All Aboard the Grand Express: Fairmont Grand Del Mar's New Holiday Train, Santa and Glice Skating (2026)
Fairmont Grand Del Mar's Holiday Winter Wonderland is back for 2026, and this year it comes with a brand-new ride: the Grand Express holiday train. Opening Thursday, November 26, and running on select dates through Saturday, January 2, 2027, one ticket covers the train ride, Glice skating, a visit with Santa and story time at the resort's Grand Social in San Diego.
It's the first season the little train has rolled through The Grand, and it gives families one more reason to make the drive south for the holidays. Between the twinkling palms, a 25-foot Christmas tree and Saturday-night skating shows, this is one of the prettiest holiday setups in Southern California.
Key Takeaways
What: Holiday Winter Wonderland at Grand Social, with the new Grand Express train, Glice skating, Santa's Grand Chalet and story time.
When: Select dates Nov. 26, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027: Nov. 26–30, Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–13 and Dec. 18–Jan. 2.
Where: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, near Carmel Valley and Torrey Pines.
Tickets: Sunday–Friday $30 per adult and $20 per child (ages 4–12); Saturdays $35 per adult and $25 per child, plus tax and gratuity.
Saturday bonus: A Grand Holiday on Ice skating performance at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 28 through Dec. 26.
What Is the Grand Express at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
The Grand Express is a festive holiday train that departs from Grand Social, the resort's three-level outdoor lounge, and takes families on a loop around the property to the Reflection Courtyard and back. It's new for 2026, and the ride is included with every Holiday Winter Wonderland general admission ticket.
The setting is a big part of the magic. Fairmont Grand Del Mar sits on 400 acres beside Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, and during the holidays the Mediterranean-style resort is wrapped in lights, garland and a towering tree. It feels like a European Christmas village with San Diego weather.
Parent Tip: The train is the new star this year, so expect it to be popular early in the evening. Ride it first, then head to the skating rink and Santa's Chalet while the line builds.
What's Included in Your Winter Wonderland Ticket
One general admission ticket covers all of the main holiday experiences at Grand Social:
Grand Express Train Ride: A festive loop around the resort to the Reflection Courtyard and back.
Glice Skating: Glice is an eco-friendly synthetic rink that doesn't need ice, so you can skate under the palms even on a warm December night. Rental skates are included, or bring your own; regular shoes aren't allowed on the rink.
Grand Holiday on Ice: On Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 28 through Dec. 26, two figure skaters perform a holiday show, followed by a meet-and-greet and photos.
Santa's Grand Chalet: Santa and his elf helper greet families, hear Christmas wishes and pose for photos.
Story Time With Santa: Fridays and Saturdays at 6 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 and 6 p.m.
Holiday Characters: After Christmas, characters like a Holiday Princess or Buddy the Elf keep the fun going, and The Grinch and the Ice Queen may make surprise appearances.
Holiday drinks, seasonal treats and s'mores by the fire are sold separately. Families who want their own cozy home base can reserve a cabana with a firepit or a firepit table; those reservations include general admission, and food and drinks are extra.
Parent Tip: Book a Saturday if your kids love a show: the Grand Holiday on Ice performance and Santa's 6 p.m. story time happen the same evening, so you can catch both.
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Dates, Hours and Tickets
Winter Wonderland is open on select nights, so check the calendar before you plan your drive. Glice skating closes one hour before Grand Social does each night.
Reservations are made online, and resort guests and members get 20% off.
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
Nov. 26–30, Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–13 and Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027
Fridays and Saturdays 5–9 p.m.; Sundays 3–8 p.m.; Monday–Thursday open dates 5–9 p.m.
Holiday hours are Thanksgiving 3–8 p.m., Christmas Eve 5–9 p.m., Christmas Day 3–9 p.m., New Year's Eve 5–9 p.m. and New Year's Day 3–9 p.m. Tickets are $30 per adult and $20 per child (ages 4–12) Sunday through Friday, and $35 per adult and $25 per child on Saturdays, plus tax and gratuity. Reserve Winter Wonderland tickets. Pricing for kids 3 and under and parking details aren't listed, so please check the official website or call the resort at 858-314-2000.
Parent Tip: Sunday through Friday tickets are $5 cheaper per person than Saturdays, which adds up for a family of four. If a Saturday show isn't a must, a Friday or Sunday visit saves you $20.
More Holiday Fun at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
If you're making a day (or a weekend) of it, The Grand has several other holiday traditions on the calendar:
Annual Tree Lighting: Monday, Nov. 30, with the 25-foot tree at Grand Social lit at 6:30 p.m. Admission that night is $25 per person, and kids 3 and under are free.
Brunch With Santa: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28–29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amaya, with an à la carte menu.
Holiday Tea: Served in the Lobby Lounge on select dates through Dec. 29, noon to 3:30 p.m. It's $125 per adult and $65 per child (ages 6–12), with part of the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish.
Nutcracker Tea: Dec. 21 and 22, with a narrated, abridged Nutcracker performance at 2:30 p.m. It's $175 per adult and $90 per child (ages 2–10).
Parent Tip: Brunch With Santa and the holiday teas can fill up in December. If you want one of them on the same day as Winter Wonderland, reserve both at the same time.
Tips for Visiting From Los Angeles
Fairmont Grand Del Mar is in the Carmel Valley area of San Diego, about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles without heavy traffic. Most families drive down the 5 Freeway; leave early on Fridays, when southbound traffic can be slow.
Evenings near the canyon can feel chilly, so pack jackets, gloves for skating and closed-toe shoes.
Parent Tip: Turn it into a mini getaway. Spend the afternoon at a San Diego beach or the San Diego Zoo, then arrive at Grand Social when it opens for the evening. Arriving right at opening gives you the most time for the train, rink and Santa.
Takeaway
Fairmont Grand Del Mar's Holiday Winter Wonderland is a lovely holiday road trip for LA families, and the brand-new Grand Express train makes 2026 the year to go. One ticket covers the train, Glice skating, Santa and story time on select dates from Nov. 26, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027. Pick a Saturday for the skating show or a weeknight to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fairmont Grand Del Mar Winter Wonderland 2026?
Holiday Winter Wonderland at Fairmont Grand Del Mar runs on select dates from Nov. 26, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027: Nov. 26–30, Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–13 and Dec. 18 through Jan. 2. It's open evenings, generally 5 to 9 p.m., with earlier Sunday and holiday hours.
What is the Grand Express train at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
The Grand Express is a new holiday train ride at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. It departs from Grand Social and loops around the resort to the Reflection Courtyard and back. The ride is included with Holiday Winter Wonderland general admission, along with Glice skating and a visit with Santa.
How much are Winter Wonderland tickets at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
Sunday through Friday tickets are $30 per adult and $20 per child ages 4 to 12. Saturday tickets are $35 per adult and $25 per child. Tax and gratuity are extra, and resort guests and members save 20%. Reservations are made online through Grand Social.
What is Glice skating?
Glice is a synthetic, eco-friendly skating surface that works without ice, refrigeration or noisy generators. At Fairmont Grand Del Mar, rental skates are included with Winter Wonderland admission, or you can bring your own skates. Regular shoes aren't allowed on the rink, and skating ends an hour before Grand Social closes.
When is Santa's story time at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
Santa's story time at Grand Social is at 6 and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 4 and 6 p.m. on Sundays. Santa also greets families for photos at his Grand Chalet, and after Christmas, holiday characters like Buddy the Elf take over the fun.
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