Christmas Party Venues in Melbourne

If you're in charge of organising your office Christmas party, a seasonal get-together with your friends, or a holiday family celebration, we hope you know that it's not as simple as booking a venue and hoping for the best. You must consider everything from the budget to the theme, and don't even get us started on the food, drinks or entertainment. While your main priority is making sure everyone has fun, there are a few other things to keep in mind when planning an office Christmas party. 

The early bird really does catch the worm – We’re happy to help if you need to find a last minute venue, but the rule of thumb is that the earlier you start your search, the better selection you’ll have. It is true that the most popular Christmas party venues in Melbourne book out many months in advance (usually by mid-summer), so it’s better to not hesitate.

Search different districts – The vast majority of office Christmas parties in the city are organised in the Melbourne CBD and Port Melbourne. These areas boast stunning sights and amazingly exciting venues, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular for festive celebrations. Don’t be afraid to look for venues slightly off the beaten path though  – we’re stoked to help you discover what Melbourne has to offer.

Set up a budget - Deciding how much you can spend on each of the elements of the Christmas party will help you organise it better. You will know how much you can spend on the venue hire, food, or additional entertainment. Setting aside some extra money will also save you from panicking over unexpected expenses.

Pick a theme – Thematic parties can be fun and get your guests excited about the preparations. You can organise a dress-up party with a set motif and later organise a costume contest. If you’re hosting a corporate event, your company’s brand may dictate the direction of your theme. If there isn’t much time left for preparations, it might be better to go with a simple idea that doesn’t require too much organisation. If you’re unsure what to do for your party, see some of our suggestions below:

• BBQ - with Australia’s Christmas celebrations falling in the middle of the summer, nothing beats a good BBQ party. Gather your friends or colleagues for an outdoor Christmas feast. Prepare cold drinks to enjoy with freshly made food. And don’t forget to add to the Aussie Christmas special to the grill - prawns!

• Outdoor activities - another great idea to make the summer Christmas celebrations fun. If you’re organising a corporate event, perhaps a rally or other sports competition could be a good idea. Hit the beach for a friendly get together, or prepare a picnic for family celebrations. If some of your guests need extra assistance, adjust the outdoor activities so that everyone can participate.

• Murder mystery - This one takes a bit of preparation, but it certainly adds a twist to a regular celebration. Come up with a plot (you are sure to find many tips online!), assign the roles, and lay out the details in the invitations. A murder mystery game doesn’t require much space, it can be played over a dinner table. Make sure everyone invited knows the rules; it’s worth repeating them before the dinner starts. Don’t forget to set up a prize for the winner to spur your guests' competitive spirit.

• Carols by Candlelight - this increasingly popular activity can be carried out with friends and colleagues alike. You can start off your party with traditional singing which can continue with equally beloved and popular karaoke nights. To add to the Christmas spirit, prepare a list of Christmas songs that everyone can follow during karaoke.

To help you out with your Christmas Party venue hunt we have put together some venue suggestions:

Aquadonut - provide your guests with a unique experience of a BBQ and a cruise together. Yes, you read that right! Grill Christmas specials on a floating donut-shaped vessel and enjoy the views of Melbourne from the Yarra River. No boat license is required.

Alto Event Space - this elegant venue located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is a great spot for a corporate Christmas party. Wow your guests with the breathtaking views of Melbourne’s skyline from the terrace. The space is equipped with a PA system for playing music and public speaking. 

La Di Da - a versatile venue with different spaces available for hire. Organise a dance party in the Basement for a nightclub-style event, hire the Courtyard for an outdoor celebration, or throw a cocktail party in the Cocktail Bar. It’s a great spot for both intimate get-togethers as well as corporate events.

Sandbar Beach Cafe - feel the Christmas spirit while enjoying the views of Port Philip Bay. The casual atmosphere of this bar and the proximity of the sandy beach allows for laid-back celebrations that will be enjoyed by both grown ups and children.

Christmas Party Venues in Melbourne FAQ

How much does it cost to hold a Christmas Party in a Melbourne venue?

Many venues in the city offer special Xmas menus for the season. So then, what’s the cost? Minimum spend rates for private Christmas parties in Melbourne usually start at as little as $1500 for smaller celebrations and may range up to several thousand dollars, depending on what the venue has to offer and the size of your Xmas bash. If you’re keen on BYOB, working with an external caterer or even organising the entire party yourself, the space of your choice will be priced with a hire fee. This amount only covers the cost of using the venue. The usual hire fees for Christmas parties in Melbourne range between $350-$500 per evening, while a full-day hire typically comes up to $6000, depending on the location and the size of the venue. Looking for a quick, convenient, and affordable Christmas party option? You can get it all with one of our all-inclusive Christmas party packages. A typical one covers a special Christmas party menu, a choice of drinks, and the costs of venue hire. The prices usually range between $35 and $85 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.com)

What are the best locations in Melbourne for a Christmas Party?

Stretching from the famous Flinders Street Station all the way up to Queen Victoria Market (which gets a special festive look for the silly season!), Melbourne CBD is the city’s favourite location for office Christmas parties. The Central Business District is an all-important corporate hub, but it knows how to have tremendous fun too! The iconic little laneways boast heaps of cosy pubs, fancy bars and restaurants offering special menus for the holiday season. Often described as the fastest-growing part of Melbourne, the Western Suburbs are anything but boring! So, what’s on offer? From function rooms for grand banquets to community halls of all kinds, the area is packed full of party venues. If you’re looking for a Christmas party venue with a view, be sure to check out Werribee, a picturesque suburb in South West Melbourne. The Southside prides itself on picturesque beaches and hip neighbourhoods with the likes of St Kilda, South Yarra, Windsor and Prahran. If you’re on the lookout for quirky Christmas party that will leave your guests talking for months, the southern part of Melbourne is the place to go!

Where are the best outdoor Christmas party venues in Melbourne?

How about a Christmas party cruise? We’re listing a choice of Christmas party boats in Melbourne. With beautiful decorations and stunning waterfront views, they’re sure to get you in the festive mood! Other remarkable outdoor Christmas party venue options in Melbourne include rooftop bars for memorable drinks receptions and beachside venues for Xmas barbecues. Last but not least, if you’re after something more elegant, invite your colleagues for a delightful al fresco dinner and wine tasting. Many restaurants in Melbourne are happy to hire their outside spaces for a Christmas feast.

What is the best venue option for a small Christmas party in Melbourne?

For groups of less than 30 people, we recommend hiring a private dining room in one of Melbourne’s restaurants. Don’t forget that Melbourne is world-famous for its coffee culture – many coffee shops in town hire their pretty spaces for parties. If you’re after a boozy bash, then many bars in Melbourne offer special private areas that are perfect for small Christmas parties. We’re ready to help you to pick the perfect space – we promise it won’t take long!