The silly season is fast approaching, and if you have been appointed the task of organizing your workplace or family’s annual Christmas Party, not to fear, those midnight nightmares about function venues and canapes you wake up screaming from will soon be over for good! Check out some of Sydney’s best kept secrets with these 15 spaces that would make killer function venues. The only downside is that after you pick from this list and throw an amazing Christmas party, you’ll probably be stuck doing this job again next year.
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel
1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay
Watson’s Bay Boutique has a little bit of everything that makes Sydney great; amazing seafood, trendy cocktails and breathtaking views, all under one roof! With several different spaces available for hire, Watson’s Bay is capable of adapting to your exact needs! The romantically named Sunset Room has a capacity of 350 and the ultra chic Top Deck can hold 150 of your closest pals. Or if you’re looking to splurge and rent out the entire place, these spaces all easily flow into each other, adding to the relaxed vibes Watson’s gives off. And planning an event here could not be easier. With a whole team of award winning chefs and events team at the ready, and the option of either choosing one of their set function packages, or customizing your own with them, Watson’s ensures smooth sailing. Wow your guests with expertly assembled seafood platters or an espresso martini cart that will leave everyone talking about your Christmas party until Feb! Oh and did we mention this place was voted Sydney’s most instagrammable venue?
Buckley’s
18/7 Macquarie St, Sydney
Honestly, Buckley’s could be on this list from its views alone. Buckley’s has killed the real estate game, and has secured prime positioning on Sydney’s iconic Circular Quay, and boasts breathtaking views of both Sydney’s Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. As if this waterfront backdrop isn’t reason enough to have your next Christmas function here, the actual space itself is extremely versatile, catering to all kinds of events; sit down, cocktail, indoor, outdoor, with capacities ranging from 75- 480 guests, Buckley’s can make it happen. Buckley’s menu is inspired by Australian produce , with options for every dietary requirement; vegans, vegetarians, gluten free, dairy free, Buckley’s has got you covered, and they’re doing it with some serious style. Guests may be able to look forward to an ever so trendy pizza station, desserts and sweets station, or deliciously bite-seized slider platters. It’s got it all!
Bondi Pizza
Westfield Bondi Junction, Level 6, Shop 6009. 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction
Bondi Pizza is doing its very best to capture the essence of its beachy namesake, and between us, they are totally killing it. The rich, earthy natural woods adorning Bondi Pizza’s interior instantly lets guests know they’re in for a relaxing night of staring out at the serene, panoramic views this space has to offer. However if you are looking for your Christmas party to be a little more rowdy, not to fear, Bondi Pizza is equipped with not one but two fully stocked bars. Now as its title suggests, the name of the game here is pizza. Whilst all the tried and true classics do make an appearance, why not branch out and try one of the more unique concoctions Bondi Pizza has come up with, like their Peri Peri Chicken Pizza or the Peking Deluxe? The only real problem here is that these pizzas are designed to be shared, and once you taste them there is no way you’ll let anyone else have a slice. With a minimum capacity of 50 and a max of 600, Bondi Pizza can handle whatever you throw at it.
The Studio
85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery
The Studio is the perfect ‘blank space’ venue, with a capacity of 200 guests , that gives you the freedom as well as the tools to dream up your ideal Christmas party. And we mean it when we say they provide you with the tools. This joint comes with its own in-house set builders, painting services, state of the art Av systems, professional projectors and set floors available in vinyl, wood and white floorboards. At The Studio, your wish really is their command, and to the friendly staff, your special night is just as important to them as it is to you.
Botanic Gardens Restaurant
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
This is the perfect space for anyone that can’t get enough of Sydney’s natural beauty. Nestled in the center of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, not only will this make for a super unique Christmas party that will not soon be forgotten, but the garden setting will pair beautifully with those warm summer evenings we’ve been craving for the past few months. Let your guests breath in the fresh air that has been perfumed by the lush surrounding greenery, and sip one of Botanic Garden Restaurant’s signature cocktails. If you need more convincing that this space will make for the dreamiest Christmas party venue, all you need to know is this; they also have a built in veranda with fairy lights. Fairy lights and Christmas go together better than tequila and salt! This place is practically begging for a Christmas party to be thrown there! 200 guests is the max so choose carefully who you would like to share this incredible space with.
