The Incandescent Tina Benino Waiting for Santa
On a whim, my girlfriend Tina and I, who were hoping to see the December Nights in Balboa Park but got stuck in the worst traffic imaginable trying to get there, hung a u-turn and headed over to Coronado Island and were rewarded with a magical night of Christmas lights. From the dramatic and colorful display of living trees uniformly lit down the center divide on Orange Avenue to the roof line of the Hotel Del Coronado illuminated with miniature white lights, Coronado Island is worth a visit in December, after sunset.
As you draw near the Hotel Del Coronado, the pleasant sound of the ocean crashing onto the stretch of beach outside the hotel adds to the excitement. It’s almost winter here in San Diego, CA but the atmosphere is beach resort all the way. The mood is young, festive and lighthearted. Families split up and go their own ways; Children take to the ice rink while parents hang out at the bar within sight of the rink.
Candy-themed Christmas tree in the Hotel Del Coronado lobby.
Rather than take photos without a tripod outside, I opted for using my Flip camcorder to take some brief clips of the sights and sounds as it is more forgiving without a tripod. The photos posted here are from my 2009 visit.
One of my favorite trees is the aqua colored tree in the passage way between the shops and restaurants. It has an underwater theme and I just love it!
Behold! A star…fish…shining in a tree!
A rare specimen of Glitter Fish
Giddy-up, horsey! Let's go to town!
Ooooooo! Belly button!
I hope you are enjoying the sights and sounds of the Holidays where ever you are in the world!
-Annie
Starfish pictures are smashing!
We are interested in coming to Coronado Island this Christmas. Will the “Del” be having any hint of the reason for the season? We enjoy ALL the festivities, but would like to see some ideas on site for the reference of Christ on the facilities.
Looking forward to visiting each year beginning 2011 at Christmas time.
The Hotel Del is a fantastic hotel for taking holiday photos inside and out which is great if you are making memories in San Diego.
For a more Christian themed experience, what I do recommend is a trip to Balboa Park, specifically to the Spreckels Outdoor Organ and Amphitheater where the entire story of the birth of Christ is re-created in life size figurines in small cabins that are the size of a 12 x 12 room with the front wall being open for viewing. They are fantastic! I think there are 6 in all and worth the journey. I’ll try and get out there this year for some photos! Thanks, you just inspired a new blog entry for December!
Warm wishes for the upcoming holiday season,
Annie