It’s an ambiance that’s rare to come by these days – that small-town holiday feeling that’s timeless, cozy and full of nostalgia.
Amid countless Christmas events and holiday celebrations each year, Coronado somehow makes the feeling tangible. And that’s thanks to community members who carry on traditions set long ago.
The world’s first outdoor, electrically-lit, living Christmas tree was unveiled in 1904 by the Hotel del Coronado. It was a Norfolk Island pine, right on the hotel’s grounds, that hosted a string of about 250 electric bulbs during a time when electricity was still on the rise and candles were commonplace.
The hotel has continued the ritual of lighting this same tree, along with a slate of additional festivities – noteworthy ones this year being an ice skating rink overlooking the ocean, Santa skydiving onto the beach, and the entire hotel decked out in Wizard of Oz-themed holiday decor.
Located a little ways up the street is another tree lit up for the season. The Rotary Plaza tree is wrapped in over 18,000 colorful lights (the strand is about two-miles long). Its illumination on Dec. 5 was accompanied by a holiday parade featuring fun and festive floats.
Two other parades feature decorated golf carts cruising the city streets and lit-up boats in the waters of San Diego Bay. Oh, what fun it is to find seasonal celebrations in Coronado.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, local organizations have been finding ways to give back to the community.
So, this time of year, we celebrate the individuals who make all of these events possible – the ones who add joy, spirit and generosity to our community. It’s a feeling that Coronado captures so well.
Merry Christmas from The Coronado News’ editorial board. However you may be celebrating this year, we wish you time well-spent with family and friends.
