Melbourne knows how to party, and Christmas is no exception. From rooftop bars with skyline views to creative team-building activities and glamorous gala nights, the city offers endless ways to celebrate the season. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or looking for work Christmas party ideas Melbourne companies will love, the key is pairing the right venue with entertainment that gets everyone in the festive spirit.

Here are 10 of the best Christmas party ideas in Melbourne for 2025, complete with examples, venue ideas, entertainment suggestions, and tips to make your celebration unforgettable.

Rooftop cocktails overlooking the city

Melbourne’s skyline comes alive during summer evenings, making rooftop bars a perfect choice for Christmas celebrations. Venues like Madame Brussels, Naked in the Sky, or QT Rooftop Bar combine views, cocktails, and a festive atmosphere.

Why it works: Rooftop settings create a glamorous but relaxed vibe, ideal for after-work functions or client entertaining.

Make it special: Make it unique to your guests with personalised drinks menus, or takeaway cookies! 

Entertainment tip: Pair your rooftop gathering with a DJ to keep the atmosphere upbeat. Add a photo booth with festive props so guests leave with instant keepsakes.

River cruise along the Yarra

A private Christmas cruise on the Yarra River offers a unique backdrop for celebrations. With food, drinks, and live music on board, your guests can enjoy the city lights in style.

There are plenty of suppliers in Melbourne, check out: Yarra River Cruises, Melbourne River Cruises, or ON A BOAT - they all have great reviews and the perfect idea for your next Christmas party in Melbourne! 

Why it works: Cruises are memorable, private, and feel exclusive, perfect for larger groups or work Christmas party functions.

Entertainment tip: Hire a live band for acoustic sets during dinner, then transition to a  DJ led dance floor once the sun goes down.

Winery tour in the Yarra Valley

Just an hour from the CBD, the Yarra Valley is a go-to for groups looking to indulge in fine wine and food. A day trip visiting wineries, breweries, and gourmet restaurants creates a festive outing without the stress of planning.

Here are some top vineyards in the Yarra valley that could be great for your work or personal Christmas party:

• TarraWarra Yarra Valley Winery, Restaurant & Cellar Door
• Yerring Station Winery 
• Oakridge Wines
• Yileena Park

Check out each of the venues' private venues, you could hire out a space and host an epic Christmas party with wine served all night long! 

Why it works: Combines luxury with relaxation, and lets your guests or team bond over shared experiences.

Entertainment tip: Organise a limousine hire to transport the group, giving the day a touch of red-carpet glamour.

A Christmas picnic in the Botanic Gardens

If you’re after relaxed Christmas party ideas in Melbourne that families or teams can enjoy, a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens is ideal. Catered grazing tables, marquees, and lawn games create a festive but affordable option.

Why it works: It’s casual, inclusive, and perfect for larger groups.

Entertainment tip: Add a magician for roaming entertainment to wow guests, and set up a marquee hire for shade and comfort.

Sip & Paint session

Melbourne’s art culture makes a sip and paint party a very popular choice for team-building or social Christmas functions. Guests can enjoy wine and nibbles whilst painting a festive-themed masterpiece! 

There are a few options to bring this idea to life.

• Firstly, consider hiring a venue: 
  • Canvas House is great for larger groups 
  • Arts House an art venue so fitting for a sip and paint event! 
  • Second Story better suited for mid-sized events or more intimate gatherings
  • Ladder Art Space offers light-filled, flexible layouts, geared toward creative sessions
• Choose a venue who offers a sip and paint set up: 
  • Champainting Melbourne, a solid pick with many reviews, good for casual groups or special occasions.
  • Ladder Art Space which has a more artistic atmosphere
  • ArtBar Melbourne is good for corporate events, larger groups or those wanting something a bit different.
  • Frida’s Sip n’ Paint Camberwell, If you’re looking for something friendly, fun and social.

Why it works: Encourages creativity and guarantees plenty of laughs. Everyone leaves with their own “artwork” as a souvenir.

Entertainment tip: After the class, finish the night with a DJ to keep the festive vibe alive back at the office or a private venue.

Private dining with a festive feast

Book one of Melbourne’s fine dining restaurants or a private dining room for a Christmas banquet. Venues like Vue de Monde, Chin Chin, or Cutler & Co. offer curated menus that add a sense of occasion.

Why it works: Suits groups who want sophistication and the chance to focus on great food and conversation.

Entertainment tip: A jazz band or acoustic duo provides the perfect musical backdrop. For a fun twist, set up a photo booth so guests capture memories between courses. Also make sure to hire a photographer to capture all of the moments, and the delicious food! 

Go and see a show!
Melbourne’s thriving arts scene means comedy clubs and cabaret venues are a great choice for festive nights. From The Comic’s Lounge to local theatre productions, laughter and spectacle make for a memorable Christmas event.

