Unique Christmas Party Ideas to Try in Sydney
🎄 It’s the most wonderful time of the year—well, almost! But if you’re still caught between dragging your team to the Sydney Opera House for the 10th time or having another pizza party at the office in the CBD, we’re here to save the day! If your team has been known to find every excuse in the book to skip the holiday party, we have just the thing to turn that around.
We’ve compiled a list of the jolliest Christmas party ideas in Sydney that’ll have your colleagues counting down the days of the event. Trust us, after seeing the epic party pics, anyone who misses out will wish they hadn’t!
Need a venue to match your idea? Check out Sydney’s most festive and eye-catching spots that will wow your team.
Now, let’s dive into our top picks for work parties. Pick your favourite, and let’s get this holiday party started! 🎉
Work Christmas Party Ideas in Sydney
Still searching for the perfect office holiday party ideas? Check out these failproof experiences that will make your team feel thrilled to be part of the company.
Dinner with a Cause
The whole spirit of Christmas lies in giving back. At the Chef’s Table, your small team can wine and dine at a profit-for-purpose restaurant owned by YWCA Australia, which supports women and children affected by domestic violence.
Savour the finest international cuisine, featuring Australian native ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce. And the cherry on top? Their wine list exclusively showcases selections from women winemakers or estate owners.
By dining here, you’re not just treating your team to a memorable holiday experience—you’re also making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of the community.
Related: Delightful Christmas Dinner Party Ideas to Dazzle Your Co-Workers
Cocktail Mixology Class
Espresso Martinis, here we come!
What’s better than Christmas gifts? The drinks, of course. If you have a few cocktail enthusiasts on the team, why not treat them to a mixology class? It’s a good option for those who aren’t fans of wine or whisky and prefer something more colourful, fun and tropical.
Cocktail mixology classes are a fantastic way for employees to discover each other’s tastes, bond over a shared interest, and have a great time mixing up their own creations.
At Archie Rose Distilling Co. in Alexandria, your team can learn to blend gin like pros, while at Eau de Vie, they can choose between the Humphrey Bogart, Mary Pickford, or Rat Pack classes to master a selection of classic cocktails.
đź’ˇ Tip: Always ensure you have alternative ingredients on hand for non-drinkers so they can fully participate in the experience.
Games at VR Kingdom
Not everyone is excited about spending Christmas dining and opening gifts. If your team will likely savour grandma’s delicious pies and cakes over the holidays, why not break the mould with a festive party that combines adrenaline rush and competition?
At VR Kingdom, your coworkers can dive into a battle of wits and skills in immersive virtual reality experiences. The venue features individual rooms where you can play games, enjoy a meal, relax, and have a blast. It’s a fantastic way to shake off work stress at the end of the year.
đź’ˇTip: To make it even more festive, add some prizes for the winners and encourage everyone to don their ugliest Christmas sweaters.
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Ah, the classic! Sometimes, you only need a Christmas classic to keep your team’s morale up!
A White Elephant Gift Exchange is a classic Christmas game where participants compete to end up with the best present. Also known as Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa, and by various other names, this game can be played with a range of rules—from the straightforward to the delightfully complex.
Check out these rules for an easy white elephant exchange:
1. Each player brings one wrapped gift to contribute to a common pool
2. Players draw numbers to determine what order they will go in
3. Players sit in a circle or line where they can see the gift pile
4. The first player selects a gift from the pool and opens it
5. The following players can choose to either pick an unwrapped gift from the pool or steal a previous player’s gift. Anyone who gets their gift stolen in this way can do the same – choose a new gift or steal from someone else.
6. After all players have had a turn, the first player gets a chance to swap the gift they are holding for any other opened gift. Anyone whose gift is stolen may steal from someone else (as long as that person hasn’t been stolen from yet). When someone declines to steal a gift, the game ends.
đź’ˇTip: Make sure that a specific amount of money is allocated for each gift to avoid arguments or grumpy elves in the office.
Sip and Paint at Pinot Picasso
This event is ideal for the artists and wine enthusiasts on your team!
At Pinot Picasso, employees will set aside their keyboards for a few hours and pick up paint brushes and palettes.
They’ll have the chance to create their own masterpieces, which they can take home to impress family and friends.
