10 Best Christmas Party Venues in Sydney

If you want to host the ideal Christmas party this year, then you've come to the right place. We have put together a list of Christmas party venues in Sydney that will suit your requirements, from budget to capacity. Stuck for ideas? Have a look at our ultimate Sydney Christmas Party Venue guide on how to plan and host the ideal Christmas party in Sydney!

Tips for planning Sydney Christmas parties

Christmas parties can be tricky if they're not planned well - so here are some Christmas party tips in Sydney for you to have the best of the season. You can also read ourultimate guide to planning a staff Christmas partyfor your upcoming events.

Food & Drinks Budget

Before reaching out to venues about your Christmas party, it’s important to have your food, drinks requirements in mind. Venues will often provide a list of food and beverage packages in various budget tiers - from basic canapes and drinks to 3 course dinners with premium beverages, grazing tables and everything in between.

When thinking about your budget, we recommend calculating a per person amount. This gives you a good sense of what you can expect from a food and beverage perspective. For example, if your total budget for food is $15,000 and you have 100 people, your per person budget would be $150 per person. If your budget is anything less than $50 per person, you’re going to have a hard time finding venues within this range - which may mean you’ll negotiate with your boss to increase the budget or downsize your guest list.

If your budget can’t budge and neither can your guest list, a good compromise is for your company to cover a fixed budget on a bar tab plus canapes, then your team pays for their own drinks after the bar tab has run out.

Book your venue well in advance

Christmas is the busiest time of the year for venues, which means popular venues are often booked for your ideal date if you’re enquiring in Q4. To ensure you’re able to secure a great venue for your party, we recommend starting your search in the first half of the year - September at the absolute latest!

Ask about event packages.

When looking for Christmas party locations in Sydney, one of the key considerations would be the availability of event packages. Numerous venues have event packages for holiday parties that can save you time and money during the planning stage.

Event packages generally consist of a selection of services including the hiring of a venue, catering, decorations, and entertainment. By choosing a package, you can guarantee that all elements of your Christmas party are catered for in a single smooth booking. Party packages not only simplify the planning process but also guarantee an organised and well-executed event.

Prioritise comfort

Christmas parties are all about celebrating the festive season in good company. When searching for Christmas party venues in Sydney, consider who's attending the event. If you're hosting a party for clients, make sure the venue is suitable for you. And of course, don't forget lots of tables and chairs! 

Ensure also that there is enough space for all of your guests. What type of activity are you hosting? Is there enough space for it? Whether through the use of an indoor hall or renting tents and marquees, ensure that your guests have room to walk around without feeling cramped. 

Six square feet per person is a good rule of thumb for a standing crowd. If you are planning a standing cocktail event for 100 people, you will multiply 100 by 6 to determine that you need a venue with 600 square feet of available and workable space for the event. 

Bring some Christmas spirit

Your Christmas party experience should be joyful and fun. Even if you're organising corporate Christmas parties, you don't have to be so formal. Incorporate festive decorations and put some holiday cheer in your drinks or food menu by creating holiday cocktails or serving holiday-inspired food. To make the atmosphere festive, decorate the venue with classic Christmas ornaments like wreaths, garlands, Christmas trees and sparkling lights. You can also include themed decorations like snowflakes, Santa Claus figures, and reindeer.

To learn more, follow these 5 ways to create a unique Christmas party.

Best Types of Venues for a Sydney Christmas Party

Sydney is a diverse, gorgeous, and sprawling city with several venues capable of hosting Christmas functions. During this time of the year, you are likely to come across everything from small boutique bars to large multi-purpose halls for Sydney Christmas parties.

To help you prepare for the parties, we've narrowed down the most fun venues to ensure your Sydney Holidays will be merry.

Rooftop Bars for Festive Vibes

Rooftop venues provide an original and memorable Christmas party experience in Sydney. With breathtaking city skyline views and a merry atmosphere, rooftops are a favourite option for casual and formal gatherings.

Waterfront Venues with Iconic Harbour Views

Waterfront venues with iconic harbour views offer an enchanting setting for your Christmas party in Sydney. The picturesque scenery of Sydney Harbour, combined with the twinkling holiday lights, creates a magical atmosphere.

Restaurants and Private Dining Rooms for Delicious Food

Restaurants and private dining rooms are excellent choices for a work Christmas party. These establishments tend to be more formal, which is ideal for large groups. They tend to have lots of fantastic food and beverages to select from, the atmosphere is always lively and they're also very affordable.

Blank Canvas Event Spaces for Flexibility

If you want something a bit different, then blank canvas event venues are an ideal Christmas party venue. These venues don't have any décor and can be decorated any way you choose, so they're great if your Christmas events are themed or require special attention. This allows you to transform the space into a unique and personalised setting that perfectly aligns with your party's vision.

Fun Christmas Party Ideas to Wow Your Guests

Ready to get the holiday celebrations started? There are several ways you can organise your corporate Christmas party that will make it a memorable event. Here are some of them:

Themed Parties: From Winter Wonderland to Aussie Christmas

Themed parties offer an immersive experience that captures the holiday spirit while adding an element of fun and creativity to your Christmas celebration. They are an excellent way to engage attendees and provide memorable moments that stand out.

