Personal, tested, and genuinely fun: our go-to Xmas party ideas
We’ve planned and attended more Christmas parties than we can count, some brilliant, some forgettable. Over the years, we’ve learned what actually works when you’re organising something for friends, family, or your social crew. This list isn’t recycled from every other blog. These are real ideas we’ve either done ourselves or had recommended by people we trust.
Whether it’s a last-minute night out or a carefully planned celebration, every suggestion below is something we’d recommend without hesitation. You’ll find a mix of festive fun for small groups, medium gatherings, and big end-of-year blowouts. They’re all Melbourne-based, easy to organise, and full of the kind of energy that makes a Christmas get-together feel memorable without ever feeling like a work function.
Fun Christmas party ideas for small groups (2–6 people)
When it’s just a couple of mates or a close-knit group, you want something that feels more fun than formal but still worthy of the festive season. These are the kinds of activities we’ve actually booked, enjoyed, and recommended to others. Some are quick to organise, some are a little extra, but all of them are perfect for those relaxed end-of-year get-togethers that don’t feel like a full-blown function.
1. Escape room or VR challenge
We did this with a group of four last December and couldn’t stop laughing for days. Whether you’re cracking puzzles in a horror-themed escape room or throwing snowballs in VR, it’s a fun activity that pulls everyone into the same moment. Ideal for small groups who want something interactive without committing to a whole night out.
Look for options around the CBD. There are loads of themed rooms and tech-driven setups across Melbourne. It’s easy to book, doesn’t require much planning, and you can follow it up with cocktails or dessert to keep the night going.
2. Dessert crawl through Melbourne’s best sweet spots
Skip dinner and go straight to the fun stuff. We’ve done a three-stop dessert crawl with everything from créme brulée to cannoli, and it was somehow both ridiculous and brilliant. Melbourne has a wide range of dessert bars. Try Brunetti, Black Star, or Bibelot, and finish with gelato and a riverside walk.
It’s a great low-key option for small groups who don’t want to commit to a restaurant booking. You can start in Carlton and work your way toward the city or stick to one laneway and sample everything it has to offer.
3. Rooftop dinner or cocktails with a festive twist
There’s something about a rooftop bar at Christmas that just hits differently. We’ve celebrated more than one Xmas party with a warm night, fairy lights, and Aperols in hand. Some of the best Christmas party venues Melbourne has to offer are up in the sky, such as Loop Roof, Johnny’s Green Room, or Good Heavens.
They often offer seasonal food and beverage menus or Christmas party packages, so keep an eye out. If you're looking for Melbourne Christmas party ideas that feel cool and easy but still festive, this is a winner.
4. Board game café hangout
Looking for fun that doesn’t require anyone to “perform”? Board game cafés are perfect. There’s food, drinks, a bit of friendly competition, and no pressure to make conversation the whole time. We’ve spent a few low-key festive nights at Queen of Spades in Fitzroy, which is licensed, central, and full of great games.
It’s ideal for a smaller group where you want something relaxed and inclusive. Add a couple of festive cocktails, and it turns into a really good Christmas party idea without any of the stress of a traditional function.
5. Gallery or museum late-night + drinks
This one’s a bit of a sleeper hit. We did an NGV Friday night session last year, and it ended up being one of our favourite festive-season hangouts. The mix of art, DJs, and drinks made for a genuinely cool Christmas party Melbourne moment. Plus, no one had to shout over each other to talk.
If you’re looking for Melbourne Christmas party ideas that are fun, a little classy, and still social, this one delivers. Pair it with a nearby laneway bar or café for a full night out.
6. Wreath- or candle-making class with wine
Honestly? More fun than we expected. It started as a random booking and ended with all of us holding up wonky wreaths like proud kids at a school function. There are great festive workshops running across Melbourne in November and December many come with a glass of wine or a full cocktail option.
It’s creative, surprisingly relaxing, and you leave with something to take home. If you’re after a Christmas activity that feels seasonal without being too full-on, this one’s worth it.
