Planning a Holiday Getaway in Ventura? Here are 9 Holiday Date Ideas in Ventura

If you’re planning a holiday getaway in Ventura, this guide brings you 9 holiday date ideas in Ventura that highlight the cozy, festive, and romantic spots around town. Here are the perfect holiday activities for anyone wanting to make the season feel a little more special.

1. Start with a festive morning breakfast

Art’s Corner Café in Midtown Ventura is a lovable spot to start your day with a loved one- with a menu filled with all the good cozy comfort foods like french toast stacked with berries, fluffy pancakes, omelets, and sweet treats like cinnamon rolls (a local favorite!) It’s one of those places where you can take your time, share bites, and just ease into the morning together. Art’s is the place to feel warm and homey.

If you’re still in the mood for more seasonal treats, head over to Daylight and Moon Café for a flavorful holiday drink- they’ve got Mint Mocha Lattes, Mint Mocha Cloud Brew, and Mint Matcha Lattes topped with peppermint shavings and cacao powder! Grab your drink and keep the day going by wandering around the city.

Best breakfast spots

Planning a Holiday Getaway in Ventura? Here are 9 Holiday Date Ideas in Ventura

Clay Parlor clay ornament — Courtesy of Clay Parlor

2. Paint Holiday-Themed Pottery at Clay Parlor

Located in Midtown Ventura, the Clay Parlor is the perfect holiday date spot if you want to do something creative, fun, and hands-on. Their one-day workshops make ceramics super easy (no experience needed!). The studio has a comforting artsy vibe that feels extra warm during the holidays- it’s a great way to try something new as a couple, make fun memories, and possibly discover a hidden talent.

To see what classes they have available, check their website.

Check out venturas Murals

3. Go Wine Tasting at the Winter Wine Walk

If you’re looking for something fun and worth checking out, the Winter Wine Walk is always a great pick- showcasing multiple wineries and breweries! On December 6th, get your tasting cup, stroll down Main Street, and stop at each participating tasting site to try something tasty. As you walk around, you will be surrounded by a bright holiday ambiance of live entertainment, illuminating lights, and a snowfall to have a romantic hallmark moment. Sip, talk, and enjoy the night.

As you ponder around Downtown, enjoy the free Holiday Street Fair- with hundreds of local vendors(artists, non-profits, crafters, commercial, food/drink) selling a variety of crafts and goods. Shop around as you enjoy the great people, and lively energy.

Why you can’t miss winter wine walk

Blog

Tuesday, Dec 10th, 2024

By Visit Ventura

5 Things to Do this Holiday Season in Ventura

Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024

By Julie Madsen

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ventura During the Winter

Tuesday, Oct 29th, 2024

By Visit Ventura

Affordable and Budget Friendly Dates in Ventura

View All Stories

4. Have Lunch at Paradise Pantry

Paradise Pantry makes a great holiday lunch date spot to grab something comforting during the season. The space has that relaxed, homey feel with soft lighting and a calm ambiance that makes your lunch more enjoyable- it’s the kind of place where you can wind down and enjoy good food with no rush. And once you’re done soaking in the cozy feel, head out for a nice walk around Downtown Ventura and have a magical moment together looking at the large Christmas tree.

Their signature charcuterie boards are the ideal choice when you want something flavorful and easy to delight in together- make sure to pair their boards with a glass of wine to bring in the subtle holiday touch. Paradise Pantry is the place to complete a pleasant lunch date during the season- good food and a comfortable vibe.

5. Go to the Harbor Parade of Lights and a Holiday Concert at Rubicon Theater

The Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights is a lively holiday date idea for those who want something outdoorsy. Happening on December 12th and 13th at 6:30 p.m., the “Let it Glow” theme brings illuminated boats, glowing decor, and tons of festive cheer. As it’s right at the Ventura Harbor, you can stroll through the Village together- check out fun entertainment, grab something to eat, walk into the boutique shops, and take in the jolly ambiance. The Parade of Lights is one of those seasonal events that brings Christmas cheer- a lovely time to be with someone special.

For a music-filled date, check out Rubicon’s Theater’s holiday concert, Christmas Memories- featuring classic carols, Christmas radio favorites, and more songs from around the world- with performances by Broadway guests, David Burnham and Jennifer Leigh Warren!- making the night a lot more unique. Happening on December 12th at 7 p.m. for only $49.50. Such an event is an easy way to have a good time- sit back, enjoy the music, and get into the holiday spirit.

What’s Happening in Ventura? Events in Ventura

Plan your trip to Ventura and learn what events and happenings are going on while you’re in town

5 Reasons Why You Have to Go Whale Watching in Ventura — By Lotti Keenan

6. Go Winter Whale Watching

For the ocean life lovers, winter is the best season to head out on a whale-watching cruise date. Bundle up, grab a warm drink at Freedom Coffee, and get on a boat- a fitting activity for the season. Island Packers at Ventura Harbor offers winter cruises for $42 per adult (a great deal!), taking you on an awe-inspiring ride, where migrating gray, fin, and humpback whales pass through this time of year- with the possibility of also spotting seals, sea lions, and large pods of dolphins!

The cool breeze, calm water, and exciting moments of sighting ocean life make it a standout date (make sure to warm up for the cruise!). With the chance to see 28 species of marine mammals, you will share unexpected sighting moments with your loved one, making it a memorable way to celebrate the winter season.

Learn more about the cruise

7. Have Dinner at La Duquesa or Ten Tigers

For the steakhouse lovers, La Duquesa is the place to have a fancy dinner date this holiday season. This new spot has a polished, warm feel that makes your night feel more special with its soft lighting, gold accents, and comfortable energy around the room. Their steak options are the standout of the restaurants- from their classic steak to filet mignon, angus bone-in rib eye, beef rib chop, and more. It’s the type of steakhouse where you can treat yourself and your partner to savory eats.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more casual but still romantic this holiday season, check out Ten Tigers. With shareable bites, tasty drinks, and a cozy mix of indoor and a fireplace-lit patio, it’s an easy spot to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The BBQ sliders, fries and their Jamaica Margarita are always a solid choice to share. The vibe of the restaurant makes the meal feel comforting and just right for the season.

Must Try Restaurants

8. Have a Festive Cocktail at Rocks & Drams

Rocks & Drams is the kind of spot that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit- with ornaments hanging from the ceiling and Christmas lights wrapped around the bar. And with festive cocktails inspired by the classic holiday movies – Elf, National Lampoon’s, The Grinch, and more- served in themed glassware that makes the vibe even better. Their extended holiday hours make it easy to fit a festive cocktail date into your week.

It’s a great pick when you want something lively and intimate- sip on something seasonal and soak in the cheerful atmosphere. Rocks & Drams brings that extra holiday feel that makes a cocktail date feel more special this time of year.

restaurants with cocktails

9. Indulge in a Book at Timbre

Timbre Books turns into the coziest little escape during the holiday season- with its bright, airy warmth to it and small tables by the front windows that make the whole space feel inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can flip through books together, talk, and enjoy a slow moment during the holiday chaos. Their curated selection of books makes wandering around the bookshop feel mellow and relaxing.

With a nice coffee shop just a couple doors down, grab something warm and bring it back into Timbre to add an extra layer of comfort to the date. As you explore and discover new literary treasures together, be sure to pick out a book for each other as a sweet holiday gesture! A bookstore is the perfect place to relax and enjoy each other’s company- calm, cozy, and free from distractions.

check out more activities to do