Brisbane’s subtropical climate, vibrant dining scene and endless outdoor spaces make it one of Australia’s best cities for festive celebrations. Whether you’re after a chic riverside dinner, a laid-back rooftop cocktail evening or a high-energy night on the dance floor, there’s no shortage of Christmas party ideas Brisbane locals and companies can enjoy.

Here are 10 creative and memorable Christmas party ideas in Brisbane for 2026 - complete with examples, entertainment tips and ideas for making your celebration the highlight of the year.

1. Riverside dining at Felons Brewing Co.

Nestled right on the river with unbeatable views of the Story Bridge, Felons Brewing Co. is one of Brisbane’s standout spots for a Christmas celebration. The relaxed, vibrant vibe makes it perfect for work parties or catch-ups with friends. You can sip on their signature craft beers or cocktails while enjoying hearty share plates and modern Australian dishes. The spacious indoor and outdoor areas mean everyone can mingle comfortably, soak in the riverside scenery, and take in the festive atmosphere without feeling rushed or cramped.

Why it works: Felons combines great food, drinks and views with a casual, fun vibe. It’s the perfect place for bringing people together. Guests can relax, chat and celebrate the season in a setting that’s memorable but not overly formal.

Entertainment tip: Hire a photographer to capture candid moments by the river. For a playful twist, plan a fun trivia.

2. Rooftop cocktail party at the Terrace

Celebrate under the stars at the Terrace at Emporium Hotel, one of Brisbane’s best rooftop spots for a festive night out. With sweeping skyline views, stylish seating, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s perfect for sipping cocktails and enjoying canapés with colleagues or friends. The layout makes it easy to move around, chat and take in the views, giving everyone a chance to relax and celebrate in style. For those looking for fun Christmas party ideas in Brisbane, a rooftop cocktail evening like this is hard to beat.

Why it works: Rooftops instantly feel both glamorous and casual. At The Terrace, the combination of skyline views, great drinks and a lively yet laid-back vibe makes it easy for groups to unwind, celebrate wins and enjoy a memorable evening together.

Entertainment tip: Set up a few casual table games or a Christmas-themed trivia quiz. It’s a low-pressure way to get teams laughing and interacting while enjoying the city views.

3. River cruise along the Brisbane River

Treat your guests to a fun and festive night on the water with a private Brisbane River cruise. As the city lights sparkle along the skyline, everyone can relax with tasty food, drinks in hand and music or entertainment that suits your crew. It’s a laid-back but memorable way to celebrate, whether you’re with colleagues, friends or family.

Why it works: A river cruise offers a fresh, scenic twist on the traditional Christmas party. Guests can relax, chat and enjoy the stunning cityscape without feeling rushed, making it a memorable and social way to celebrate the season.

Entertainment tip: Keep the evening lively with a live acoustic duo or a DJ on board, depending on the vibe you want.

4. Christmas picnic in the Botanic Gardens

For a relaxed and budget-friendly way to celebrate, plan a catered Christmas picnic at the City Botanic Gardens. Spread out blankets or hire a marquee for shade, and set up lawn games like giant Jenga, croquet or frisbee to keep everyone entertained. Add festive grazing platters, refreshing drinks and a few personal touches like fairy lights or cushions to make it feel special. This is a perfect option if you’re exploring work Christmas party ideas in Brisbane that are fun and casual.

Why it works: A picnic keeps things casual, relaxed and social. The open-air setting and playful vibe make it easy for everyone to unwind and enjoy the festive season together.

Entertainment tip: Carry along a portable speaker for some background music, or a festive quiz and team challenges to get everyone laughing and interacting.

5. Paint-and-sip night at Pinot & Picasso

Give your team a fun, hands-on way to celebrate with a paint-and-sip session at Pinot & Picasso Brisbane. The studio has a bright, welcoming vibe where everyone can relax, sip some wine and have a laugh while creating their own artwork. It’s a laid-back, creative way for colleagues, friends or small groups to unwind, connect and enjoy a memorable celebration together.

Why it works: A paint-and-sip session is a fun, low-pressure way to get everyone talking and laughing. It sparks creativity, encourages teamwork in a relaxed setting and gives guests something tangible to remember the day by.

Entertainment tip: Set up a large canvas where everyone adds their own touches. By the end of the night, you’ve got a unique group artwork to display or gift as a keepsake.

