Creative themes for your next Christmas party in Australia
Christmas in Australia has a whole different vibe. Being so far away from the rest of the world also means that Christmas here is far from the traditional concept. Swap the snow for sunny days, and mulled wine for chilled beers.
So why stick to the classic red-and-green themes? Whether you’re planning an end-of-year office bash or a more intimate gathering, choosing the right theme can make your next Christmas party feel fresh, fun, and uniquely Aussie.
Special company events offer ideal opportunities for teams from different departments to connect, celebrate company milestones, and reinforce a positive workplace culture. With years of expertise and experience in corporate event planning, we’ve compiled a list of creative ideas to inspire your next Christmas party…
1. Beachside Christmas
Summer days in Australia coincide with the holiday season, which means beachfront venues are fully booked during this period, especially for Christmas parties. If you’re planning a semi-formal celebration, booking a function room at a beach bar or restaurant works perfectly. For a more casual vibe, you can look for a venue with outdoor space or direct beach access. Or, if the budget allows, why not elevate the celebration by booking a yacht?
2. Awards-Night Christmas
Christmas parties are the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the achievements made throughout the year. If your team has gone above and beyond, a gala-themed party in a sophisticated venue is the perfect way to show your appreciation. Also, it gives everyone an excuse to dust off their sharpest suits and glamorous dresses, and dress up for the occasion.
3. Banquet Christmas
Sometimes, the best way to everyone’s heart is through their stomach, and a banquet Christmas theme is the perfect way to keep everyone happy. Imagine long tables with share plates, seasonal favourites, and indulgent desserts. This type of party works best at venues renowned for their culinary delights, like wineries, buffet restaurants, or boutique venues. Typically paired with a semi-formal dress code, a banquet party is an elevated celebration that still offers a relaxed atmosphere.
4. Bushland Christmas
Summertime calls for outdoor gatherings, so why not take advantage of Australia’s natural scenery? You can host a hybrid Christmas celebration with a two or three-day retreat. Take Austinvilla Estate in Queensland, for example: with wide-open grounds, indoor and outdoor spaces, and the option to stay overnight in cabins or camp onsite.
5. Ugly Jumper Christmas
Christmas time is the perfect time to get cosy and eat. You can host a potluck-style party where everyone brings one dish – and, of course, wear their ugliest jumper. This type of celebration is budget-friendly and can even be held in the office. Given the hot weather in December, this party will definitely need to be indoors (air conditioning mandatory).
Fun activities to incorporate into your Christmas party
1. Kris Kringle
Kris Kringle – or Secret Santa – is a fun and budget-friendly tradition. You can set a spending limit, assign each person a name two weeks before the party, and exchange gifts on the day. You can also choose to reveal the Secret Santa or keep it anonymous at the end of the night.
2. Dirty Santa
A fun twist on Kris Kringle, Dirty Santa allows you to steal presents from other people. Each person brings a wrapped gift, and all the presents are placed in a pile. Everyone then draws a number. The person with number one picks a present and unwraps it for everyone to see. The next person can either steal that unwrapped gift or choose a new one to open.
3. Karaoke
Karaoke brings energy, entertainment, and the chance to unleash your team’s inner Beyoncé. Whether it’s a Mariah Carey classic or a group rendition of Fairytale of New York, a karaoke setup instantly shifts the mood from formal to festive. Not everyone loves the spotlight, though, so if your team is a little shy, consider saving the mic for the afterparty when everyone’s had a drink (and a dance) to loosen up. Bonus points for a Christmas playlist and prizes for the most dramatic performance.
4. Food trucks
If you’re hosting an outdoor celebration, consider bringing in a food truck or two to bring up the vibe. Food trucks offer a variety of options, including street food, festive desserts, and other small bites. Perfect for outdoor venues, this setup adds a fun festival-like atmosphere to your celebration, which again, is an ideal theme for summer parties.
Need suppliers for your Christmas party?
While we don’t plan your event, we just make sure you’ve got the right people to pull it off. Once your venue and date are locked in, just tell us what you need: we’ll match you with trusted suppliers, confirm availability, and tailor quotes. When you’re ready, pay your deposit to lock them in.
You’ll then be introduced directly to your supplier team to finalise the details. Ready to begin? Just reach out to our Venue Specialists today and let us know what suppliers you need.
Hero image: VENUE Q Events / CREDIT Smokey Oscar
