatha. For information and tickets, please contact the Lamb’s Players Box Office at (619) 437-0600. 

Christmas Dining

Celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with delicious dining options in the Crown Room or oceanfront Ballroom. Each venue features classic holiday buffets along with caroling and entertainment. For a more intimate celebration, Prince of Wales and Sheerwater will offer special holiday menus for your family and loved ones.

Victorian High Tea

As a special treat for tea lovers, or those who just want to relax and enjoy holiday piano entertainment, The Del serves Victorian High Tea in the Palm Court daily, December 7-24 (Sundays only throughout the year). Ladies and gentlemen, mothers and daughters and good friends enjoy this charming tradition.

Holiday Recreation and Relaxation

During the holiday season at The Del, guests of all ages enjoy a variety of activities including Surrey-Sleigh Rides through Coronado Island, cookie decorating, holiday crafts for kids, Tent City Kid’s Camp with Rudolph’s crazy holiday hunt and family s’mores roasts. Little ones love the ‘Elf Tuck-Ins’ where they are visited by real elves at bedtime. Teens can hang out at the Coast Club Teen Lounge, featuring video games, pool, food & drinks, music, TVs and more (strictly for those ages 11 – 17). And, adults can relax with one of The Del’s signature massage or body treatments in the oceanfront Spa and Fitness Center.

Holiday Shopping

Offering everything from fine jewelry to fun toys and holiday keepsakes, Shops at The Del make it easy to find just the right gift for everyone on your list.  Over 20 shops and boutiques are open daily from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Or, shop from home at www.delshop.com.

This season, give the gift of The Del.  Del Gift Cards are available in any increment and can be used for dining, shopping, spa treatments or towards rooms.  Del Gift Cards are available at the Signature Shop and online at delshop.com.

New Year’s Celebrations

The Hotel del Coronado closes out the year with a bang with exciting New Year’s Eve Galas. The Crown Room and Ballroom feature lavish dinners, champagne toasts and live entertainment by Rockola (Crown Room) and The Mar Dels (Ballroom). Prince of Wales and Chef Jesse Frost present a spectacular menu accompanied by romantic music to ring in 2004.  Special parties are available for kids and teens.  And, January 1st is kicked-off right with the annual New Year’s Day champagne brunch in the Crown Room.

Holiday Packages

The Del is pleased to offer special packages throughout the holiday season. 

The Holiday Escape Package includes accommodations, a $20 daily dining or shopping certificate and a commemorative Hotel del Coronado 2003 holiday ornament.  Available 11/16/03 - 1/12/04. Rates start at $199 per night (length of stay restrictions may apply).*

Perfect for those traveling with little ones, the Elf Tuck-In Package includes accommodations, a visit from one of Santa’s helpers (for one child) and a beautiful hardbound copy of the recently released Annotated Christmas Carol. Available 12/1/03 - 12/26/03. Rates start at $210 per night (two-night minimum stay required).*

The 2003 New Year’s Eve Package includes two nights accommodations, daily oceanfront breakfast buffet in Sheerwater and your choice of New Year's gala celebration for two people.   Available December 30 - January 1. Package rates start at $870 (two night minimum stay required).*

*Accommodations are for single or double occupancy and do not include tax.  Package offers are based on availability and are not valid for groups or in conjunction with any other offer.   Must be 21 years old.

For more information, please call reservations at 619-435-6611 and visit the Web site at www.hoteldel.com. 

December boasts a month-long calendar of holiday activities, including special children’s and family programs, Victorian High Tea and holiday dinners.  Guests from around the world flock to The Del for the holiday celebrations - even famous authors…

Ray Bradbury’s Favorite Place for the Holidays

When author Ray Bradbury was asked by Westways magazine about his favorite place in Southern California, he answered, “The Hotel del Coronado at Christmas.” 

“I just love the atmosphere of the place.  It’s like you’re back 100 years, which is where you should be at Christmas.  The entire ambiance of the hotel is fantastic,” said Bradbury.

He cited the wonderful lighting, traditional singing, gigantic Christmas tree and Christmas dinner as what makes The Del an especially great place to be for the holidays.  “But most of all it’s the building itself, the wonderful architecture.  It’s so beautiful.”

Bradbury, who has been coming to The Del for 30 years (“I raised all my girls there”) says, “The whole area is a great place for a family to visit.”

Edited by Dave Shultz

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