6. Distillery Tour at Beenleigh Artisan Distillers

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to celebrate with your team? Head to Beenleigh Artisan Distillers, located on the banks of the Albert River in Eagleby. This place offers a 30-minute guided tour where you can dive into the rich history of rum-making, dating back to 1884. After the tour, enjoy a tasting session featuring their signature rums and vodkas, crafted on-site. With free parking available, it's an easy and enjoyable outing for groups looking to unwind and enjoy some quality spirits.

Why it works: It’s perfect for teams who enjoy trying new things and want a relaxed, memorable outing.

Entertainment tip: Add a friendly twist by hosting a mini tasting challenge and see who can identify the botanicals. Pair it with a grazing platter or small bites to keep the festive vibes going.

7. Private dining at OTTO Brisbane

If your group is after a slightly fancy but still relaxed Christmas celebration, OTTO Brisbane is a great pick. Their private dining room looks out over the Brisbane River, giving you a beautiful backdrop while you eat, drink and chat. You can tuck into a festive menu of modern Italian dishes and sip on some hand-picked wines or cocktails. It’s a top choice for anyone searching for Christmas party ideas in Brisbane that combine style, comfort and great food.

Why it works: A private dining room gives your group a cozy, exclusive space to celebrate together.

Entertainment tip: Keep things fun with a mini wine or cocktail tasting, or add a little friendly competition with a festive trivia quiz between courses.

8. Adventure day at Mount Coot-tha

Give your team a break from the office and enjoy a day out in nature at Mount Coot-tha. Start with a scenic group hike along one of the easy-to-moderate trails, taking in the panoramic views of Brisbane and the surrounding bushland. Once everyone’s had a chance to stretch their legs, settle down for a relaxed picnic with grazing platters, snacks and drinks at one of the lookout spots. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy fresh air and celebrate the festive season together, all while soaking up some of Brisbane’s best scenery.

Why it works: Spending time outdoors gives your team a chance to relax, reconnect and enjoy something different from the usual office routine.

Entertainment tip: Turn the picnic into a little friendly competition with lawn games like frisbee, bocce or a scavenger hunt along the trails. It keeps everyone engaged and adds a playful, festive vibe to the day.

9. Masquerade ball at Tattersall’s Club Grand Ballroom

If you’re in the mood to go all out this Christmas, the Grand Ballroom at Tattersall’s Club in the CBD is the perfect spot for a glam masquerade party. Think high ceilings, polished details and plenty of space to dance the night away. You can pick a theme like Hollywood Glamour or Great Gatsby, add some sparkling décor and let everyone show up in their best masks. Add delicious food and drinks, and the night becomes something everyone will talk about. It’s a standout option if you’re looking for work Christmas party ideas in Brisbane that really impress.

Why it works: It’s a fresh twist on the usual end-of-year party; elegant, exciting and guaranteed to get people talking.

Entertainment tip: Hire a live jazz band or a roaming sax player to really set the mood. It adds that touch of old-school glamour that suits the setting perfectly.

10. Limousine tour of the city lights

Turn your Christmas night into an adventure with a limousine tour around Brisbane. Hop in with your team or friends and enjoy the luxury ride as you cruise past the city’s sparkling Christmas light displays. Plan stops at a few of Brisbane’s best bars or a pre-booked private dinner to mix things up, or just sit back with some festive drinks and let the city lights do the entertaining. It’s relaxed, memorable, and a fun way to celebrate the season without worrying about traffic, parking, or getting from place to place.

Why it works: It’s a stress-free way to celebrate while still feeling special. Everyone gets to relax, chat and enjoy the city lights together.

Entertainment tip: Bring along a festive playlist curated by your DJ, and consider booking a photo booth at the final venue for a big finish.

Why entertainment makes the difference

No matter which idea you choose, your entertainment will define the mood. A band brings live energy, a DJ ensures seamless transitions and extras like magicians, photo booths, marquees and limousine hire elevate even the simplest party. Brisbane has no shortage of venues, but it’s the entertainment that makes your Christmas party truly memorable.

Make it a Christmas party to remember in Brisbane

Whether you’re planning rooftop cocktails, riverside dining or a full-scale masquerade ball, Brisbane offers countless ways to make your Christmas party shine in 2025. The secret? Pairing the perfect venue with entertainment that keeps the energy high. With Bark, you can connect with trusted Brisbane suppliers for DJs, marquee hire, magicians, limousine hire, band entertainment and photo booths to ensure your party is more than just another event!