Best Christmas Party Venues in Melbourne

Christmas is a time for friends, family, and presents. It is also the best time to organise a lavish Christmas party for your colleagues or clients. Since Melbourne offers some of Australia's best Christmas parties, it should not surprise you that this area is a must-visit for all your holiday event needs.

Whether you're hosting a small office private party or planning something more grand, there are many things you should know before hosting a Christmas party in Melbourne. Check out the following guide to help in your planning journey.

Top Venue Types for Melbourne Christmas Parties

Rooftop bars, hotel function rooms, boats, you name it! Melbourne has a wide range of venues that you will surely be spoilt with choice. Here are some of our favourites:

Rooftop Bars

Rooftop bars are an increasingly popular choice for Christmas parties. Melbourne's skyline in rooftop venues is breathtaking during the festive season, with city lights twinkling, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration.

Restaurants

Melbourne is home to various restaurants, each offering different styles and cuisines to suit any palate. From high-end chic dining to cosy and intimate settings, you have plenty of choices to find the perfect match for your party's theme and budget.

Boats

Hosting a Christmas party on a boat offers a unique and luxurious experience. Although it is more expensive than a simple restaurant, the experience boats provide is unparalleled. Imagine cruising through the Yarra River or Port Phillip Bay, with fantastic water views to accompany your celebrations.

Hotel Function Rooms

Hotel function rooms offer a classic and versatile option for hosting Christmas parties. These venues provide state-of-the-art facilities, including AV equipment, large spaces, catering, and customisable seating arrangements, making them perfect for small and large gatherings.

6 tips for finding a last-minute Christmas party venue

Top Melbourne Suburbs for Christmas Party Venues

Don't know where to start? Not to worry! Start your search for Christmas party venues in these areas:

Melbourne CBD

The Melbourne CBD is a vibrant location with diverse venue options for any Christmas party. Its central location makes it easily accessible by public transport, allowing guests to travel to your event from different parts of the city.  

Southbank

Located across the Yarra River from the Melbourne CBD, Southbank is known for its bustling promenade, world-class dining establishments, rooftop venues and attractions. Visitors will find a variety of venues perfect for hosting a Christmas party.

South Yarra

South Yarra is another stylish and cosmopolitan Melbourne suburb. It offers upscale boutiques, luxurious dining places, and vibrant nightlife. There are many event spaces here that cater to every type of holiday celebration.

Collingwood

Collingwood is an inner-city suburb in Melbourne known for its eclectic and artistic vibe. It's a suburb with character, featuring a blend of modern and heritage influences. In Collingwood, you'll find various unique venues ranging from trendy warehouses to cosy bars and cafes, ideally suited for a creative and memorable Christmas party.

St Kilda

St Kilda, located just a short distance from the city centre, is another fantastic area in which to find your venues. The suburb is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, iconic landmarks like Luna Park, and bustling nightlife, which provide plenty of entertainment options for your guests.

Typical Budget for a Melbourne Christmas Party

When planning your Christmas party in Melbourne, finding the perfect one that matches your budget is crucial. Of course, you wouldn't want a venue that's too expensive and that you don't have enough money for the other aspects of your party, like catering, decorations, and entertainment. You wouldn't want a venue that's too cheap and compromises your event's quality.

Sample Event Budget Breakdown

Here is a sample budget breakdown to help guide your planning:

Venue Costs: A significant portion of your budget will go toward securing the location for your Christmas party. Here's a rough guide to what you can expect to pay for different types of venues:

• Small Venues (e.g., intimate bars or cafes): $500 - $1,500
• Medium Venues (e.g., function rooms, galleries): $2,000 - $5,000
• Large Venues (e.g., ballrooms, large event spaces): $6,000 - $10,000+

Catering and Beverages: Options range from cocktail parties with canapes to sit-down dinners with multiple courses. Typically, catering costs range from $50 to $150 per person. This includes:

• Cocktail Reception: $50 - $80 per person
• Buffet Style: $70 - $100 per person
• Formal Dinner: $100 - $150 per person

Some venues offer beverage packages with a selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. These packages range from $30 to $80 per person.

Entertainment: When it comes to entertainment, the right choice can significantly enhance the atmosphere of your Christmas party. Here are some potential costs to consider:

• Live Band: Hiring a live band may offer lively and engaging music to keep attendees moving. Depending on the band’s popularity and size, costs range from $1,000 to $5,000.
• DJ Services: Prices typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the DJ's experience and the duration of their set.
• Magicians or Entertainers: Unique entertainment options like magicians can add a touch of magic to your event. Expect to pay around $400 to $1,500, depending on the performer’s reputation and the complexity of their act.
• Photo Booths: A photo booth offers guests a fun way to create keepsakes from the event. Props and prints are included in rental costs, which usually range between $300 and $1,000.

Key Questions to Ask Before Finalising Your Venue

When you begin selecting the perfect venue for your Christmas party in Melbourne, several key questions can help ensure you make the best choice for your event. This includes:

1. What is the Venue’s Capacity?
2. What is Included in the Venue Hire Fee? Are There Any Hidden Costs?
3. What Are the Venue's Catering Policies?
4. What AV and Technical Support is Available?
5. What Are the Parking and Transport Options?
6. When is the Venue's Accessibility?
7. What is the Contact Duration and Flexibility? What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
8. Are There Decor Restrictions in Place?

Asking these questions will ensure that your event is planned without surprises. Understanding these aspects will also help you find the perfect venue.

Check out this Guide to Planning Your Corporate Christmas Party to learn more.

Discover unique Melbourne Christmas party venues with ease.

There's nothing like getting into the Christmas spirit with your colleagues, celebrating and letting loose. But holiday party planning does take time and lots of work. With VenueNow, you'll find your perfect Christmas party venue within minutes, which means more time for planning the other fun bits, like themes, gifts and after-party shenanigans. With a wide range of event spaces, you can quickly discover unique Christmas party venues in Melbourne.

So what are you waiting for? Explore VenueNow's Christmas party venues and start planning today!

How much do Melbourne Christmas venues cost?

What are the top Christmas function venues Melbourne?

Here are some of our favourite Melbourne Christmas venues:

1. Cookie Melbourne
2. Eureka 89
3. Ludlow Bar
4. The Imperial Hotel
5. Magic Mountain Saloon
6. Rokeby 100
7. La Di Da
8. Hophaus
9. Aerial
10. Crown Melbourne

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