QT Canberra offers five function spaces to cater even the biggest and most luxurious of Christmas parties including Lucky’s Speakeasy. Photo: QT Canberra.
There is still much to get done as the end of the work year beckons (hello the coast). But the next best thing to tick off your “to do” list, is pick somewhere for your Christmas function.
If you need inspiration or are in search of a place to party, we’ve made a list – and checked it twice – of some of our favourite Christmas party venues.
Looking for somewhere to impress? Take a look at some of Canberra’s finest hotel venues at QT Canberra, Hotel Realm’s newest offering Louis Bar or Midnight Bar in Braddon.
Sit down for dinner and an ale at Dickson Taphouse or the Old Canberra Inn. Or if you are in search of somewhere completely different, head to the Canberra Cavalry Saloon or Thoroughbred Park.
Dubbed as an ultimate inner-city venue, Midnight Bar could be perfect for your festive celebrations. Photo: Ash St George.
Pop the champagne with Midnight Hotel
Where: Midnight Hotel
Capacity: 20-250 (various spaces)
Cost: $25pp to $99pp plus beverage packages. Book here.
Located in the heart of the city, Midnight Hotel is championing originality and authenticity with its four sophisticated spaces. Paired with a thoughtfully curated food and beverage menu and complemented by unique added extras, the Midnight Hotel team strives to make all festive events a success.
In the centre of the hotel you’ll find The Atrium, complete with gardens and a waterfall feature perfect for cocktail functions. On the same floor, there’s Midnight Bar with a chic interior and moody backdrop suited to private or shared events. Heading up the stairs, The Conservatory boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and modern design features that highlight the hotel’s incredible architectural design. For a more intimate setting, host your function in the private dining space, which suits all types of engagements. And you don’t even have to find a way home after the festivities end! The hotel has a range of rooms available to book as part of your package.
Celebrate the end of the year in an historic, cosy venue. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Dinner at The Old Canberra Inn
Where: The Old Canberra Inn
Capacity: 20-75 people
Cost: The Kookaburra Room: $1700. The Shumack Room: $3500. Book here.
Built in 1857 with handmade timber slabs and round timber poles and framing, The Old Canberra Inn pays homage to the pioneer era in two function areas, The Shumack Room and The Kookaburra Room. Party until midnight with the in-house music equipment available to hire at no extra cost. For the outdoor-loving group, The Shumack Room offers an indoor and outdoor area drenched in wisteria. With a capacity of 30-75 guests, parties have the option of a tailored finger food menu or buffet to suit any function needs. Though the bar is close by to keep everyone refreshed, there is an optional private staffed bar for an extra $350. For the more intimate gatherings, 20-25 guests can enjoy the wide array of canapes and a la carte menu items in The Kookaburra Room.
Celebrate the festive season and end of 2023 with an extraordinary time at QT. Photo: QT.
Where merry meets extraordinary
Where: QT Hotels
Capacity: Up to 1000 people
Cost: $50pp to $96pp (various menu sets available). Book here.
Dreaming up the biggest, most festive feast that money can buy? You’re in luck! QT Hotels offers five function spaces to cater even the biggest and most luxurious of Christmas parties. The QT Ballroom boasts a massive capacity of 1000 guests when used as one space, with the option of dividing it into a more intimate locale or multiple event spaces. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city in QT Lounge, located on the 15th floor with floor-to-ceiling windows, or go dark and mysterious in Lucky’s Speakeasy. In true Canberra fashion, dark leather couches are set in front of a wall of past prime ministers for a space that is “political chic at its finest”. For a grungier aesthetic, dim lights, humming music and scene-stealing graffiti will rock your Christmas scene.
QT will serve up three different festive-themed course menus prepared by the hotel’s culinary connoisseurs, as well as a festive canape menu. From slow-roasted lamb shoulder, Rottnest Island scallop and decadent Christmas pudding, there’s something for everyone to get in the Christmas mood.
Dickson Taphouse’s two function spaces will give you everything you need. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Christmas at The Dickson Taphouse
Where: The Dickson Taphouse
Capacity: 30-50 people
Cost: The Lounge Room: Sat-Thurs $1500, Fri $2000. The Dining Room: Sat-Thurs $800, Fri $1000. Book here.
The Dickson Tap House offers two spaces to suit your function needs. From kimchi aranchini, to yuzu & prosecco cured salmon, to a wattleseed gin and choc malt tiramisu, your guests will enjoy an extensive canape menu developed in-house. Welcome your guests in style to The Lounge Room, seating up to 50 guests, and enjoy a cosy and relaxed atmosphere with your company. Alternatively, The Dining Room is a smaller space seating up to 30, where guests can interact in privacy in a cheerful space.
Book in at Rydges for a vibrant Christmas party, offering a variety of rooms and food offerings. Photo: Rydges.
Christmas at Rydges Canberra
Where: Rydges Canberra
Capacity: 10 – 40 people
Cost: $55pp – $80pp for food packages, $27pp – $50pp for beverage packages Book here.
