• girl at Christmas tree at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays at the Grand

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s luxury resort destination for unforgettable holiday experiences. Brighten your holiday season in our coastal canyon where twinkling palms and a dazzling 25-foot tree set the festive mood. From family activities and elegant seasonal dining to sparkling décor and special events, The Grand transforms into a winter wonderland where cherished memories are made. Enjoy our annual tree lighting event, savory holiday brunches, eco-friendly Glice skating, Nutcracker tea, visits from Santa, holiday tea, and more—all while basking in San Diego’s sunshine. Make this holiday season truly magical with cherished moments and festive fun for all ages.

Glice Skating at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Glice Skating at Grand Social

Embrace the joy of the season with friends and family at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s exceptional Glice skating rink, designed for eco-friendly recreation. Ensure an unforgettable experience by reserving our exclusive cabanas complete with firepits. 

Indulge in the festive spirit with our holiday-themed beverages, delightful seasonal treats and the timeless pleasure of s’mores by the fire.  Rental skates are included, or you can bring your own, but recreational shoes are not permitted.

$45 per adult, $25 per children (plus tax)
Monthly Skating Passes are available for $150 per person (plus tax).

Price includes skate rental and skating for one hour. Purchase of food and beverage required with a cabana or firepit booking. Walk-ins available to enjoy the bar and activities.
Grand Social is open for an additional hour.

The surface is Glice – an eco-friendly version of slick synthetic using polymer that does not require loud generators to keep it frozen.

GLICE RINK HOURS:

Dates
November 26 – 30
December 4 – 6
December 11 – 13
December 18 – January 3

Fridays and Saturdays | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Sundays | 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Weekdays Monday through Thursday | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
includes November 26 & 30, December 21-24, 28 – 31.

Special Holiday Hours:

Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tree Lighting | Monday, November 30 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
New Year’s Eve | Thursday, December 31 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
New Year’s Day | Friday, January 1 | 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Santa and Mrs Claus at Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Meet Santa

Santa will be at Grand Social every weekend to meet with kids and learn their Christmas wishes.

On Christmas Eve, Santa will read “The Night Before Christmas” at 6:00 pm by the holiday tree at Grand Social.

Dates
November 27 – November 30
December 4 – 6
December 11 – 13
December 18 -December 24

Friday and Saturdays | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Story time at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm
December 21, 22, 23 and 24 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Story time at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sundays | 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Story time at 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Tree Lighting at Grand Social

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season as Fairmont Grand Del Mar illuminates our holiday tree at Grand Social on Monday, November 30. Join us at 6:30 pm to celebrate the magic of this season as we light up our stunning 25-foot holiday tree. Delight in culinary treasures, Glice skating and festive libations to make this evening truly special.

Monday, November 30 | 6:30 pm Lighting
General Admission – $25 per person, children ages 3 and younger are complimentary
Grand Social Open 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Glice Skating Open 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Nutcracker Tea at Grand Del Mar

Nutcracker Tea

Indulge in a delightful holiday tea experience with us and immerse yourself in the magic of the season as talented dancers present the timeless holiday ballet: The Nutcracker.

Tea will be followed by a narrated, abridged version of the show.

December 21 and 22
Seatings at 1:30 and 2:00 pm for tea
2:30 pm show (45-minutes)
$175 per adult, $90 per child (ages 2-10)

Girl at Christmas Tree in Lobby Lounge of Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Holiday Dining

Fairmont Grand Del Mar is keeping the magic of holiday dreams alive this season with a spectacular festive dinner at Amaya. Savor a fantastic prix fixe dinner that will ignite your senses, ensuring an enjoyable celebration. Additionally, delight in our Brunch with Santa and elegant holiday tea making your holiday season truly unforgettable.
Brunch with Santa at Amaya

Brunch with Santa

Join us at Amaya for a magical Brunch with Santa on Sundays this holiday season, where the festive spirit comes alive! Enjoy a delicious brunch featuring an array of seasonal favorites while Santa himself visits with the children, creating cherished memories for the whole family. This special event is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones, surrounded by the elegant ambiance and warm hospitality of Amaya. This enchanting experience captures the true essence of the holidays.

