Quirky Christmas Party Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Your Guide to Hiring Quirky Christmas Party Venues in Melbourne

You'll find quirky Christmas party venues all around the town. Start your search in the city centre, to explore just about every type of venue for a festive party, from restaurants to rooftop bars, cocktail lounges and even an old prison! Other quirky venues include karaoke bars, spas for hire and bars with waterslides. On top of that, there are also plenty of options in South Melbourne and South Yarra, including micro-breweries, games-themed venues, and many old Victorian conversions providing a unique setting for any occasion.

How to choose the perfect unique Christmas party venue in Melbourne

We know that hosting a holiday party is no easy task, and we want to help you and your guests have the best celebration of the year. And we know how much the right venue can help with that! Based on our experience, here are some pointers to remember when choosing a venue for your quirky Christmas party in Melbourne:

Budget: Determine how much you can spend at the beginning of your planning. Knowing how much you can afford early on will save you the disappointment of considering a venue that is too expensive for you or having to pay for extras that you were not prepared for. Also, set aside a sum of money that can be used in case of unexpected expenses.

Location: Search for a party venue in a location that is convenient for you and your guests. Where are your guests may be coming from? Look for party spots near airports or train stations if you have guests arriving from outside the city. If you’re organising a corporate Christmas party, finding a venue near your workplace is a good idea.

Size: Think carefully about how many guests you expect and choose a party venue that will comfortably fit everyone. A too-small venue can make your guests uncomfortable, and if you’re inviting guests with children, they may not have enough space to play. A too-big venue will make your party feel impersonal. Paying for space that won’t be used isn’t budget-friendly either. If you’re not sure whether the size of the venue is appropriate for your party, you can visit the event space or ask the venue manager for some extra photos or a virtual tour.

Menu: When organising a holiday party, it’s important to carefully think about the menu. While some guests may expect a traditional menu, with turkey, Christmas pudding, Pavlova and grilled prawns, others may not enjoy this. For guests with dietary restrictions or other preferences, a  traditional Christmas menu may also be limited in options. That’s why,  it is important to take your guests’ diets into consideration, when deciding on the menu.

Décor: This one’s especially important if you’re aiming for a quirky work Christmas party. Search for venues that will match the vibe of your event or ones that can be easily transformed. If you’re booking your venue ahead of time, when the Christmas décor isn’t up yet, it might be wise to contact the venue manager to discuss their plans or request pictures of previous seasons. If you want to transform the space to fit exactly into your plan it’s best to look for blank canvas spaces, like lofts or studios.

Other important things: Before booking your Xmas party venue, consider the venue's accessibility, parking and extra amenities. Be mindful of guests who may have limited mobility and check whether the venue has ramps for wheelchair access and elevators. If your guests are arriving with children, make sure they will be able to enter the venue with strollers, and that breastfeeding mums will have space to feed their children. Also check if the venue has parking spots, and if not, find out where your guests can leave their cars. If you need anything extra for your event, like mics, speakers, or a projector, ask the venue manager if they can provide them, and, if not ask, whether you can bring your own and use it in the space.

If you keep this short list in mind, your Christmas party in Melbourne is going to be a blast!

Work Christmas party ideas in Melbourne for 2024

Stuck for ideas? Here are some unique Christmas party ideas in Melbourne.

Waterfront: One of the most popular Christmas party venues for Melbourne is a venue with a waterfront view. It could be at one of the many quirky venues along the Yarra River at South Wharf, Docklands or Federation Square. Alternatively, you could host your end-of-year function along the stunning Port Phillip Bay, turning it into an unforgettable Christmas event space.

Party outdoors: Instead of a formal indoor party, why not head outdoors for your event? It’s the middle of summer, after all! Hire a band, set up a stage, arrange some food trucks and create your own office Christmas party festival. No need to worry if you’re not too lucky with the weather - most outdoor venues in Melbourne offer indoor facilities as a backup.

Themed party: How about a bit of fancy dress? This party is great for large corporations where most of the year is about meeting deadlines and working overtime. A themed dress-up allows everyone to chill out and get silly for the night, transforming the celebration into a unique and offbeat Christmas gathering. Why not get the office to come as elves or Santa’s helpers, making the most of these creative and unusual venues for Christmas parties in Melbourne?

FAQs about Quirky Christmas Party Venues in Melbourne

How much does it cost to hire a quirky Christmas venue in Melbourne?

Many of Melbourne’s Christmas venues offer packages for the festive events, with prices ranging between $19 to $90 per person. You can also find party venues that operate on a minimum spend basis, with prices starting at $300. Pricing may change depending on the size of the venue, as well as the day and time of the Christmas celebration. For more details and special deals on Melbourne party venues, don’t hesitate to contact venue managers. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

How can I make my quirky Christmas party venue hire more affordable?

If you’re looking for more affordable options  in Melbourne, you can look for unique Xmas venues that operate on a minimum spend basis. You won’t have to pay for hiring the venue but are agreeing that you and your guests will spend a set amount on food and drinks. You can also look for holiday party venues that have a BYO policy, where you pay for the hire of the venue but bring food or drinks on your own. This can be a great way to save money on your party.

Can you recommend some of the best quirky Christmas party venues in Melbourne?

Sure! Here are some of our top picks for unique Christmas party venues:

• Aquadonut: If a floating BBQ doughnut-shaped boat doesn’t say quirky, nothing will. Great for a unique Christmas celebration. 
• The Cocktail Room at Ms Collins: Combine the Hollywood glitz of the 1920s with delectable street food and cocktails - it's a guarantee of a great, quirky Christmas party experience! 
• Chloe's Rooms at Young & Jacksons: A one-of-a-kind venue that can transform based on your needs. With its unique combination of grunge and glam, this place will make for a great festive party spot. 

Which area of Melbourne is good for hiring a quirky Christmas venue?

When looking for an unusual venue in Melbourne, you can never go wrong with starting your search in the CBD. It’s a great spot for an office holiday party, but its central location is also convenient for all sorts of quirky events. St Kilda is worth checking if you’re after more historical venues. Also, if you walk down Chapel Street in South Yarra, you will find plenty of venues that are perfect for quirky and unconventional celebrations.