The iconic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego is bringing a festive twist to the holiday season with its “Tinsel Trail to Oz.” Running from November 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026, this free, self-guided tour invites visitors to journey down a Yellow Brick Road adorned with themed Christmas trees that celebrate the hotel’s deep-rooted connection to the beloved tales of Oz.
The hotel has long held a notable place in American history, particularly as a source of inspiration for L. Frank Baum’s classic work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Baum, originally from New York, spent winters at the Hotel Del alongside his wife, Maud Baum, and his mother-in-law, Matilda Joslyn Gage, a prominent suffragist. Gage even served as a model for Glinda the Good Witch, a character in Baum’s cherished series. It was within the walls of this historic hotel that Baum crafted two sequels, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz and The Road to Oz, while also designing the original chandeliers for the Coronet Room.
The Tinsel Trail features spectacular displays, including the impressive “The Road to Oz” Tree, which stands two stories tall, decorated with 10,000 lights and 2,000 ornaments. Another highlight is “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Tree, located at the hotel’s signature beachfront ice-skating rink. Guests can meander along a Yellow Brick Road in the Garden Courtyard, where they will find four twelve-foot Christmas trees, each inspired by the enchanting styles of Oz.
This enchanting event is open to the public daily, although access to the trees in the Crown & Coronet Rooms may vary, as well as certain days in December when the Gardens will be closed. A comprehensive schedule is available on the Hotel Del’s official website.
Guests can engage with the hotel’s rich history while enjoying the whimsical decorations that celebrate both the festive spirit and the legacy of Baum’s literary contributions. The Tinsel Trail to Oz promises to be a delightful experience for families, Oz enthusiasts, and holiday revelers alike.