7. Progressive dinner through Melbourne’s laneways
If you’re stuck choosing one place, don’t. This one’s a classic when no one in the group can decide. We like to pick three stops: one for starters and wine, one for mains, and one for dessert or espresso martinis. Start around Hardware Lane and let the city guide you.
It turns into a bit of a Christmas-themed adventure, and there are loads of cool bars and restaurants across Melbourne that welcome small bookings, even during the festive season. You’ll feel like you’re discovering new favourites in your own city, and it’s a great way to party like a local.
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Cool Christmas party ideas for medium groups (7–15 people)
Once you’re in that sweet spot of seven to fifteen people, the party planning gets interesting. You need something that can scale easily, suit different personalities, and keep everyone engaged without feeling like a corporate party package. These are the medium-group Christmas party ideas we’ve tested ourselves — and they’ve all delivered on fun, flexibility, and easy group dynamics.
8. Paint and sip night
This one always ends with someone laughing too hard to paint. We’ve done paint and sip with a group of ten and it was the perfect mix of structured fun and relaxed conversation. Most studios offer festive options during December — think Christmas trees, starry skies, or a reindeer with attitude.
Add a few bottles of wine or go for a venue that includes cocktails, and it becomes a great way to break the ice. Perfect for mixed groups or a get-together where not everyone knows each other well.
9. Backyard BBQ + outdoor cinema
We did this for our last end-of-year celebration and it felt like the ultimate Aussie Christmas party. Set up a projector, throw some beanbags on the grass, and let everyone bring something for the BBQ. You don’t need a big backyard to make it work — a driveway, local park, or borrowed courtyard does the trick.
Load up a Christmas movie (or something chaotic like Elf or Die Hard), hand out the glow sticks, and it’s instantly festive fun. Easy to organise, budget-friendly, and a great balance of food and entertainment.
10. Karaoke roulette with a Christmas theme
This one lives in our group chat legend. We booked a private karaoke room, pre-loaded a playlist of festive songs, and made it a roulette — spin to see who sings next. There were costume accessories, cocktail rounds, and one unforgettable rendition of Mariah Carey that lives rent-free in our memories.
It’s one of the best Christmas party ideas in Melbourne if your group loves a laugh and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It also works well with tailored packages that include food and drinks. Just make sure someone’s in charge of the photos.
11. Mini golf at a themed bar
Mini golf? Yes. Mini golf with a bar, neon lights, and a Christmas playlist? Even better. We tried this at Holey Moley with a group of twelve, and it was chaos in the best way. Everyone got to be a little competitive, a little silly, and a little bit tipsy.
You can book packages in Melbourne that include food and beverage combos. It’s a solid option if you want a venue that keeps everyone moving and mingling without it feeling like a function room.
12. Silent disco picnic in the park
This one is weirdly wonderful. We organised a silent disco with wireless headphones, rolled out some picnic rugs, and let everyone take turns DJing via Spotify. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched ten people dance silently to Wham! under fairy lights.
It’s low-cost, low-stress, and feels genuinely different. Bring your own food and drinks, or get everyone to contribute a snack. Great for creative groups or anyone who likes a party theme with a twist.
13. Race your mates at Ace Karts
We had our doubts. Would people actually want to go go-karting in the December heat? Turns out, yes. Go karting Christmas party venue is one of those venues Melbourne has to offer that genuinely surprises people. Our group of nine had an absolute blast — full adrenaline, loads of fun, and no one checking their phone. We also used a go kart gift card to cover part of the booking — which turned out to be a great last-minute present too.
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You can book your Christmas karting session online, and there are go karting race options for different group sizes. It’s great if your group is active or a bit competitive. Plus, it stands out from every other Christmas function idea because it actually feels exciting. The go kart track itself is seriously impressive, and with different fast go karts available for different skill levels, no one feels left out.
14. Burlesque or cabaret dinner show
Looking for something cool, grown-up, and a little unexpected? We once swapped the usual Xmas dinner for a burlesque show with cocktails and a private dining space — and people are still talking about it. It felt like an actual event, not just a night at a restaurant.