Rydges Canberra has a Christmas event experience like no other. Book your team in for a feast that promises not only delicious food but your own covered private outdoor terrace to enjoy the best of Canberra’s summer weather. Their carefully curated menu includes all of the traditional trimmings and is available with a beverage package or cash bar. Come and share in the joy, make merry and raise a glass to the year that was and the year ahead. Bookings are essential with no venue hire fee applicable for lunch time bookings. Minimum 10 people for alternate serve or minimum 20 for their festive feasting option. Get in touch today to secure your date.
Celebrate local with the various spaces at Canberra Southern Cross Club. Photo: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Christmas at Canberra Southern Cross Club
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club (Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison)
Capacity: Up to 700 (Woden), 100 (Tuggeranong), 80 (Jamison)
Cost: $250 to $1200 across three locations, various menu options available. Book here.
From local artisan platters to festive buffets and three-course meals across three locations, Canberrans are spoilt for choice this Christmas. Those looking to celebrate at the Woden location can choose from eight spaces, with capacity ranging from 30 all the way to 1000. At the Tuggeranong location, The Brindabella Room with a maximum capacity of 100 is available, and at the Jamison, The Catchpole room is available to accommodate up to 80 guests.
Get festive with Christmas bons bons, tree and cookies on the table included in all Christmas menu choices. Two-course meals are available from $48pp, or guests can eat until their Christmas hearts are full at $68pp with the festive-themed buffet. For a little something more, a range of share platters featuring artisan cheeses, sandwiches, fruits and even sushi can be added to any Christmas menu. Choose from one of the pre-paid beverage packages or set up a bar tab to keep your guests refreshed with the extensive drink list.
Louis Terrace is the newest offering under the Realm Precinct brand, and offers a perfect space for an intimate gathering. Photo: Romello Pereira.
Five-star festive season
Where: Hotel Realm
Capacity: Minimum 8-40 (various spaces)
Cost: $40pp to $150pp. Book here.
Give your guests a five-star festive experience with a Christmas function at Hotel Realm. Whether you’re looking for a grand celebration in the National Ballroom or an intimate gathering on the Louis Terrace, sit back and relax while the staff at Hotel Realm take care of your guests.
In the National Ballroom and High Courtyards, enjoy a three-course Christmas-inspired menu created by the hotel’s executive chef at $150pp. At the Ostani Bar, enjoy some antipasto, pizza and seasonal canapes with flowing drinks in the newly renovated indoor and outdoor area. For a more intimate gathering, your guests will sit around a central fireplace in a fully enclosed outdoor area lush with greenery. Want to enjoy the beautiful skyline views of the Capital? Take it all the way to the Leyla Bar, a sophisticated yet vibrant rooftop bar seating up to 60 people.
The Rich Reward room at Thoroughbred Park is perfect for all events. Photo: Thoroughbred Park.
Celebrate the year that was
Where: Thoroughbred Park
Capacity: Race Day packages 4-20. Function spaces minimum 20-250 (various spaces).
Cost: Race day packages from $35pp. Book here. Function spaces from $350 per day + food packages. Book here.
With various options on offer, you can’t go wrong with Thoroughbred Park. Enjoy a race day package, with options for trackside private spaces, beverage packages and gourmet hampers. Or if you’re after something a bit more custom-made, book your own function at one of the four spaces, with room for various party sizes, that overlook the beautiful grounds of Thoroughbred Park. Menus can be customised by the in-house chef, and tailored to meet any requirements.
Take the team to the ballpark and celebrate the year in the Canberra Cavalry Saloon. Photo: Canberra Cavalry.
Gameday like no other
Where: Canberra Cavalry Saloon
Capacity: Up to 80 people
Cost: Corporate bar $4500, Sarge’s Saloon $85-$95pp, Bunker Boxes $500-$600. Book here.
Sport fans are in for a treat at The Fort, Narrabundah Park. Canberra Cavalry is offering fully catered events in three spaces for an intimate gathering or a bigger function. For groups of four to six, the Bunker boxes are perfect to experience baseball like never before. Situated right behind home plate, fans will enjoy a three-hour food and drink package and never miss a play. A group up to 30 can book the Corporate Bar, a private room overlooking the ballpark with reserved grandstand seating. Guests will enjoy a 90-minute food and beverage package in a fully air-conditioned room, with a private screen to watch the game up close in real time. Sarge’s Saloon is the choice for bigger groups up to 80. Guests will be seated in the marquee along the third base line and indulge in a two-hour food package and 2.5-hour drink package. Australian Baseball League mascot Sarge will pay a visit, and groups of more than 50 will receive a shoutout from the game day announcer.
Newly refreshed Trevino’s Restaurant and Bar at Gold Creek Country Club can cater for large or small groups. Photo: Gold Creek Country Club.
Unwind at the clubhouse
Where: Gold Creek Country Club
Capacity: Up to 200 people
Cost: The function packages are tailored to each group depending on food and drink options. For all enquiries and further details, contact the team via corey.morschel@goldgreekcountryclub.com.au.
Newly refreshed Trevino’s Restaurant and Bar at Gold Creek Country Club, in the prestigious Nicolls Estate, is a special Christmas venue. Catering can be customised for large and small Christmas parties, around any style and budget. Trevino’s is open to club members and the public. The décor is functional and stylish, and features a massive fireplace. Staff provide high-quality service and they say no request is too challenging.
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