Christmas dining in Santa Barbara
Christmas
Celebrate the season oceanfront
Planning Christmas in Santa Barbara? The Ellwood at Goleta Beach is an oceanfront restaurant and event venue directly on the Pacific in Goleta, Santa Barbara County. Whether you are hosting a Christmas Eve dinner for two, a family Christmas Day gathering, or a company holiday party, our events team is ready to help you plan your celebration here. Submit an inquiry and we will be in touch.
Christmas on the California Coast
There is something genuinely beautiful about spending Christmas on the Central Coast. The Pacific in December is deep and calm. The holiday light falls differently here than it does in colder places, warm and silver against the water, and the coastline at Goleta Beach is as scenic as any holiday backdrop you could ask for.
Whether Christmas means an intimate candlelit dinner for two on Christmas Eve or a full family gathering on Christmas Day, The Ellwood is a welcoming place for the occasion. You come for the company. We take care of the rest.
Indoor and outdoor spaces for the holiday season
The Ellwood offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces suited to holiday gatherings from the most intimate to the most celebratory. The indoor dining room keeps the Pacific present through wide windows even when the evening turns cool. On mild Central Coast winter days, the outdoor spaces bring you closer to the sand and the surf.
The Break, our dedicated oceanfront outdoor event space, adds capacity for larger holiday events and brings a unique al fresco dimension to the season. For private Christmas parties, family group dinners, or company holiday events, submit an inquiry below or contact our Head of Events at 805.335.2878.
Christmas Eve gatherings at The Ellwood
Christmas Eve is one of the most intimate and beautiful evenings of the year. There is a particular quality to a December evening on the California coast, and the indoor dining room at The Ellwood settles into a warm, unhurried rhythm that suits it well. California coastal cuisine, local wine from Santa Barbara County, and handcrafted cocktails make for an evening that is both festive and grounded in this place.
If you are considering hosting your Christmas Eve dinner at The Ellwood, reach out early. Holiday inquiry slots fill as December approaches, and our events team gives each gathering dedicated attention from first contact through the evening itself.
Christmas Day gatherings for the whole family
Christmas Day is an occasion to be together without any of the usual work of the holiday. The Ellwood offers an oceanfront setting where families can gather, eat well, and spend the day looking out at the Pacific. California coastal cuisine built around local seafood, seasonal produce, and ingredient-driven cooking makes for a meal that feels right for the season.
For Christmas Day availability and any seasonal offerings, submit an inquiry or reach out to the events team. We will have current information on how we can host your family’s celebration.
Company holiday parties and group Christmas gatherings
The holiday season is prime time for company dinners and private group celebrations. The Ellwood is a strong choice for corporate holiday parties and group gatherings throughout December. Our oceanfront setting, California coastal cuisine, and dedicated events team make planning the occasion straightforward.
For company holiday party planning, see our Corporate Events page. For private family group dinners and holiday celebrations of any kind, submit an inquiry through the Tripleseat form below or contact our Head of Events at 805.335.2878.
Why celebrate Christmas at The Ellwood
- Setting: Panoramic Pacific Ocean and Central Coast views directly on Goleta Beach, a genuinely scenic holiday backdrop
- Cuisine: California coastal, seafood-forward, ingredient-driven, seasonal and locally sourced
- Both occasions: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gatherings, ask our events team about current availability
- Group-ready: Intimate dinners for two through full private group events and buyouts
- Location: 5905 Sandspit Road, Goleta, CA 93117, minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, free parking
- Events team: Our Head of Events and the team coordinate private Christmas parties and corporate holiday events
Frequently asked questions
Can I host a Christmas gathering at The Ellwood in Santa Barbara?
Yes. The Ellwood accommodates Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gatherings in flexible indoor and outdoor spaces on Goleta Beach. From an intimate dinner for two to a private family group or company holiday party, our events team tailors the experience. Submit an inquiry through the form below or contact our Head of Events at 805.335.2878 to discuss your occasion.
Are there restaurants open for Christmas in Santa Barbara?
The Ellwood at Goleta Beach welcomes Christmas and Christmas Eve gatherings at its oceanfront location in Goleta, Santa Barbara County. Availability varies by year. To find out about hosting your celebration here, submit an inquiry or call 805.335.2878. Our events team will provide current information as the holiday approaches.
Can I host a private Christmas Eve dinner at The Ellwood?
Yes. The Ellwood’s indoor and outdoor spaces accommodate private Christmas Eve dinners, from an intimate couple’s evening to a larger family or group gathering. Submit an inquiry through the Tripleseat form on this page or reach our Head of Events at 805.335.2878. Reaching out early is recommended, as holiday inquiry slots fill ahead of December.
Can I host a company holiday party at The Ellwood?
Yes. The Ellwood is a popular choice for corporate holiday parties throughout December. Oceanfront setting, coastal cuisine, and flexible event spaces make it a distinctive alternative to a hotel ballroom. See the Corporate Events page for details, or submit a holiday inquiry directly to start planning with our events team.
What cuisine does The Ellwood serve for Christmas gatherings?
The Ellwood serves California coastal cuisine, seafood-forward and ingredient-driven, built on locally sourced seafood, Central Coast produce, and seasonal ingredients. Handcrafted cocktails and a local wine list complete the experience. For seasonal menu details relevant to your Christmas gathering, ask our events team when you submit your inquiry.
How early should I plan my Christmas event at The Ellwood?
Holiday season inquiry slots fill as December approaches. We recommend reaching out as soon as you know your plans, especially for private groups and company parties. Submit an inquiry or call 805.335.2878 and our events team will confirm current availability and help you secure your date.
Start Planning
Host your Christmas celebration at The Ellwood
Ready to plan your Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day gathering, or company holiday party in Santa Barbara? Submit an event inquiry through the Tripleseat form below with your occasion, date, and group details. Our Head of Events will follow up to start planning. You can also reach us at 805.335.2878. We look forward to hosting your celebration on the Pacific.
Other occasions we would love to host
- New Year's Eve: ring in the new year oceanfront, ask us about hosting your group
- Thanksgiving: gather your family or group for Thanksgiving directly on Goleta Beach
- Easter Brunch: plan an Easter gathering steps from the sand
- Mother's Day Brunch: celebrate her oceanfront, ask about hosting her celebration
- Valentine's Day: a romantic oceanfront setting for the occasion
- Weddings: ceremonies and receptions with the Pacific as your backdrop
- Corporate events: meetings, retreats and company celebrations
- Private dining and celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries and large-group dinners