Awesome Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne to Impress Your Guests

16 mins read
Awesome Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne to Impress Your Guests
Written by: Jaya Ramchurn
September 4, 2024
16 mins read

Feeling overwhelmed as the weather gets warmer and Christmas approaches? Don’t be! At Tagvenue, we make finding the perfect venue for your grand holiday bash or small Christmas party a breeze. But what about the party itself?

No worries—we’ve got you covered. Are you celebrating with your work crew or gathering with friends and family? We’ve scouted out Melbourne’s most unique Christmas party venues to bring you deas you can use to make this season to one for the books.

Let’s jingle all the way into this holiday celebration!

Merry venues await you in Melbourne

Find out what Santa has to offer this holiday season. From understated restaurants to grand ballrooms, we have something just for you.

Classy Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne

Unique doesn’t mean off-the-wall! Sometimes, a well-planned Christmas dinner at a top-notch spot is all it takes to impress your guests as you enjoy the season. Or maybe you’re up for wine tasting or cocktail crafting to beat Melbourne’s summer heat!

Good news—we’ve got you covered with a list of must-try classy activities and location suggestions across Brunswick, Carlton, Thornbury, and just about anywhere in the city

1. A Christmas Dinner at Aviary Hotel

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Try a dinner for two or with your favourite crew in Melbourne at the Aviary Hotel.

Nothing sleighs quite like a dinner party at Aviary Hotel. 

The White Room at Aviary is ideal for an elegant Christmas dinner party. Its vintage charm, beautifully ornamented bar, and traditional ceilings will make your guests feel like they’re stepping into a Christmas card—minus the snow and frostbite.

The space can be tailored to your needs, comfortably hosting up to 80 guests who can indulge in canapés served by your very own waiter from the private bar.

And guess what? Aviary in Richmond offers a range of Christmas packages, including canapés, set menus, and beverage options for a memorable event.

But if Aviary isn’t your style, no worries—our top Christmas restaurant picks are ready to sleigh your expectations!

  • Kingpin CrownKingpin Crown is the go-to for office and group parties. It offers four private bowling lanes and a dedicated host for your Christmas event, making it a top choice for a fun and memorable gathering.
  • Rice Paper Scissors FitzroyLocated in Fitzroy, Rice Paper Scissors embraces the Christmas spirit with its shared dining experience. The restaurant’s attentive service and a menu with hearty options like beef Benedict and mouth-watering scones make it the perfect spot for a festive group feast.
  • Two Hands Rooftop BarTwo Hands Rooftop Bar in Abbotsford brings laid-back, tropical vibes to your party. Their menu of finger foods and affordable packages make it easy to host a relaxed gathering, with the option to add on DJ hire, pool table access, and more for a complete holiday party experience.

2. Host a Wine Tasting

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A wine for a wine makes Christmas merry and bright! DÉSIR Wine & Cocktail Lounge

Wine tasting epitomises an elegant Christmas experience, and DÉSIR Wine & Cocktail Lounge in Caroline Springs sets the perfect scene. 

For those looking for a place to celebrate with friends or host a small office party, DÉSIR combines elegance with privacy.   Get transported into a festive fantasy reminiscent of a cosy holiday scene from “The Holiday.”

This chic lounge offers an array of exquisite wines paired with delectable treats like Coconut Prawn Tacos, Cheese Platters, and Croquettes. The shared platters and jam doughnuts add a sweet finishing touch to your holiday feast. 

The cosy, chic decor and the classy baby grand piano give your party a touch of timeless charm.

3. Paint & Sip at Pinot Picasso

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Sip on some delicious vino while showing off your art skills this Christmas! Pinot Picasso

Painting at Pinot Picasso transforms the way you see colours and art, and it’s proven to boost happiness

Raise a glass and channel your inner Charles Blackman this Christmas season at Pinot Picasso!

Pinot Picasso’s workshops offer a laid-back atmosphere where you and your mates, family, or work crew can take your time, enjoy great food and drinks, and create your own holiday masterpiece. 

Who knows? This joyful paint stroke might help you discover your hidden artist!