White Christmas for starters. Make a winter wonderland through the White Christmas theme for your corporate event. This will transport your guests to a magical snowy place complete with shimmering snowflakes, glistening icicles, and frosty décor. Think about incorporating elements like artificial snow, twinkling fairy lights, and elegant white decorations to enhance the winter vibe. You can also integrate a dress code that encourages guests to wear their best winter whites and sparkling accessories.

You can also choose an Aussie Christmas theme, which celebrates the festive season with a unique twist that reflects the lively spirit and warm weather of Australia. Picture a backyard barbecue complete with seafood, pavlova, and laid-back beach vibes.

Entertainment Options: DJs, Bands, or Interactive Activities

As far as entertainment for your Christmas party is concerned, the possibilities are limitless. The right entertainment can transform a good event into a memorable one.

DJs and bands can set the tone for your party and keep the energy high throughout the event. Hiring a DJ can create the right atmosphere with a wonderful mix of holiday songs and current hits. DJs can also take song requests from guests, creating a dynamic and interactive experience.

Other interactive activities, such as karaoke challenges, holiday-themed photo booths, or even a make-your-own cocktail bar, can introduce a lively touch to your event, inviting people to interact and have fun. These events are not only fun but also wonderful icebreakers.

Creative Christmas Games and Competitions

Christmas competitions and games are also a great way of introducing some fun and competitive energy to your company party. Not only do they entertain, but they also promote teamwork and friendship between workers.

Doing an ugly sweater contest, for instance, is a lighthearted and enjoyable activity to engage the whole group. Invite guests to come dressed in their tackiest holiday sweaters and have a price for the "Ugliest Sweater," "Most Creative Sweater," and "Best Do-It-Yourself Sweater."

Another idea is a Secret Santa exchange. It is a fun yet classic game that captures the spirit of gift-giving and receiving without the stress of high-end gifts. In order to plan a successful Secret Santa, place a reasonable amount on spending and make participants anonymously draw names several weeks prior to the event. Invite all to give meaningful, creative, and playful gifts to embody the spirit of the season.

Need more inspo? Why not consider one of these 10 best work Christmas party themes to get excited about.

Top Sydney Suburbs for Christmas Party Venue Hire

Sydney has a lot of places that are perfect for Christmas gatherings. Here is a list of some top spots in Sydney for your next corporate party:

Sydney CBD

Sydney CBD is a favourite location to celebrate in Sydney. There's no limit in Sydney CBD for choices with its lively nightlife atmosphere, plus there are many dining and entertainment options to choose from. If you prefer a rooftop lounge with breathtaking views of the city, a hot restaurant with an excellent dining menu, or a unique event space with a touch of luxury, Sydney CBD has something for everyone.

Check out the venues inSydney CBD here.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a dining, entertainment and residential precinct in Sydney. The harbourside setting gives panoramic views across Sydney Harbour taking in the Sydney Opera House. The area boasts an array of venues that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring you find the right spot for your celebration.

You can even check out one of these 7 amazing Christmas party venues overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Surry Hills

If you are looking for a unique experience, Surry Hills is the destination for you! There are lots of intimate restaurants with outdoor dining areas to dine at as well as galleries to explore.

Check out theseSurry Hills venues.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is a great place for a Christmas party in Sydney, too. Strategically located along the Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay provides picture-perfect sights of iconic places such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The precinct is famous for having a lively setting and plenty of entertainment choices. There are plenty of pubs and bars situated around Circular Quay, so you will have no trouble finding a venue to accommodate your party.

The Rocks

The Rocks is a historic area nestled in the heart of Sydney, brimming with charm and character that makes it a captivating choice for a Christmas party. Known for its cobblestone streets, quaint buildings, and vibrant history, The Rocks offers a distinct backdrop for festive celebrations. The area is home to a variety of venues that can suit any style of Christmas party, from traditional to contemporary.

Check out these venues in The Rocks.

Discover Sydney’s Christmas party venues today!

This year, forego the countless hours spent searching on a search engine for Christmas party locations — we've gone and done it for you! Whether basking in the spectacular views from a rooftop venue or sipping cocktails at the bar, Sydney provides an abundance of highly-rated Christmas party locations to make your function truly unforgettable.

Ring in the holiday season in style! Book your Sydney Christmas party venue today!

Having trouble searching for a holiday party venue? Check out the top-rated party venues in Sydney with VenueNow and book the ideal location for your next Christmas party!

How much do Christmas party Sydney venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Sydney Christmas venues cost between 100 per person and 150 per person. For example, a 200 person Christmas would cost approximately 20000-30000. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Sydney Christmas venues?

Here are some of our favourite Sydney Christmas venues:

1. Doltone House Hyde Park
2. L'Aqua
3. Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
4. Doltone House Darling Island Wharf
5. Dockside
6. Helm Bar
7. Verandah Bar
8. InterContinental Double Bay
9. Kittyhawk
10. Cabana Bar

How do I find and book Sydney Christmas venues?

Finding and booking a Sydney Christmas venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Sydney as your location and Christmas as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Sydney Christmas venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Sydney venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Sydney Christmas venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.