Some shows for your party: 

• The Nutcracker (Ballet)
• Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare)
• A regular stand-up show at Comedy Republic
• Club Voltaire - They run a Sunday Night Stand-Up Comedy Show at ~7:30pm
• Cabaret Ridiculous (at Speakeasy Theatre)

Why it works: Light-hearted and interactive, it’s perfect for mixed-age or corporate groups.

Entertainment tip: After you’ve seen the show, head to a private venue for delicious food (from a caterer), serve up drinks all night long with a bartender, and book a DJ to take over after the show and turn the evening into a dance party.

Glamorous gala night

Go all-out with a themed gala in a ballroom or function centre. Popular 2026 themes include “Hollywood Glamour,” “Masquerade Ball,” and “White Christmas.” Think red carpets, elegant décor, and a formal dining experience.

Melbourne hosts a wide range of venue options, check out these options: 

• The Plaza Ballroom at the Regent Theatre – a heritage venue with art-deco opulence, perfect for a grand celebration.
• Crown Palladium – one of Melbourne’s premier gala spaces with high ceilings, chandeliers and a full-service events team.
• The Langham Ballroom – offering river views and five-star service for a luxury black-tie event.
• Metropolis Events (Southbank) – floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Yarra River, ideal for modern glamour themes.
• Park Hyatt Melbourne Ballroom – sophisticated and spacious, suited for charity galas and corporate awards nights.

Why it works: Large-scale galas impress clients and reward teams with a night to remember.

Entertainment tip: Hire a live show band to kick off the night, then a DJ to keep the dance floor packed until late. Add a magician for table entertainment during dinner service.

Adventure day trip

For something different, treat your friends, family, or team to an outdoor adventure. Options include beach volleyball at St Kilda, kayaking on the Yarra or even hot-air ballooning in the Yarra Valley. You could even add a competitive twist to your day to keep everyone engaged, things like scavenger hunts, relay races or a mini “Amazing Race” challenge around the city!

Some adventure companies across Melbourne who could help: 

• Go Boat Melbourne – self-drive electric picnic boats departing from Docklands; perfect for casual team outings on the Yarra.
• Global Ballooning Australia – sunrise flights over the Yarra Valley or city skyline with post-flight breakfast options.
• Kayak Melbourne – guided paddles along the Yarra, including twilight and city-lights tours.
• Urban Quest – interactive team-building adventures combining puzzles and city exploration, great for larger groups.
• Rogue Sausage Outdoor Events – specialists in outdoor corporate games, beach Olympics and active day-trip coordination.
• Wild Adventures Melbourne – eco-tours and coastal adventures for smaller, nature-loving groups.

Why it works: Active parties encourage bonding and make memories beyond the usual sit-down meal.

Entertainment tip: Wrap up the day with a catered BBQ and live band, or book a marquee hire at a park for an evening celebration with a DJ.

Christmas limo crawl

Why not make the journey part of the fun? Hire a limousine to take your group on a Christmas crawl through Melbourne’s best bars, festive light displays or late-night venues. You could turn it into a bar and food crawl, going to all of the top spots across the city! 

Some points to stop at along the way: 

• For great food: 
  • Chin Chin (Flinders Lane) – iconic modern Asian dining with bold flavours and a buzzing atmosphere.
  • Stokehouse (St Kilda) – fine dining with beachfront views, perfect for a sunset dinner stop.
  • Hochi Mama (CBD) – vibrant Vietnamese-fusion dishes ideal for sharing.
  • Arbory Afloat (on the Yarra) – summer pop-up restaurant and bar with a festive riverside vibe.
  • Lollo at W Melbourne – chic hotel restaurant with luxe interiors and a Christmas-party-worthy menu
• For great drink: 
  • Eau de Vie (Malthouse Lane) – speakeasy-style cocktail bar with theatrical drinks and moody lighting.
  • Nick & Nora’s (Collins St) – glamorous rooftop champagne and cocktail lounge with skyline views.
  • Heartbreaker (Russell St) – retro dive bar with great music and energy for a more casual stop.
  • Section 8 (Tattersalls Lane) – iconic laneway container bar, perfect for that Melbourne street-party vibe.
  • Fable Melbourne (Lonsdale St) – stylish rooftop bar for a final celebratory toast with panoramic city views.

Why it works: Adds a VIP experience to the night and eliminates travel hassles.

Why entertainment makes or breaks your Christmas party

No matter the venue, it’s the entertainment that defines the energy of the night. A DJ or live band ensures seamless flow from start to finish, while extras like magicians, photo booths, and limousine hire add unique touches that make your Christmas party stand out.

Melbourne is known for its love of live music and creativity, so invest in entertainment that reflects that energy!