4. Enjoy a Christmas Brunch at Autumn Leaves 

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Brunch at Autumn Leaves, Flemington, allows your guests to slow down and enjoy delicious food and the company of loved ones.

Brunch has become more than a meal; it’s a cherished holiday ritual. At Autumn Leaves, you can enjoy a well-balanced menu that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. Start your morning with delicious options like freshly baked croissants filled with homemade strawberry jam, or savour a comforting lavender latte.

Their flexible packages are designed to fit all budgets for a delightful Christmas experience.

Ensure your brunch menu includes traditional Christmas flavours and ingredients like hot chocolate, mulled wine, freshly baked breads, and pastries. Enjoy egg dishes like quiches and frittatas paired with proteins such as smoked salmon and ham.

Savour side dishes like roasted potatoes and fruit salad, with vegetarian options to cater to all guests.

Brunch at Autumn Leaves allows your guests to slow down and enjoy delicious food and the company of loved ones.

5. Host an All-Day Party at Abbots Yard

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This open-air live music bar in Abbotsford, Victoria Street, brings an exciting twist to holiday celebrations.

Abbots Yard combines a cosy and cool vibe with stylishly converted shipping containers and urban chic decor. Enjoy live tunes until 10 pm, that’ll keep the festive spirit pumping while chowing down on top-notch wood-fired pizzas and seasonal specials to make your Christmas feast a real treat.

Get into the action with pool, darts, shuffleboard, and retro games—ideal for friendly competition and festive fun. And don’t worry about leaving your four-legged mates behind; dogs are welcome too!

Fun Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne

All I want for Christmas is a blast—who wouldn’t? As we tuck into heaps of scrummy food, why not amp up the fun with Christmas games, a boogie, or a movie marathon? It’s not just about who’s around the table but how you celebrate that can make or break your festivities. We’ve rounded up some top-notch ways to have a ripper time this holiday season in Melbourne, so you’re set for a cracker of a Christmas!

Ho, ho, host your party in style!

Explore Melbourne’s best venues, tailored to make your Christmas event unforgettable.

6. Make It a Movie Marathon

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It’s always movie time during the holiday season!  RSPCA Pawdatorium

Snuggle with blankets and snacks and transform your holiday party into a movie marathon night. Grab some pizzas, pour the vino, and you’re all set for the ultimate film fest.

Book a spot like the RSPCA Pawdatorium for an extra magic touch, where you can screen your flicks exclusively for your crew. 

It’s all about those Christmas classics—bring on the festive film fun!

7. Throw a White Elephant Party

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Add character to any Christmas event with the right venue. Chloe’s Room, CBD

A white elephant party is a fun twist on the classic Santa gift exchange. Up the ante by getting everyone to create or craft something special for each other. Have each mate or colleague bring a gift so everyone leaves with a little treasure.

Opt for personalised presents and keepsakes that your guests can cherish for years. Check out these minimalist and meaningful gifts for some brilliant ideas.

8. Host a Dance Party 

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Throw a Christmas Eve party at Khokolat Bar for a night filled with fun and shenanigans!

Get ready to dance your heart out this Christmas! If you’re one of the unlucky (or lucky!) few who can’t make it to the family home but still have a great crew to celebrate with, a dance party is just what you need. 

Create a playlist of your favourite tunes, hire a club, and let loose!

Want to mix fitness with fun? Go for a cardio dance workout—perfect for burning off those Christmas dinner calories while having a blast. 

For a touch of class, check out Bond Melbourne, where you can enjoy a classy dance party!

Alternative Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne

The best thing about Christmas? You can celebrate it however you want! You might end up on Santa’s naughty list, but hey, you’ve got a whole year to work your way back to the nice list. To give you a hand, we’ve put together our top alternative Christmas party ideas in Melbourne!

9. Christmas Murder Mystery

Add a dash of mystery, excitement, and intrigue to your Christmas bash with a murder mystery party! Christmas is all about spreading cheer and celebrating; a murder mystery surely takes the festive spirit up a notch. Your guests will become detectives, actively solving the crime and mingling with other characters.

