Christmas Party Restaurants for Hire in Melbourne

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun gatherings. Yet although it’s joyful, the planning can also be stressful. To help reduce the stress and boost the fun, here are some ideas for fun Christmas party activities:

• Christmas Brunch – Host it at home or book a cozy venue like The George on Collins with morning sunlight and chilled prosecco. Serve up classics like Pavlova, prawns, and Christmas pudding for an Aussie-style feast.
  
  
• Craft Night – Set up a wreath-making or gingerbread-decorating session at a creative space like Anton Venoir Interiors. Perfect for a hands-on, social evening where everyone gets to take something home.
  
  
• Holiday Happy Hour – Mix up festive drinks like eggnog martinis and cinnamon sangria at a cocktail-friendly venue like Ludlow Bar. Add a grazing board, some fairy lights, and you've got a stylish after-work celebration.
  
  
• Christmas Karaoke – Let loose at Ballers Clubhouse CBD, where private rooms and upbeat vibes make it easy to get everyone singing. Bonus: built-in entertainment means less planning for you.
  
  
• Gift Exchange – Secret Santa is a go-to, but White Elephant or “Naughty or Nice” games add extra laughs. Set a budget ($20–$30) to keep things accessible for everyone. This works best in venues with lounge seating or booth areas, like The Grace Darling Hotel.
  
  
• Christmas BBQ – A relaxed rooftop party with grilled seafood and lawn games? Count us in. Two Hands Rooftop Bar is perfect for open-air summer vibes with enough space to spread out and celebrate.
  
  
• Movie Marathon – Transform a venue like The Fitzroy Beer Garden into a cosy movie zone with beanbags, fairy lights, and streaming classics like Elf or Love Actually. Add hot chocolate and popcorn for full effect.

The Best Restaurants in Melbourne for Christmas Parties

For easier preparation, check out our top picks for Christmas dinner venues in Melbourne:

• Natural History Public Bar: Ideal for office parties, with a quirky interior, live music, and private spaces for up to 200 guests. Central location means no one has to drive.

• The National Hotel: A customisable venue great for family or corporate Christmas dinners. It has indoor-outdoor flexibility, plus a great menu for sharing. Book ahead to secure their beer garden.

• The Golden Fleece Hotel: Rooftop views and Greek-inspired décor make this a standout for something a bit different. Great for cocktail-style events or casual dinners.

• Bighouse Arts: A light-filled warehouse in the inner north, perfect for DIY events. Bring your own caterer, theme the space, and make it your own.

• Ruelle Wine Bar: Cosy, private and great for smaller groups looking to relax over shared plates and a strong wine list. A great pick for friends or smaller team celebrations.

Christmas Restaurants with Private Dining Rooms and Festive Menus

If you're planning a Christmas celebration in Melbourne with an intimate, sit-down setting, you’ll find many restaurants across the city with private dining rooms and festive menus for different styles and budgets. The George on Collins in the CBD has great interiors with Christmas menus starting from $50 per person, making it a good choice for both corporate functions and end-of-year dinners. Over in Collingwood, Aunty Kim’s brings a more refined, contemporary feel with its Southeast Asian banquet-style offerings at around $89 per head, perfect for groups looking for something a little different.

For a classic and spacious venue, Criniti’s Southbank has private rooms and generous Italian set menus from $60 per person, making it a popular option for large group celebrations. Meanwhile, Father's Office Downtown on Flinders Lane offers a vintage-style dining atmosphere, starting from a $1,000 minimum spend. These venues provide the comfort of exclusive space with menus designed for the holiday season, helping you host a Christmas event that feels both personal to you and your guests.