The 16 Best Christmas Party Restaurants for Hire in Sydney

Q: What are Sydney’s most popular locations for a Christmas dinner?

If you’re looking for a good variety of waterside restaurants , a good area to start would be a bit south of Barangaroo as you make your way along the bay. For more upscale options with a bigger focus on multi-course menus with great cocktails, Kings Cross is a good place to start looking. For the more budget-conscious , have a look in North Sydney just a bit south of St Leonards Park for a few Christmas party restaurants with a greater deal of flexibility.

Christmas Party Restaurants for Hire in Sydney

FAQs about Top Christmas Party Restaurants in Sydney

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

Hire fees for Christmas dinner venues will vary depending on the type of hire you’re looking for. If you’re interested in per person packages, the prices range between $20 to $90. Hourly hire rates may start at as little as $100. For minimum spend venues expect rates to start at $800. Remember the pricing may change depending on the size of the venue, the number of people coming, the day of the week and the time of the day. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

Can I hire a Christmas dinner venue in Sydney for free?

Yes, it’s possible to hire a venue without paying for it. Venues operating on a minimum spend basis don’t charge hiring fees. Instead, you agree to spend a set amount of money on food and drinks. Remember that if you fail to meet this cost so you will need to pay off the remaining amount.

What are Sydney’s most popular locations for a Christmas dinner?

If you’re looking for a good variety of waterside restaurants, a good area to start would be a bit south of Barangaroo as you make your way along the bay. For more upscale options with a bigger focus on multi-course menus with great cocktails, Kings Cross is a good place to start looking. For the more budget-conscious, have a look in North Sydney just a bit south of St Leonards Park for a few Christmas party restaurants with a greater deal of flexibility.

What kind of Christmas dinner options does Sydney offer?

Christmas dinner options in Sydney are incredibly varied, with many restaurants putting on the traditional spread options of colder salads, meats and seafood or going all-in on turkey with all the trimmings. Most often you’ll find that some of the best Christmas lunch and work party venues offer buffet-style dining or a multi-course experience (usually 3-5 courses) that combines bottomless drinks, excellently prepared dishes, and an overall jolly atmosphere.

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Your Guide to Hiring Christmas Party Restaurants in Sydney

How to Host a Memorable Christmas Dinner Party in Australia

Christmas in Australia is about sunshine, seafood, and spending time with the people who matter most. If you're planning a small BBQ party or a more traditional sit-down dinner, here's how to make it special without losing your mind in the process.

Plan Early, Stress Less

Set a budget and stick to it. Between gifts, food, and drinks, Christmas gets pricey fast. Decide upfront how much you’re willing to spend, then plan around that—whether you’re splurging on a venue, a fancy menu, or just a killer playlist.

The best spots get snapped up quickly in December, so if you’re hosting outside the house, book it early. Some places even offer early-bird discounts if you plan ahead. Remember to also get your invites out a few weeks early. A digital invite or quick group message does the trick, and gives your guests time to save the date.

Create the Right Atmosphere

Just because it’s 30°C doesn’t mean you skip the festive touches. Use wreaths, string lights, beachy ornaments, and maybe a Christmas tree in the corner. Iced drinks, electric candles, and cool colour palettes keep things festive without overheating the room. Also, consider the seating and layout. If you're indoors or out, make sure everyone has a comfy place to sit, mingle, and eat. If you're going with a BBQ setup, opt for standing tables and a casual flow.

The Best Christmas Party Ideas in Sydney

Want to go beyond the classic dinner party? Try one of these:

Secret Santa or gift games. Keep it simple with a set spending limit and add a few rounds of “steal a gift” or themed challenges.
Karaoke with Christmas classics. Carol singing with a twist. Add in Mariah, Wham!, or whatever gets your group dancing and singing.
Ugly Christmas T-shirt competition. Sweaters don’t make sense in the heat, but t-shirts do. It is a good pick for corporate parties or family get-togethers. Just make sure there's a prize for the worst one.
Murder mystery dinner. Add some intrigue to your evening with a festive murder mystery game. It is easy to set up and fun for all ages.
Food-making workshops. Get hands-on with a short cooking class before dinner. Try out pavlova decorating or global Christmas dishes.
Christmas game night. Board games, trivia, or festive bingo keep the energy going after dinner. Bonus points if there are small prizes for the winners.
The Aussie classic: Christmas BBQ. Swap the roast for grilled prawns, seafood skewers, and fresh summer salads. It’s casual, crowd-pleasing, and perfectly on theme.

Check out our list of the jolliest Christmas party ideas in Sydney that’ll have your colleagues counting down the days of the event.

The Best Christmas Party Venues in Sydney

Sydney has many festive-ready venues perfect for end-of-year celebrations. The Belvedere Hotel in the CBD strikes a great balance of style and great location, with warm interiors and a minimum spend starting at $1,750. For a little more lively spot, Christmas restaurants like Blackbird Cafe have sweeping views of Darling Harbour and enough room to party. The minimum spend here begins at $3,000.

If you want a holiday party venue that is a bit more relaxed but still polished, bars like Verandah bring a fun, tropical feel to the heart of the city with menus from $33 per person. Over in North Sydney, Greenwood Hotel stands out with its large function rooms and capacity for up to 200 people.

Outdoor Christmas Party Venues in Sydney

For an alfresco celebration, Sydney has some brilliant outdoor spots perfect for enjoying fresh air and festive cheer. Cabana Bar is a favourite in the CBD, thanks to its leafy terraces, flexible layout, and $39 per person packages. The Shelbourne Hotel also nails the outdoor vibe with a rooftop perfect for sunset drinks and city views.

If you're looking for something by the water, party boats like the Sea Sydney Harbour gives you a unique party experience, complete with harbour views and event packages from $139 per person. Another standout is The Rooftop Terrace in Pyrmont; a stylish outdoor venue for larger groups looking to soak up the summer atmosphere.

Christmas Party Restaurants with Private Dining and Festive Menus

If you want a more private and food-focused Christmas party spot in Sydney, there are some standout restaurants with cosy dining areas and festive menus to match. These venues are great for teams, family catchups, or end-of-year client dinners without doubling your December stress.

Foys Kirribilli is a top pick for waterside views and a Christmas package starting at just $39 per person. With space for 110 guests, it’s ideal for bigger groups wanting a scenic, relaxed celebration.
Capriccio Osteria in Leichhardt serves up an Italian menu with a festive twist. Their private dining space holds up to 38 people and is available with a $1,500 minimum spend for an intimate, stylish lunch or dinner.
Georges Mediterranean Restaurant in the CBD offers a private space right by the water, with a session-based hire fee of $5,000. Expect a festive menu with Mediterranean flavours and plenty of space for up to 44 guests seated.
Luna Lu in The Rocks blends modern Asian cuisine with a luxe vibe. Their Christmas package starts from $160 per person and includes private dining for up to 45 seated.