Saturdays and Sundays
November 28, 29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
A la carte

Holiday Tea

Holiday Tea in the Lobby Lounge

Experience the joy of the holiday season with our holiday afternoon tea, brimming with festive cheer. Indulge in a delectable menu that includes your cherished holiday scones, sandwiches, and sweet treats. There is no finer setting to savor the essence of the season, from the delightful sights to the delectable flavors. 

Every Saturday and Sunday | November 28 through December 29
Monday, December 14 through Friday, December 18
Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday, December 24

12:00 pm to 3:30 pm
$125 per adult, $65 per child (ages 6-12)
For every guest, portions of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish, helping grant life-changing wishes for children in need.
Exclusive of tax and gratuity

Lobby Lounge during the holidays at Grand Del Mar

Thanksgiving at Amaya

Join us at Fairmont Grand Del Mar and savor the season with a festive yet traditional Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy a delightful three-course menu at Amaya, featuring all the beloved flavors of autumn. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones and give thanks during this special season. 

Amaya
Three-course tasting menu
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
$175 per adult, $75 per child (ages 3-12), exclusive of tax, gratuity and alcohol 

kids at Fireplace during the holidays in the Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

Christmas Eve at Amaya

Experience a Grand Feast on Christmas Eve at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Elevate your evening with an opulent four-course Christmas Eve dinner at Amaya, featuring a memorable festive touch that will leave a lasting impression. 

Amaya | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Four-Course Tasting Menu
$210 per adult, $75 per child (ages 3-12)
exclusive of tax, gratuity and alcohol

Grand Del Mar hotel lobby during the holidays

Christmas Day

This fantastic all-day Christmas four-course dining at Amaya will ignite your senses, guaranteeing that you have an enjoyable celebration. With world class service and festive, elegant surroundings, this Christmas at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a great way to round off the most festive of days. 

Amaya | 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Four-Course Tasting Menu
$210 per adult, $75 per child (ages 3-12)
exclusive of tax, gratuity and alcohol

Oysters caviar and champagne

New Year's Eve

Step into a world of sophistication as you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Amaya or the Lobby Lounge. Join us for an unforgettable evening of allure and style.

holiday dining table in suite

Holiday Parties and Family Gatherings

This holiday season, create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in a truly magical setting at Grand Del Mar. Our luxurious venue spaces can accommodate parties of all sizes, from intimate gatherings of 12 to grand celebrations of up to 250 guests. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and enjoy our stunning decor, exciting events, and delicious feasts. Whether you’re looking to host a company holiday party or a family get-together, Grand Del Mar has everything you need to make this year’s celebrations truly unforgettable. Book your holiday party and give the gift of treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Holiday Gifts and Relaxation

Spa Relaxation Area

Relaxation to Rejuvenate Your Holiday Spirit

Two holiday themed treatments to discover this holiday season.

Peppermint and Hot Coco Massage 
This festive relaxation massage features peppermint essential oil and fragrant coco oil. Designed to clear the mind of stress and energize the body to help eliminate fatigue.

Gingerbread Scrub
Boost your holiday spirit with this festive full body scrub featuring quintessential holiday aromas of Cinnamon and Clove.

Available November 1 through December 31, 2026.

Ornament of Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Shop Local and Find the Perfect Gift

From Gift Cards to luxury gifts at The Preserve or Spa Boutique, rest assured you will find a perfect gift for your loved ones. Gift cards can be used for retail, Fairmont Spa & Wellness, dining and experiences. Our Holiday Gift Guide may provide the inspiration you are looking for.

Upcoming Festive Events

Thanksgiving table

Thanksgiving at Amaya

Savor the season with a festive yet traditional Thanksgiving feast with a delightful three-course menu at Amaya.
Location: Amaya
Time: November 26th: 12:00PM - 8:00PM
Holiday Tea

Holiday Afternoon Tea

Experience the joy of the holiday season with our Holiday Afternoon Tea, brimming with festive cheer.
Location: Lobby Lounge
Time: November 28th: 12:00PM - 3:30PM