The Corner House
281 Bondi Rd, Bondi
The Corner House is the ideal spot for any low key, intimate Christmas party you’re looking to throw, with several spaces ranging in capacities, from 10 to 40 to 120, you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking here. With natural wood countertops, distressed floorboards, plush leather chairs and recycled rustic furnishings, everything about this boho-chic place invites you to relax, and breathe in that salty Bondi Beach air. Downstairs is all about the food, with a rustic Italian feast awaits your guests (yes that includes classic wood fire pizzas!!), while upstairs is cocktail central. Guests can sip from a delicious range of tantalizing tipples, whilst overlooking sprawling beachside views from the Corner House’s balcony. Christmas by the beach, what a dreamy combination!
The Terrace
1 Farrer Place, Sydney
This venue is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, especially made to be used in the summertime. Imagine this; you and your guests all enjoying the stunning surrounding city views as that warm Aussie sun dips gently into the sky. That’s a Christmas party no one is likely to forget anytime soon. With a sprawling capacity of 250 guests, and an inviting and ultra cool atmosphere, The Terrace is killing the function venue game. Also it’s decked flooring practically screams summer party, it’s got it all! And it’s also got the hosting chops to match its incredible location, with premium catering and beverage options available. Day or night The Terrace’s unique space will ensure guests will be asking you “how did you find this place?!” all night.
Centennial Homestead
1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park
Situated close enough to Sydney’s CBD so that it is still conveniently located, yet far enough from the stress and rush of the city – Centennial Homestead is the perfect venue for anyone taken in by the beauty of nature. This picturesque venue will turn any event into a garden party, and with several options available; formal, casual, indoor, outdoor, small or large scale and a capacity of up to 1000 people, it is unlikely there is anything you can think of that this place can’t manage for you. It’s two main spaces are the Wisteria Room, aptly named because of the breathtaking purple wisteria that surrounds the venue, and the Kitchen Cafe that is available for private dining, cocktail events, and can even be turned into a marquee with dance floor when combined with the Wisteria room. Dancing underneath a sky full of stars, the gentle scent of Wisteria filling the air, and a room full of loved ones sounds like the perfect ingredients for a very special Christmas party.
The Avalon on the Beach
Avalon Beach, Avalon
The Avalon gives off the sweetest beachy shack vibes that we know all your guests will love. We think that deep down people really crave a down to earth party they don’t have to get super dressed up for, and with The Avalon being located practically on Avalon Beach, this is just the place to cater to those ‘chill Christmas party’ vibes. The Avalon offers up its prospective hosts a variety of options; you could host a sweet little Christmas party for 60 in their restaurant, or a more large-scale seated function for 150 or throw a big bash with a 250 guest cocktail affair, the choice is entirely yours! The best thing is that you can decide what’s on the menu, as The Avalon boasts a wide array of fine dining options, inspired by the seasonal produce of Australia, and what’s even nicer about The Avalon is that all food is sourced locally, ethically and sustainably. Such an ethical menu would pair perfectly with those feelings of generosity, friendship and thankfulness that Christmas tends to inspire in us all!
Beachside Dojo
55 N Steyne, Manly
You should come to this place regardless of if you have a function or not, just to gawk at its stunning Manly Beach views and eat their delicious food. But this place is perfect for functions nonetheless. With a range of spaces that can accommodate any sized function, from 25 guests in its Private Dining Room, 80 guests in its Northern Dojo and 120 in its Southern, this venue is up to the task. Christmas is about giving back to those important in your life, so why not gift your guests with the serenely tranquil views of Manly beach peeking out from those famous pine trees. You’ll also be giving them a killer backdrop for their Insta stories, which is basically priceless. You will also be able to treat your guests to a party created by professionals, as Beachside Dojo offers its hosts the talents of their personal chef and events team to handle your every need. This place basically guarantees that you’ll get really good Christmas presents from everyone you invite to your function!
