The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego is celebrating the holiday season with a unique experience inspired by the cherished tales of Oz. From November 21, 2023, to January 1, 2024, the hotel is hosting the “Tinsel Trail to Oz,” a free, self-guided tour along a Yellow Brick Road. This enchanting event features themed Christmas trees located throughout the hotel’s grounds, highlighting its historical connection to the beloved children’s books and films created by author L. Frank Baum.
The Hotel Del Coronado has played a significant role in local history, but its link to Baum’s classic work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is a fascinating aspect that many may not know. Baum, originally from New York, spent winters at the hotel with his wife Maud and her mother, Matilda Joslyn Gage. Gage, a noted suffragist, inspired the character of Glinda the Good Witch. It was here that Baum completed two sequels in the Oz series, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz and The Road to Oz. He also designed the original chandeliers in the hotel’s Coronet Room, further solidifying the hotel’s place in literary history.
Explore the Tinsel Trail and Themed Trees
During the Tinsel Trail, visitors can enjoy a variety of themed Christmas trees, including the impressive “The Road to Oz” Tree, which stands two stories tall and is adorned with 10,000 lights and 2,000 ornaments. Another highlight is “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Tree, located at the hotel’s iconic beachfront ice-skating rink. Guests can also stroll along the Yellow Brick Road in the Garden Courtyard, where they can sip drinks with Dorothy and admire four twelve-foot Christmas trees, each showcasing the whimsical style of Oz.
The event is open to the public every day, except for the trees in the Crown & Coronet Rooms and on certain dates in December when the Gardens will be closed for private events. A full schedule is available on the Hotel Del’s official website, allowing visitors to plan their magical experience accordingly.
Join the Festivities and Celebrate Oz
This holiday season, the Hotel Del Coronado invites everyone to immerse themselves in a world of festive cheer and literary nostalgia. The “Tinsel Trail to Oz” not only celebrates the spirit of the season but also honors the legacy of L. Frank Baum and his contributions to American literature. With stunning displays and a captivating atmosphere, this event promises to be a delightful experience for families and fans of all ages.
As the holiday season approaches, the Hotel Del Coronado stands ready to welcome guests with open arms, offering a unique blend of history, literature, and festive celebration.
