Hotel del Coronado Christmas Lights

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday ~ a day to gather with family and friends and simply appreciate all that we have. In addition to its own meaning, Thanksgiving is the kick off for the Holiday Season. I think the season officially starts at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the arrival of Santa Claus.

This weekend, as I drive, walk and ride my bicycle all over Coronado, I see houses being adorned with bright lights, decorated Christmas trees standing proud in front windows and store windows festive with holiday ornaments. They all seem to appear suddenly to herald the start of the holidays.

One of the most beautiful holiday tributes is the Hotel del Coronado outlined with 100,000 twinkling white lights. It is a magical sight as you drive west over the Coronado Bridge with the ocean and Point Loma in the background especially at dusk.

As I’ve said many times, Coronado embraces every holiday and celebrates each of them to the max. The Hotel del Coronado joins in the Holiday Season with gusto. Each year a theme is chosen and the resort is adorned from head to toe with holiday décor. This year’s theme is “Merry and Bright” and I am looking forward to experiencing the magic.

Although the lights have already been placed on the outside of the hotel, the official launch happens next Wednesday, December 2 from 4pm to 7pm. The event, called “Holiday Festival…A Family Celebration,” includes the arrival of Santa Claus and his elves at Santa’s Village, the lighting of the tree in the lobby, musical entertainment, hot cocoa and other libations and the opportunity to ice skate beach side at the outdoor ice-skating rink on the Windsor Lawn. The festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks show.

With the Hotel’s event on Wednesday and the upcoming Holiday Parade on Friday, by the end of next week Coronado will be in full holiday bloom. Coronado is one of the best places to experience some holiday enchantment. So, come on over and fill your spirit with holiday cheer.