Hotel del Coronado “A Holiday in Oz”

“There’s no place like home” when it comes to making holiday plans, and what better place to spend the festive season than at the very place that inspired the world of Oz? Hotel del Coronado has announced its annual holiday theme this year will be “A Holiday in Oz,” a celebration of its storied connection to L. Frank Baum, the author behind the iconic “Wizard of Oz” series.

The revitalized Victorian Garden Courtyard will take visitors to the land of Oz, complete with a projection of the yellow brick road and magnificent trees adorned with Baum’s beloved characters, including Dorothy and Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion.

The grove of towering Norfolk Island Pines on the Founders Lawn will be the scene of a dynamic light show orchestrated to an Oz-inspired soundtrack, a brilliant ethereal experience that captivates guests with a finale of snow flurries.  The complimentary 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5-9pm nightly. Open to the public (no reservations needed).

Plus, The Del will welcome back its annual traditions of putting up the two-story Christmas tree inside the lobby and the iconic ice skating rink for Skating by the Sea. Like previous years, a portion of the proceeds from the ice skating rink will go toward Make-A-Wish San Diego.

Baum was a frequent visitor at The Del between 1904 and 1917, and reportedly used the hotel’s castle-like architecture and sweeping oceanfront views as inspiration for his creative works. The Del recently underwent a more than six-year-long, $550 million restoration project, making this upcoming holiday season even more special for guests.

The enchanting experience kicks off on Nov. 21 and lasts until Jan. 4, 2026.