Go Bananas is one of the top companies that brings Christmas-themed murder mysteries to Melbourne. Let them handle the heavy lifting while you grab your magnifying glasses and get ready to catch the culprit before they slip away!

10. Try an Escape Room 

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Try something new this holiday season with an escape mission! Entermission

Go big or go home this Christmas with a thrilling escape room adventure! There’s no better way to crank up the competition than with VR and video games. 

At Entermission, you’ve got 19 VR escape rooms to choose from. Try their Standing VR Escape Rooms, where the physical space matches the virtual world. Whether navigating Laser Bots, escaping the Manor, or exploring Space Station Tiberia, there’s plenty of fun and challenges to dive into this holiday season. Ready, set, escape!

11. Axe Throwing

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Gather your crew and head to MANIAX—Australia’s ultimate axe-throwing destination!

If you are looking for an alternative Christmas experience that’ll make your event memorable, axe throwing might be the perfect fit! Had a rough year and eager to welcome 2024 with a bang?

Hurl an axe or two in a safe, competitive environment. It’s all about outperforming your mates and keeping the energy high while creating a fun and lively atmosphere for Christmas.

DIY Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne

Christmas can be a pricey affair, and it’s too easy to blow your budget on parties and gifts before December’s even halfway through.

But if DIY is your jam, you’re in luck! Crafting your own Christmas fun means you enjoy the season with your favourite people and still have some cash left over for that dream gift you’ve been eyeing.

Check out our top DIY Christmas ideas to make your party a standout success without breaking the bank!

12. Home Spa Time

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Make people feel cared for with a home spa session.

Sometimes, all your guests need is a bit of pampering! Who could resist a free spa session in the comfort of your home? If you’re gathering with friends or showing some love to the family, a home spa day is the perfect treat. 

Enjoy DIY mani-pedis, funky sheet masks, and cucumber slices for those tired eyes. Everyone will appreciate this thoughtful and relaxing experience during the holiday season.

And, of course, a glass of prosecco is optional but definitely encouraged!

13. Festive Family Feud

What would Santa’s ringtone be—”Santa Baby,” “Earth Song,” or “Anaconda”?

If you’re spending the holidays with family, there’s no better way to crank up the fun than with some friendly family games! While Sonia Kruger might not be in the mix, you can still host your epic Family Feud.

Have one person take on the role of host, reading out the questions and tallying the answers. Divide everyone into two teams, and let the face-offs begin as each team sends a member up to answer.

Print out some festive Family Feud questions and answers, and let the game begin!

14. Throw a Pyjama Party

Who says you need to dress up for the holidays? Ditch the zippers and embrace the ultimate comfort of your cosiest PJs! Why fuss with fancy outfits when you can lounge in style and indulge in all the festive treats?

Serve holiday-themed snacks like gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate with all the trimmings. Maybe even a DIY hot cocoa bar!

15. Hang Some Holiday Decor

Deck out your space for the holidays, whether you’re sprucing up your office or setting the scene for a Zoom Christmas catch-up. Hanging holiday decorations with friends, family, or colleagues is a fantastic way to bond and get creative. Don’t forget to recruit the tallest person to tackle those high spots!

Go beyond the usual red, green, white, and silver. Embrace Aussie holiday touches like festive beach-themed decorations, colourful surfboards with Christmas designs, or even native flora like gum leaves and wattle.

You can also add a touch of fun with Australian-themed ornaments like koalas in Santa hats or reindeer in board shorts. For more inspiration, check out Pinterest.

16. Name That Christmas Tune

Music lovers, it’s your time to shine! Get ready for a Christmas song showdown with a Name That Tune game.

Find a Guess the Song playlist on YouTube, and let the competition begin. This festive game is perfect for Christmas Eve with family and friends. Test your skills by guessing classic Christmas tunes in just 10 seconds!

Don’t forget to keep track of everyone’s scores to crown the ultimate Christmas music champ. And the prize? All the Christmas chocolates you can handle—nothing more, of course! Let the holiday music battles commence!

