Quirky Christmas Party Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Quirky Christmas Party Venues Hire Guide

Around Melbourne city centre, you’ll find just about every type of venue for a Christmas party, from restaurants to rooftop bars, cocktail lounges and even an old prison! Other quirky venues include karaoke bars, spas for hire and bars with waterslides. On top of that, there are also plenty of options in South Melbourne and South Yarra, including micro-breweries, games-themed venues, and many old Victorian conversions providing a unique setting for any occasion.

How to choose the perfect unique Christmas party venue in Melbourne

We know that hosting a holiday party is no easy task, and we want to help you and your guests have the best festive celebration of the year. And we know how much the right venue can help with that! Based on our experience, here are some pointers to remember when choosing a venue for your quirky Christmas party in Melbourne:

Budget: Determine your total spending at the beginning of your planning. Knowing how much you can afford at the very beginning will save you the disappointment of wasting time considering a venue that is too expensive for you or having to pay for extras that you were not prepared for. Set aside a sum of money that can be used in case of unexpected expenses.

Location: When searching for a venue, think about where it would be best for your party to take place. Consider where your guests may be coming from in the city. Look for party spots near airports or train stations if you have guests arriving from outside the city. If you’re organising a corporate Christmas party, finding a venue near your workplace could be a good idea.

Size: Think carefully about how many people will come to your party and choose a Christmas party venue that will comfortably fit everyone. A too small venue may have your guests cramming and squeezing, and if you’re inviting guests with their children, they may not have enough space to play. A too big venue will make your party feel impersonal. Paying for space that won’t be used isn’t budget-friendly either. If you’re not sure whether the size of the venue will be for your party, you can visit the event space or ask the venue manager for some extra photos or a virtual tour.

Menu: When organising a holiday party, especially a Christmas one, it’s important to carefully think about the menu. While some guests may expect a traditional menu, with turkey, Christmas pudding, Pavlova and Australia’s staple - grilled prawns, for others this may sound like the worst nightmare. For guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, the traditional Christmas menu may also be limited in options. That’s why, when agreeing on the menu, it is important to take your guests’ diets into consideration, or make sure they can make changes in their orders.

Décor: This one’s especially important if you’re aiming for a quirky work Christmas party. Search for venues that will match the vibe of your event or ones that can be easily transformed for it. If you’re booking your event venue ahead of time, when the Christmas décor isn’t up yet, it might be wise to contact the venue manager to discuss their plans or request pictures of previous seasons. If you want to transform the space to fit exactly into your plan it’s best to look for blank canvas spaces, like lofts or studios.

Other important things worth checking before booking your Xmas party venue are accessibility, parking and extra amenities. Be mindful of guests who may have limited mobility and check whether the venue has ramps for wheelchair access and elevators. If your guests are arriving with children make sure they will be able to enter the venue with strollers, and that breastfeeding mums will have space to feed their children. Check also whether the venue has parking spots, and if not, find out where in the area your guests can leave their cars. If you will need anything extra for your event, like mics, speakers, or a projector, ask the venue manager if they can provide them, and if not ask whether you can bring your own and use it in the space.

If you keep this short list in mind, your Christmas party in Melbourne is going to be a blast!

Work Christmas party ideas in Melbourne for your holiday party in 2023

Stuck for ideas? Here are some unique Christmas party ideas in Melbourne:

Waterfront: One of the most popular Christmas party venues for Melbourne is a party with a waterfront view. This could be at one of the many quirky venues along the Yarra River at South Wharf, Docklands and Federation Square. Alternatively, you could host your end-of-year function along the stunning Port Phillip Bay, turning it into an unforgettable Melbourne Christmas event space.

Party outdoors: Instead of a formal indoor party, why not head outdoors for your Christmas party? It’s the middle of summer, after all! Hire a band, set up a stage, arrange some food trucks and create your own office Christmas party festival. No need to worry if you’re not too lucky with the weather, as most outdoor venues in Melbourne offer indoor facilities as a backup plan, ensuring various Christmas venue options.

Themed party: How about a bit of fancy dress? This kind of party is great for large corporations where most of the year is about meeting deadlines and working overtime. A themed dress-up allows everyone to chill out and get silly for the night, transforming the celebration into a unique and offbeat Christmas gathering. Why not get the office to come as elves or Santa’s helpers, making the most of these creative and unusual venues for Christmas parties in Melbourne?

FAQs about Quirky Christmas Party Venues in Melbourne

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

Many of Melbourne’s Christmas venues offer packages for the festive events, with prices ranging between $19 to $90 per person. You can also find party venues that operate on a minimum-spend basis, with prices starting at $300. Pricing may change depending on the size of the venue, as well as the day and time of the Christmas celebration. For more details and special deals on Melbourne party venues, don’t hesitate to contact venue managers. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

How can I make the quirky Christmas party venue hire more affordable?

If you’re looking for more affordable options for your venue hire in Melbourne, you can look for unique Xmas venues that operate on a minimum spend basis. This will mean that you don’t have to pay for hiring the venue but agree that you and your guests will spend the set amount on food and drinks. You can also look for holiday party venues that have a BYO policy, where you pay for the hire of the venue but bring food or drinks on your own, which can be a more affordable option.

Can you recommend some of the best quirky Christmas party venues in Melbourne?

Sure! Here are some of our top picks for unique Christmas party venues:

• Aquadonut: If a floating BBQ doughnut-shaped boat doesn’t say quirky, nothing will. Great for a unique Christmas celebration. Guest rating: 4.3/5 
• The Cocktail Room at Ms Collins: Combine the Hollywood glitz of the 1920s with delectable street food and cocktails - it's a guarantee of a great, quirky Christmas party experience! Guest rating: 4.8/5
• Old Melbourne Gaol: A one-of-a-kind venue that uses an old prison building. With its unique combination of grunge and glam, this place will make for a great festive party spot. Guest rating: 5.0/5

Which area of Melbourne is good for hiring a quirky Christmas venue?

When looking for a venue in Melbourne, you can never go wrong with starting your search in the CBD. It’s a great spot for an office holiday party, but its central location is also convenient for all sorts of quirky events. St Kilda is worth checking if you’re after more historical venues. Also, if you walk down Chapel Street in South Yarra, you will find plenty of venues that are perfect for quirky and unconventional Christmas celebrations.