The Hotel Del Coronado in California invites guests to experience a festive journey inspired by the beloved world of Oz this holiday season. The “Tinsel Trail to Oz” offers a free, self-guided tour down a Yellow Brick Road, showcasing themed Christmas trees located throughout the hotel’s picturesque grounds. This event celebrates the hotel’s unique connection to L. Frank Baum’s classic work, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” and its sequels.
Located in Coronado, the Hotel Del Coronado has played various roles in local history, including its influence on Baum’s famed stories. Baum, originally from New York, spent winters at the hotel with his wife, Maud, and her mother, Matilda Joslyn Gage, a noted suffragist. Gage served as the inspiration for one of Baum’s witches, Glinda the Good. Notably, it was at this hotel that Baum completed two sequels to his original tale, “Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz” and “The Road to Oz.” He is also credited with designing the original chandeliers in the hotel’s Coronet Room.
Highlights of the Tinsel Trail
As guests explore the Tinsel Trail, they can discover more about Baum’s enduring legacy and how it intertwined with the hotel’s history. Among the key attractions is the “The Road to Oz” Tree, soaring two stories tall and adorned with an impressive 10,000 lights and 2,000 ornaments. Another highlight is the “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Tree, positioned at the hotel’s iconic beachfront ice-skating rink.
The experience extends beyond the trees. Visitors can stroll along the Yellow Brick Road in the Garden Courtyard, where they can enjoy the festive atmosphere while sipping drinks with Dorothy and marveling at four twelve-foot Christmas trees, all decorated in styles reminiscent of Oz.
The Tinsel Trail is open to the public daily from **November 21, 2025**, to **January 1, 2026**, with the exception of certain days in December when the Gardens will be closed. The trees in the Crown & Coronet Rooms will also have restricted access. A full schedule of availability is available on the Hotel Del Coronado’s website.
This holiday season, the Hotel Del Coronado not only offers a unique festive experience but also celebrates a significant cultural legacy, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