Office Christmas Party Ideas in Melbourne

Still scratching your head over how to celebrate Christmas with your colleagues this year? If you’re on the party planning committee, you know the pressure of finding fresh and exciting activities for the company’s annual bash. Don’t stress—we’ve lined up some top-notch ideas for you!

17. Melbourne Party Boat Cruise

Who wouldn’t love cruising the Yarra River on the Spaceship Boat? Soak in the stunning cityscape with a glass of bubbly or a cold beer in hand as you dance the night away on a beautiful boat. This one’s always a hit!

18. Casino Function

Want to go all out with a theme? A Classic Vegas or Casino Royale night at Kingpin Crown will have your team rolling the dice in style—a crowd-pleaser.

19. Cabaret & Vampire Show

This show will deliver the goods for those who thrive on the quirky and unusual. Expect your workmates to be buzzing about it for weeks.

20. Melbourne Pub Crawl

Nothing screams “Merry Christmas” like watching your boss get wobbly as you hop from one iconic Melbourne pub to the next. This one’s sure to become a legendary office tale!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Planning your Christmas shindig should be a blast! Our Christmas party ideas are here to make your life easier, and so are our venues. With our smart filters, you can find exactly what you need quickly. Pick a theme, choose your venue, and you’re all set! Good luck, and have a merry one!

Check out these handy resources to make your Christmas party perfect:

FAQ

What are some tips for hosting an easy and enjoyable holiday party in Melbourne?

1. Send invites early: With Melbourne’s busy event calendar, giving your guests plenty of notice to lock in the date is essential.
2. Choose a theme: Pick a venue with an interesting theme or go for an original theme. You can go for something traditional or completely crazy. Check out our Ugly Christmas Sweater Themes, Elegant Christmas Themes, and Christmas Themes for Adults to get inspired.
3. Utilise what you have: Melbournians are creative! Use items from your home or shop locally for unique decorations from places like Queen Victoria Market or Etsy.
4. Overestimate food and beverages: Melbourne is famous for its food scene, so you must stock up on local delicacies and drinks to cater to everyone’s tastes.
6. Consider Melbourne’s love for casual dining—order from local favourites or prepare simple, fresh dishes that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen.
7. Arrange the party wisely: The weather can be unpredictable, so arrange your space to accommodate indoor and outdoor mingling.

Where can I throw a party in Melbourne?

Check out these fantastic and affordable party venues for hire in Melbourne:
The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar: Found in Northcote, this lounge offers a quirky, relaxed atmosphere ideal for small to mid-sized parties. Price per person: as from $5
Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets: Situated in Fitzroy, this venue is full of character and perfect for those looking for something different this Christmas. Minimum spend: as from $750
Ginny’s Lounge @ Brunswick Aces: This stylish lounge is a great option for a full venue hire for a Christmas brunch or lunch. Hourly hire: as from $100
Two Hands Rooftop Bar: This venue in Richmond offers a laid-back rooftop setting, perfect for enjoying Melbourne’s skyline.
Check out our Christmas offers to save up on your holiday party.

How do you organise a small Christmas party in Melbourne?

To plan a successful small Christmas party in Melbourne, follow these steps:
Start planning early: Your guests; social calendars will fill up fast, so start planning well in advance.
Budget appropriately: Set a realistic budget for local catering and venue hire.
Choose a date: Pick a date that doesn’t clash with major Melbourne events, such as the Boxing Day TesT.
Find and book the right venue: Secure a venue that fits your guest list and theme.
Select a Christmas party theme: Consider a theme that resonates with Melbourne’s culture—perhaps a summer beach Christmas or a vintage Melbourne theme.
Plan party activities: Keep your guests entertained with local flavour activities, such as a trivia quiz or a game of backyard cricket.
Choose the caterer and Menu: Opt for local catering, focusing on Melbourne’s love for fresh, seasonal produce, or arrange a BBQ with a gourmet twist.
Ensure everyone gets to the party: Provide clear directions to the venue and consider public transport options, like trams and trains, for easy access.

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