Who knows—one of these works of art might even inspire a career change (though let’s hope not)!
Outdoor Christmas Party Ideas in Sydney
Why stay indoors when you can celebrate Christmas in the sun? Sydney’s warm weather means you can swap snowy scenes for a tropical festive vibe. A tropical Christmas party can be even better with beachside venues, outdoor games, and refreshing cocktails. Dive into our ideas to make your holiday party a tropical delight!
Rooftop Dinner on a Terrace
How could we possibly forget our gourmets and gourmands this holiday season? Impossible! Head to The Rooftop Terrace in Pyrmont, overlooking Sydney Harbour, for a holiday feast like never before. This venue works great for large teams, offering plenty of space to socialise, eat, and drink without feeling cramped. The open-air setting guarantees everyone can enjoy the festivities comfortably.
Such a great venue, perfect for food and bad weather. It was fantastic having the entire top floor to ourselves. The mic was a perk, too—great for giving speeches. Plus, there was a TV so the boys could keep the game on in the background. The staff were super friendly and helpful the whole time.
—Maddison E.
Visit Cockatoo Island
For a Christmas party that stands out, why not take your team on an adventure to Cockatoo Island?
Accessible by ferry, this special destination offers a captivating mix of industrial and convict history, making it a memorable alternative to the usual office Christmas party.
Wander through historic buildings, soak in spectacular harbour views, and enjoy a laid-back yet intriguing historical place unlike anywhere else. It’s an experience that your team will remember.
Sydney Cruise
Consider hiring a boat like Heaven for a touch of luxury on the water for your company’s Christmas celebration.
Recently refitted with modern and stylish furniture and decor, this vessel is great for entertaining small to medium-sized groups of up to 46 guests.
With internal and covered areas for the fun to continue in any weather, this boat is a chic way to celebrate the holidays while cruising Sydney Harbour.
Everyone had an amazing time on the vessel. All the staff were kind and accommodating. Food and drinks were great. This was our work Christmas party and we all had a very good night.
—Hailey
Rides at Luna Park
Luna Park is the perfect Christmas party destination if your team craves excitement. This iconic amusement park brings a fun and nostalgic twist to the holiday season.
Luna Park features 23 rides and 4 rollercoasters, such as the Big Dipper and Wild Mouse, along with attractions like the Ferris wheel, which offers stunning city-light views.
Your colleagues are guaranteed to have endless fun.
Christmas Fun at Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is a top choice for a family-friendly Christmas party with your team.
Located just 12 minutes by ferry from Sydney CBD, it’s home to over 4,000 animals and features unique accommodation options, from eco-lodges to glamping.
This zoo offers up-close encounters with over 4,000 animals, including giraffes, lions, and meerkats and an educational yet entertaining holiday experience.
Budget Friendly Christmas Party Ideas
Are you considering splurging on a lavish office party? Before you break the piggy bank, remember that you can stretch your budget further by opting for fun, engaging, and affordable alternatives. Instead of a one-time splurge, use that budget for several year-long team-building activities.
Check out our creative and interactive Christmas party ideas that won’t break the bank but will make your holiday celebration memorable!
DIY Cooking Session
Whether your team’s craving maple honey mustard glazed ham or pavlova, a DIY Christmas-themed bake-off will keep everyone’s spirits high.
To set up this activity, either ask someone to volunteer as the host or rent a space where you can watch a YouTube video together and get hands-on with baking.
Provide the ingredients, create a festive atmosphere with Christmas tunes, and let your team bond while baking delicious treats like gingerbread or ripple cake—whichever you prefer.
đź’ˇTip: Encourage everyone to add their own twist to the recipes. It’s a fun way to discover each other’s family traditions and secret ingredients.
Check out our Christmas Potluck Ideas for some inspiration.
Christmas Carol Bingo
Ditch the usual corporate buzzwords for “Jingle Bells and Silent Night” in this holiday twist on Bingo. Christmas Carol Bingo is a merry way to get everyone humming along.
It’s the perfect excuse to interrupt the workday with some holiday cheer—watch out for the one colleague who insists on singing every song before marking their card.
It’ll become an annual tradition faster than you can say, “Fa” la la la la!”
