Christmas Dinner Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Christmas Dinner Venues Hire Guide

Christmas time is upon us! And what better way to celebrate it than to meet up with your friends and family for some quality time. Having a Christmas dinner is a great way to slow down after a whole year, thank each other for staying together, or just relax in a fun atmosphere. A corporate Christmas party is a good opportunity for a team-bonding event. It’s also an excellent way to say thank you for all the hard work of the employees throughout the year and show that they’re appreciated. Whatever you have in mind, you will need a place for your event. To help you out here are some pointers to keep in mind when searching for a Christmas dinner venue:

• The budget. How much can you spend on your event? If you decide on the budget right at the very beginning, all your preparations will go easier. You will know how much you can spend, and whether you can afford a little extra or need to resign from a thing or two.  It’s a good practice to always set some extra funds aside for unexpected expenses so as to not be surprised by them.

• The location. Where would be the best area to look for a venue? Look for places that can be easily reached by your guests. If they’re travelling from outside the city, try to look for somewhere near train stations or the airports or ones that can be easily reached either by public transportation or car. Perhaps you can rent a venue in a hotel for the easiest access.

• The size. How many people are you expecting at your dinner? Once you know the number of participants, you will be able to choose the right venue for your get together. A large room can be a great place to host a big group but it can also feel impersonal. A smaller room will be more intimate but might not have the space needed for all of your guests. If you’re in doubt you can visit the venue or ask for a virtual walk to make sure the space will accommodate your group.

• The menu. Will it cater to all tastes? Be mindful of those whose dietary restrictions, or personal preferences, don’t endorse the holiday spirit. While Christmas is all about turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding, these may not sound so appetising to some of your guests. Make sure you include other, non-traditional foods as well, or that there’s a bit of leeway to change some items on the menu.

• The décor. What kind of decorations do you want for your dinner? Chances are that the venue will be decorated for Christmas, so there might be no need to hire any extras. If you're having a themed event, make sure to check with the venue manager whether you will be able to use your own decorations.

• The kids. Are you inviting guests with children? If so, look for a place that will have some room for the little ones to spread and play without disturbing the adults. It would be best to look for a venue that has a corner with some toys, or an outside playing area for the children to use. Just make sure it’s shaded away from the sun.

• Anything extra? If you will need any additional equipment for your Christmas dinner, like a projector, a mic, or speakers, ask the venue manager whether they will be able to provide them and if there’s an extra cost for using them. If the venue doesn’t have what you need and you will be bringing your own, make sure you will be able to use it there with no problem.

The venue is just one part of the Christmas dinner puzzle, although it’s a very important one. Don’t forget to bring the holiday spirit, big smiles, and good humour to your event! Want to add something extra to your dinner? Check out some of the ideas below on what to do to make your Christmas dinner even merrier!

• Christmas karaoke. It’s a great idea to connect the traditional and the modern. Honour the custom of carols by candlelight, but add a bit of a modern twist. When making the playlist, add some popular Christmas songs and sing your hearts out. It’s an activity that both the young and the elderly can participate in.

• Secret Santa. Organise a gift exchange for your Christmas event. If you know who exactly will show up to your dinner, you can draw names to decide who will give what to who. You can also agree that every participant will bring one neutral gift to be later on handed out during games and challenges. Remember to agree on the amount you will spend on the gifts. You can also agree that the gifts should all start with the same letter or be of a particular colour to add to the fun.

• Christmas Charades. A classic game that can be easily played in any venue. Prepare Christmas-themed terms to act out, separate your guests into teams and have a little competition to see who feels the Christmas spirit the most. To make the game even more interesting you can prepare small prizes for the winners!
  
  

FAQs about Christmas Dinner Venues in Melbourne

How much does it cost to hire a Christmas dinner venue in Melbourne?

Christmas dinner is quite often priced on a per person package basis. In Melbourne, you can expect to find options ranging from $35 to $100 pp. The other common model is minimum spend which for this type of venue generally averages around $600 and can range upwards of $6000. (All data from Tagvenue platform.)

What are the best Christmas dinner venues in Melbourne?

Ludlow Bar & Dining Room, riverside dining and events, guest rating: 5/5

The National, multiple event spaces and Christmas offers, guest rating: 5/5

La Di Da, restaurant with flexible event spaces and amazing food, guest rating: 4.6/5

Hophaus, fine dining with a view of the Yarra River, guest rating: 4.9/5 

Which Melbourne districts are best for organising a Christmas dinner?

When looking for restaurants in Melbourne, it is always best to start in the CBD. With easy access and a strong venue presence, this area is a great choice for a Christmas dinner. Look outwards to Fitzroy and Carlton, as well, for some other great restaurants and offers. If you simply must be on the water, check out Southbank, or head farther south to St Kilda and South Yarra for some great options.

Can I hire an affordable Christmas dinner venue in Melbourne?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to find affordable options for a Christmas dinner venue in Melbourne. When looking for a venue check out the ones that operate on a minimum spend basis. Those places won’t charge you for hiring the space, but you and your guests will have to spend the minimum agreed sum on food and drinks. You can also look for venues with a BYO policy, where you pay just for using the space, and you can bring food and drinks yourself.