Christmas Eve Dinner at Boathouse on the Bay

Christmas Eve on the Alamitos Bay Waterfront

Christmas Eve at Boathouse on the Bay is all about cozy holiday vibes, sparkling lights along the water, and an elevated dinner experience without the stress of cooking at home. Nestled on Alamitos Bay in Long Beach, Boathouse offers guests a warm and welcoming setting to gather with family and friends before Christmas Day.

Instead of a set prix fixe menu, Boathouse is open for regular dinner service on Christmas Eve. That means you can build your perfect holiday meal from the full lineup of Boathouse favorites, from sushi and fresh seafood to premium steaks, salads, and shareable starters from the main food menu. Seasonal specials may be available in addition to the regular offerings, and your server can help guide selections for your table.

Whether you are visiting from out of town or live right in the Belmont Shore and Alamitos Bay neighborhoods, Christmas Eve at Boathouse is a chance to slow down, toast the season, and enjoy waterfront dining while someone else handles the kitchen.

Choose Your Experience .. Patio vs Indoor Seating

When you reserve Christmas Eve Dinner, you choose between two dedicated experiences on Tock: heated patio seating or indoor dining room seating. Both options provide access to the regular dinner menu and the same attentive Boathouse hospitality, with slightly different atmospheres so you can match the evening to your group.

Heated Waterfront Patio Seating

The patio offers an open air waterfront setting with views of Alamitos Bay, marina lights, and holiday decor around the Landing. Overhead heaters and wind protection help keep the space comfortable while still feeling connected to the water and the festive energy outside.

• Ideal for guests who enjoy bay views and an outdoor feel with heaters.
• Great option if you want to feel close to the marina lights and holiday ambiance outside.
• Reservations for parties of 2 to 12 guests with a $25 per person deposit collected online.

Indoor Dining Room Seating

Indoor seating places you inside the decorated dining room with large windows overlooking the water. This is ideal if you prefer a bit more climate control while still enjoying marina views, Christmas lights, and the warm glow of a busy holiday dining room.

• Perfect for families with younger children, older relatives, or anyone who prefers to be indoors.
• Enjoy the same dinner menu and cocktail list in a cozy, festive environment.
• Reservations for parties of 2 to 12 guests with a $25 per person deposit.

What to Expect from the Christmas Eve Menu

Christmas Eve at Boathouse uses the regular dinner menu instead of a fixed holiday prix fixe. That gives you flexibility to build your own experience and share a variety of plates at the table. You can preview the latest offerings anytime on the Boathouse menus page.

Seafood and Sushi Favorites

Boathouse is known for fresh seafood, sushi, and sashimi, which are popular choices on Christmas Eve. Many guests start the evening with rolls, nigiri, or a seafood tower before moving into entrées and shared plates.

Steaks, Entrées, and Coastal Comfort

In addition to the raw bar and sushi, the menu includes premium steaks, seafood entrées, and coastal inspired comfort dishes. Your server can help balance the table with shareable starters, salads, sides, and desserts so everyone finds something they love.

Cocktails, Wine, and Holiday Toasts

The full cocktail list, wine list, and beer selection are available throughout Christmas Eve Dinner. From signature cocktails and martinis to half bottles and by the glass pours, there are plenty of options for toasting the season.

Reservations, Deposits, and Party Sizes

Christmas Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year at Boathouse on the Bay. All reservations are managed through Tock so the team can coordinate patio and indoor seating efficiently.

For larger groups, corporate outings, or extended family gatherings that may require a private space, you can also explore Boathouse private dining options and coordinate with the events team separately from standard Christmas Eve reservations.

Timing, Atmosphere, and Dress Code

Christmas Eve Dinner follows Boathouse dinner hours, with reservations offered throughout the evening. You select your time and seating location when booking through Tock, subject to availability as the date approaches.

Holiday Atmosphere

Guests can expect a warm, festive environment with holiday decor, waterfront views, and a steady buzz of tables celebrating together. The evening feels like a special occasion without being overly formal, which makes it comfortable for families and friend groups alike.

Suggested Dress Code

Most guests opt for smart casual to dressy casual attire on Christmas Eve. Think collared shirts, blouses, dresses, or polished denim with nice shoes. If you plan to sit on the patio, it is a good idea to bring a light jacket or wrap so you stay comfortable even with heaters on.

Families, Kids, and Holiday Groups

Christmas Eve at Boathouse is family friendly and designed to work well for multigenerational groups. Children are welcome at both patio and indoor tables, and the regular menu offers plenty of options that can be kid friendly or easily shared.

Tips for Family Reservations

• Book early if you are planning a prime time seating or a larger party size.
• Consider indoor seating if you will have strollers, car seats, or older relatives in your party.
• Let your server know if you need high chairs, booster seats, or space for gifts and holiday cards at the table.

If your plans involve a larger celebration, such as a company Christmas Eve dinner or a multi course family style experience, the Boathouse events team can help customize a private or semi private arrangement through the private events inquiry page.

Parking, Access, and Getting to Boathouse

Boathouse on the Bay is part of the Alamitos Bay Landing, close to 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway as well as Seal Beach. Guests driving in on Christmas Eve will find multiple parking options around the Landing and marina area.

Parking Options

• Parking directly in front of Boathouse on the Bay when spaces are available.
• Additional parking in the larger Alamitos Bay Landing lots between neighboring restaurants.
• Rideshare drop off and pick up areas near the main Boathouse entrance.

Accessibility

The restaurant offers wheelchair accessible entrances and dining areas, including accessible restrooms and patio access points. If you or someone in your group has specific mobility needs, you can note this in your reservation or call ahead so the team can assign the most convenient table available.

Making a Night of It on Alamitos Bay

One of the best parts of spending Christmas Eve at Boathouse on the Bay is the setting itself. The restaurant sits directly on the water, surrounded by marina slips, holiday lights, and the energy of the waterfront.

Many guests like to arrive a little early to walk around Alamitos Bay Landing, take photos by the water, or enjoy the holiday lights before settling into their table. After dinner, it is easy to take a short stroll outside to enjoy the calm of the bay and the festive atmosphere before heading home to prepare for Christmas Day.