Check out this playlist to get started.
Christmas Charades
Forget the boardroom; it’s time to put those presentation skills to the test with a game of Christmas Charades!
Re-enact Rudolph’s red nose or mime the chaos of last-minute gift shopping. This game brings out the actor in everyone.
It’s a fun activity for small offices or corporate teams looking to loosen their ties and laugh a little. Christmas Charades is where the true holiday spirit (and questionable acting) shines.
Who knew your boss could pull off such a convincing Christmas tree?
Board Games
Instead of splurging on an expensive end-of-year bash, why not gather your team for a board game showdown?
Think classic Monopoly to the uniquely Aussie Squatter and quirky favourites like Unfair and Wombat Rescue. Companies can spread the fun over a week or even make it a “24 Days of Christmas”, where teams accumulate points for the grand finale.
The final showdown could be hosted at a hired venue if the budget allows. It’s a cost-effective way to boost team spirit and lighten the festive season.
Besides, who needs a fancy party when you’ve got Wombat Rescue bragging rights?
Picnic at the Royal Garden
Sometimes, a spontaneous picnic is all it takes to keep your team happy during the holiday season! With the festive rush and mounting responsibilities, the last thing your employees want is a complicated party plan or worrying about what to wear.
A Christmas picnic offers a laid-back yet enjoyable alternative. Venues like the Royal Garden are perfect, allowing you to eat, chat, and explore without being stuck in one spot for too long.
Ask everyone to bring a dish to share or provide small picnic baskets for a fun, stress-free gathering!
Deck the Halls
Decorating the office might seem like an old-school idea, but it’s a fantastic way to engage your team in something fun and creative. It brings that joyous holiday spirit right into the workplace.
Invite your colleagues to bring their kids along to make it even more special and a family-friendly experience.
Stock up on garlands, baubles, Christmas trees, Santa hats, elf ears, and more to get everyone into the decorating spirit!
Game and tinsels on!
đź’ˇTip:To add some friendly competition, offer prizes for the best-decorated spaces.
Season’s Greetings!
Organising a company Christmas party can be quite the undertaking. With a bit of planning—securing the venue, selecting the ideal theme, and managing all the details—your event is bound to be a success.
Keep in mind a fabulous party doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Aim to create an inviting and inclusive environment where everyone feels at home.
Explore our blog posts and make your holiday season sparkle for more festive ideas and helpful tips:
- 22 Tips from Event Industry Experts for a Perfect Company Christmas Party
- 15 Christmas Party Activities for Adults to Light Up the Festive Season
- Top Christmas Decorating Trends to Transform Your Office Party in 2024
- 15 Christmas Party Themes to Spread the Holiday Magic in 2024
FAQ
What do you do for a Christmas party in Sydney?
When planning a company Christmas party, there are plenty of options to make the event memorable.Â
1. You could host a dinner party or something special, like dining at the chef’s table, for an exquisite experience.Â
2. Consider giving back to the community through a Christmas gala or charity event for a more meaningful celebration.
3. Fun activities like “Name that Christmas Song,” Christmas movie trivia, and Christmas Mad Libs can add a playful touch to the gathering, bringing everyone together in the holiday spirit.
How do you host a perfect office Christmas party?
1. Set the festive mood with the right ambiance—think holiday lighting, cheerful music, and seasonal décor.
2. Opt for a beautifully decorated space that adds to the holiday charm.
3. Keep the food simple yet delicious with easy-to-enjoy appetisers, and offer a variety of festive drinks to suit all preferences.
4. Plan a few engaging activities to keep everyone entertained, and if your party extends late, arrange transport or accommodations to get everyone home safely.
5. Finally, send your colleagues off with a small gift as a thoughtful way to end the night.
What are some budget-friendly ideas for a company Christmas party in Sydney?
If you’re looking to celebrate on a budget, consider hosting a board game tournament in the office or at a local venue—it’s a fun and cost-effective way to engage everyone.
Organise a bake-off where employees can showcase their culinary skills, or plan a White Elephant gift exchange for some lighthearted fun.
For a truly relaxed approach, take some time off to head to the beach together or give your team an extra day off to prepare for Christmas—both options are sure to be appreciated!
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