Beta Bar
Level 1/238 Castlereagh St, Sydney
This place ticks all the boxes; chic exposed brick, wide open airy rooms with a capacity of 200 guests and a menu filled with all sorts of Greek delights. It’s perfect! Now yes the space is amazing and can be dressed up or dressed down to suit the function you envision, but what we really think makes this place shine is its mouth watering menu. Beta Bar offers up everything you could imagine, from breakfast canapes (think mini bacon and egg pita rolls and mini spanakopita muffins) to grazing tables strewn with greek salads and souvlakis and even entire sharing menus filled with everything Yia Yia would serve. Evidently the one thing our past Christmas parties have been missing was Greek food!
Marquee
Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
If your ultimate aim is to completely blow your guests away with the hottest function venue of all time, come to Marquee. Located on the top tier of The Star’s 61 storey tower, parties and functions for Sydney’s elite are what this venue specialises in. Let’s roll through just a few of what this venue has to offer shall we? 1858 square meters of floor space that can accomodate up to an insane 1400 guests, in-house events production team, state of the art sound system perfect for dancing, a 9 meter programmable LED wall and exclusive access to some of Australia’s best entertainment, just to name a few. Honestly the list goes on and on, but all you really need to know is that if this place is good enough for Drake, Post Malone and Bruno Mars, it’s good enough for your uber fancy Christmas party too.
The Calyx
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney
If ‘must have a view’ is at the top of your function venue checklist, your search is over! You and your guests will be treated to sweeping views of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden’s because The Calyx is nestled right in the heart of it! Now summery florals are lovely enough on their own, but when paired with a glass of champagne or rose, both of which The Calyx has on offer, an unforgettable Christmas party is created! With a capacity of 400, you’ll be given the freedom to invite everyone to come and marvel at all the natural splendour The Calyx has to offer.
The Pavillion
1 Art Gallery Rd, Sydney
This place has somehow managed to capture the perfect balance of a relaxed aura and sophisticated environment. Situated amongst sprawling green lawns and with Sydney’s iconic skyline as its backdrop, The Pavillion would be perfect for a Christmas lunch party, although we think a night time event, with Sydney’s glittering lights in the background sounds pretty amazing too. Once you decide on the time of day, The Pavillion can take it from there, offering up picnic hampers or BBQ’s on the lawn for lunch events or formal dinners if you wanna get a little bit faancy instead. The relaxed atmosphere of The Pavillion extends to your hosting duties also, as the friendly staff are happy to help organise your party alongside you, making this the prime choice for a fun, outdoor Christmas party in the sun.
STUDIO
4, Pitt St & Castlereagh Streets, Sydney
Wow your guests with a Christmas party in the clouds! Set high above the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s CBD, you and your guests will immediately feel the stresses of your life melt away as you look out over the sprawling city below. Offering an unparalleled 220 degree view including Sydney’s iconic Harbour and Harbour Bridge, STUDIO helps take your Christmas party to the next level. With sophisticated private dining on offer, multi-functional spaces and capacities ranging from intimate soirees to extravagant functions, you can rest assured that STUDIO doesn’t just rely on its amazing views to get by.
Flamingo Lounge
1/33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point
Flamingo Lounge, with its cool 1970’s Cuban Art Deco inspired interior and hot pink velvety booths, will immediately signal to guests that its time to let their hair down and party all through the night! Booths aren’t the only thing on offer, as you and your guests will have access to private lounges, a terrace, and most importantly the most uniquely named cocktails of all time. There’s a cocktail for that one person at the office Christmas party that is still in work-mode with the ‘Half Windsor’, a cocktail for your friend that is obsessed with Beyonce with the ‘Becky with the Good Hair’, and a cocktail for people that still enjoy the classics with the tried and true ‘Mojito’. We know this all sounds too good to be true, but buckle in cause it is about to get a whole lot better. The Flamingo Lounge comes fully equipped with an Event Manager to coach you through the sometimes stressful task that is party planning. Your function’s theme, entertainment and decor will all be taken care of. The Flamingo Lounge has one more bonus on offer. This place has sort of a ‘try before you buy’ deal going, where they offer you and a group of friends can come on down on a Friday night, enjoy free drinks and scout out the place to see if its to your liking. Although after alllllll this stuff we’ve mentioned, how could it not be perfect?!
