6 Fun Christmas Activities in Sydney for Groups

Here are six different ways to celebrate this year, starting with a laid back afternoon of indoor golf, then a harbour cruise, a rooftop bar, a styled picnic, a cooking class, or a Harbour Bridge experience. Pick the one that matches your group and your budget, or mix a couple together for something bigger.

1) An Indoor Golf Simulator Venue

An indoor golf simulator party venue gives your group food, drinks and an activity in one booking.

• Good for: mixed groups where not everyone plays golf
• Where: X-Golf runs four indoor golf party venues across Sydney, in Liverpool, Penrith, the Shire in Caringbah, and Macarthur
• What to expect: simulator bays set to different skill levels, a licensed bar, and a food menu
• Packages: three Christmas party tiers are available, from a two-hour session with drinks and pizza through to an all-inclusive package with free flow drinks and food.

Games can be set to different skill levels, and there are mini games for people who just want to join in for fun. This kind of party venue also works well for corporate groups looking for team building activities that do not feel forced. If you’re searching for an indoor golf party venue near you, this option suits teams and families in western Sydney, the Shire, or the south west, since it is close by without a trip into the city.

2) A Sydney Harbour Cruise

A Christmas cruise puts your whole group on the water with skyline views included.

• Good for: large groups and corporate events
• Where: departures around Sydney Harbour, including King Street Wharf
• When: Christmas cruises typically run through November and December
• What to expect: a set menu or buffet, drinks packages, live music on some cruises.

Cruise companies such as Magistic and Clearview run Christmas lunch and dinner cruises with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge along the way. This option works best for bigger groups who want something that feels like a proper event. It is not the cheapest choice, but it makes a strong impression, especially for a work team celebrating a big year.

Book early. Cruise operators tend to sell out weeks or even months ahead once December arrives.

3) A Rooftop Bar

A rooftop bar gives your group a stylish setting without a big production.

• Good for: work parties and friend groups who want a polished night out
• Where: options across the CBD, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, including Cafe Del Mar
• What to expect: cocktails, share plates, private or semi private hire for groups
• Watch for: many rooftop venues set a minimum spend for group bookings.

This suits a team or friend group who want something that feels like an event without needing to plan a full sit down dinner. Ask about minimum spend and private hire before you lock in a date, since this varies a lot between venues.

4) Styled Picnic in a Park

A styled picnic turns an ordinary park visit into something that feels planned and pretty.

• Good for: smaller groups, family catch ups, and daytime celebrations
• Where: parks and gardens across Sydney, including the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Park
• What to expect: styled tables, cushions, rugs and a grazing spread, set up and packed down for you
• Example: companies such as Graze and Gaze offer this as a group booking option.

This option suits a team or family that wants something outdoors and a bit different from the usual restaurant booking. It also photographs well, which is a nice bonus if your group likes to share updates on social media.

5) A Team Cooking Class

A cooking class gives your group something to actually do together, then a meal to sit down and share.

• Good for: work teams who want a hands on activity with a shared result
• Where: cooking schools across Sydney, such as VIVE Cooking School in Rosebery
• What to expect: a chef led class of around two to three hours, followed by eating what you cooked
• Group size: most Sydney cooking schools cater from small groups up to 30 or more guests

This is a strong pick for a team that wants a proper activity rather than just sitting around a table. It also tends to work well across different personalities, since everyone has a small job to do rather than needing to make conversation the whole time.

6) A Sydney Harbour Bridge Experience

See Sydney from a completely different angle with a group experience on one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• Good for: work teams, smaller corporate groups and anyone looking for a memorable Sydney experience
• Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks
• What to expect: a guided climb with panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and city skyline
• Group options: private team climbs and packages that can be combined with food and drinks afterwards.

Groups can take on the climb together, stop for photos along the way and finish with some of the best views in Sydney. For teams wanting to make a bigger event of it, there are also options that combine the climb with post-experience dining or event spaces. It is particularly suited to groups looking for a memorable Christmas activity that feels distinctly Sydney.

Choosing the Right Christmas Party Idea for Your Group

The best Christmas party idea in Sydney depends on your group size, budget and the kind of celebration you’re planning.

• X-Golf: Great for groups looking for indoor golf, food and drinks in one venue, with Christmas party packages and private venue hire available.
• Harbour cruise: Ideal for corporate Christmas parties with Sydney Harbour views.
• Rooftop bar: Perfect for a relaxed evening with drinks, food and city views.
• Styled picnic: A casual option for smaller groups, families and daytime celebrations.
• Cooking class: A fun, hands-on team-building activity for work Christmas parties.
• Harbour Bridge climb: A memorable Sydney experience for adventurous groups.

Book early to secure your preferred date, especially as popular Sydney Christmas party venues fill up quickly.

Tips for Planning Your Sydney Christmas Party

Before booking your Christmas party, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Set your budget: Compare group packages and activities based on cost per person.
• Check dietary needs: Confirm food preferences and allergies in advance.
• Plan transport: Consider parking and public transport, especially around Sydney’s CBD.
• Choose an activity everyone can enjoy: Look for options that suit different interests and abilities.
• Book early: Secure your preferred venue and date before the December rush.

Celebrate Christmas at X-Golf in Sydney

Planning a Christmas party in Sydney? X-Golf brings together indoor golf, food, drinks and group packages for all skill levels. With four venues across Sydney, we’ve got plenty of options for work Christmas parties, family gatherings and celebrations with friends.

Our Liverpool and Macarthur venues also offer Hey Caddy mini golf for even more fun.

Explore our X-Golf Christmas party packages and contact your local venue to start planning!