Spend some quality time with family and friends over the holidays and enjoy some of the best in Santa Cruz County dining! From oceanside restaurants to tasty desserts and brews, there’s something for everyone at these Santa Cruz favorites on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
High Tide at La Bahia Hotel & Spa: Christmas Eve + Christmas Day
Five Course Tasting Menu with Champagne Toast and Amuse Bouche! This Christmas Eve, savor vibrant seasonal market vegetables, local black cod, yakitori-glazed duck breast, Australian lamb loin, or a perfectly grilled New York strip—each dish touched with coastal and Pacific Rim influences. Conclude your evening with a festive finale of dark chocolate mousse or an elegant artisanal cheese plate. A refined holiday experience designed to share the warmth, joy, and flavors of the season crafted by The La Bahia Culinary Team.
Celebrate Christmas Day at High Tide with a thoughtfully curated menu highlighting the season’s finest flavors. Enjoy vibrant market vegetables, local black cod, yakitori-glazed duck breast, Australian lamb loin, or a perfectly grilled New York strip—each dish showcasing subtle coastal and Pacific Rim influences. Conclude your meal with a festive touch: decadent dark chocolate mousse or an artisanal cheese selection. A refined holiday experience, crafted with care and culinary artistry by The La Bahia Culinary Team.
Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus are served from 5pm – 9pm; $165 per person. For reservations, please call 877.724.4180 or make reservations online here.
Shadowbrook Restaurant: Christmas Eve + Christmas Day
Enjoy the Christmas season at Shadowbrook Restaurant! Creating special occasions and memorable meals since 1947, Shadowbrook is known for its incredible setting, service and menu! Reservations are available for all holidays beginning at 10am, 30-days in advance online or by phone at 831-475-1511. If you are unable to make a reservation walk-ins are welcomed in our Rock Room Bar and Lounge and Outside patio (weather dependent).
Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge: Christmas Eve + Christmas Day
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, celebrate the season at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge for an amazing meal alongside gorgeous ocean views. Their Christmas Day menu includes their regular brunch menu + a special Lobster and Steak Benedict with California white sturgeon caviar hollandaise from 11am–1pm. They will also have a 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner from 1pm–8pm | 95 that a variety of delicious options. See the menu on their website here.
Café Cruz
Cafe Cruz invites you to join them on Christmas Eve for a night of holiday specials. Their Christmas Eve menu includes Rotisserie Roasted Prime Rib, Caesar Salad, Roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and House Made Tiramisu. See more information on their website here.
Sevy’s Bar + Kitchen
Join Sevys Bar and Kitchen for a special Christmas Eve dinner and/or a Christmas morning brunch! On Christmas Eve, they will serve up their regular menu along with Christmas Eve Specials. During their Christmas Day Brunch, there is a build-your-own salad station, carving station, dessert table, and even a kids buffet, we have something for the entire family. Plus, bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and bloody marias!
Open Christmas Eve 4:30pm-7:30pm/Day 12pm-4:30pm. More information