Melbourne has a wide range of Christmas party venues that host cabaret-style events around December. If you’re looking for something festive without being cheesy, this is a memorable way to wrap up the year.
Great Christmas party ideas for large groups (15+ people)
Once your group hits 15 or more, you need space, structure, and a plan that works for everyone. These ideas have helped us throw big, inclusive, fun nights that felt festive without becoming formal. Whether you’re planning for extended family, a big friend circle, or a blended crew of adults and kids, these options are loud, lively, and surprisingly easy to pull together.
15. Book out a private function room
This one sounds more formal than it feels. We’ve booked small function rooms at pubs, breweries, and even bowling alleys and had full-on Christmas party vibes without ever needing to decorate. It’s a great way to give your group space to spread out, keep the music at your level, and enjoy some privacy without renting a whole venue.
Look for venues that offer tailored packages — many include food and drinks, themed décor, or even a dedicated host. It takes the pressure off the organiser and still feels like a great end-of-year celebration.
16. Arcade + drinks night
Big groups mean big energy — and an arcade gives everyone something to do from the moment they arrive. We did this at B. Lucky & Sons last year and it was all-in from the first claw machine. There’s no awkward mingling, just instant action and loads of fun.
Many arcades around Melbourne offer Christmas party packages with bar tabs, snack platters and play tokens. It’s fun, fast-paced and totally different from the usual dinner or drinks function.
17. Outdoor catered picnic + lawn games
If you’ve got a big group but want to keep things casual, this is the move. We’ve pulled this off at Edinburgh Gardens with catering from a local deli, folding chairs, backyard cricket and a cooler full of drinks. It was festive without the fuss.
You can make it as chill or as extra as you want — bring blankets and fairy lights or hire someone to set it up for you. Great for big family-style groups or mates who want space to roam without a restaurant bill at the end.
18. Theatre + late-night dessert
For a more classic night out, you can’t beat a Christmas-season show followed by dessert and drinks. We did this with a big group and booked out two rows at the theatre — no one had to make small talk and everyone loved the excuse to dress up.
Melbourne has great festive-season performances, from comedy to musicals. Follow it up with gelato or cake at a late-night café and you’ve got a night that feels both grown-up and genuinely fun.
19. Christmas-themed trivia and charades night
We once turned our mate’s carport into a full-blown trivia venue. Projector, fairy lights, themed snacks, and some suspiciously hard questions about Home Alone. It was one of the most fun nights we’ve had — and it cost basically nothing.
Great for big groups where not everyone knows each other. Team up randomly, offer silly prizes, and mix in a few ridiculous charades rounds. Bonus points for best team name and worst answer of the night.
20. Christmas cooking or cocktail masterclass
We tried a Christmas-themed cocktail masterclass with a group of 20 and it was surprisingly easy to pull off. There are loads of event venues and cooking schools across Melbourne that offer holiday versions of their usual classes.
It’s hands-on, social, and a guaranteed icebreaker. Plus, everyone walks away with a new skill — or at least a new cocktail recipe to butcher on Christmas Day.
21. Private rooftop party with DJ or playlist battles
We did this once for a December birthday but it would make an incredible Christmas party. Book out a rooftop, set up some drinks, snacks and a speaker, and make your group the DJ. We turned it into a playlist battle with themes and votes — it got wildly competitive and genuinely hilarious.
Some of the best Christmas party venues in Melbourne are rooftops with private hire options. It feels special without being stiff, and you can make it as relaxed or rowdy as your crew wants.
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Real Christmas party ideas worth repeating
Fun, flexible, and actually enjoyable these are the kinds of Christmas party ideas we’d plan for our own social groups. No awkward work party energy. No forced fun. Just good Christmas party ideas that suit your people and your vibe. If you're still looking for the perfect end-of-year experience, check out the latest Christmas go-karting specials.
So pick your group, pick your style, and make it one to remember.
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