The end-of-year office party is the highlight of the work year, but finding Christmas party ideas that suit everyone and fit the budget can be tricky. The good news? You don’t need to spend big to plan something fun, festive and memorable. Whether your workplace is looking for a budget-friendly get-together, a mid-range creative workshop, or a full-scale celebration, there are plenty of options that will bring your team closer together. Here are some creative Christmas party ideas to suit every budget.
Festive fun on a budget
Small budget, big fun! Even simple, hands-on activities can spark plenty of laughs, lighten the mood and leave everyone with a little something to take home. Classic choices like a paint and sip are budget-friendly, and many workshops are mobile, meaning they can come straight to your office with minimal setup while you provide the drinks. Pottery and food-based classes are another win—you get to create something, then enjoy it afterwards, making it a “two-for-one” kind of party.
Virtual workshops are a clever way to stretch your budget too. No need to hire a venue, and they’re perfect for keeping remote colleagues involved. Whether it’s painting, crafting, or cooking, there are plenty of ways to bring your team together without breaking the bank.
Here are some of our favourite budget-friendly activities for a Christmas party:
Turkish mosaic lamp making in Sydney
Price: $59 per person for mosaic candle holders
A mosaic class with a twist! You can scale the project up or down depending on budget, and everyone goes home with a glowing keepsake.
Virtual paint and sip like Van Gogh
Price: $69 per person
Perfect for remote teams or hybrid offices. Choose whether to receive kits delivered to your door or source your own supplies for a lower price. A great way to connect without hiring a venue.
UV paint and sip glow party in Brisbane
Price: $39 per person
Think regular paint and sip, but make it rave. With neon paints under blacklight, your office crew will glow brighter than the Christmas tree.
Hand-building pottery class in Adelaide
Price: $59 per person for 4+ people
Colleagues can handcraft their own nature-inspired mugs, bowls, or “abstract” clay creations. Even the wobbly ones make excellent pencil holders. Team this up with a game of ‘Bad Santa’ once the clay creations are ready for a fun office game.
Draw with a drag queen in Sydney
Price: $68 per person
Equal parts entertainment and art class, this session brings comedy, creativity and fabulous energy to your celebration.
Mid-range magic
If your budget has a little more wiggle room, it’s time to level up the fun! Mid-range workshops let you invest in materials that make the experience feel extra special—think fragrant flowers, intricate macrame, or even cocktails you get to shake yourself. These activities are perfect icebreakers, especially if you’ve got a full evening of festivities planned, and they appeal to a wide variety of personalities.
With a bit of extra spend, you can also treat your team to nibbles and drinks while the workshop is happening, creating a relaxed, social vibe without the stress of organising catering separately. Hosting in-office with a mobile workshop keeps it convenient, interactive and totally hassle-free. From hands-on creativity to tasting and toasting, these mid-range experiences are the perfect way to celebrate the season while keeping everyone engaged and smiling.
Here are some of our favourite mid-range activities to make your office Christmas party fun and memorable:
Price: $120 per person
Forget buying bread at the supermarket. After this class, your colleagues will be talking about their “starter” like it’s a beloved pet. Delicious, mindful and surprisingly bonding.
Macrame wreath making in Brisbane
Price: $90 per person for 4+ people
Swap out the traditional pine for modern macrame. This creative twist on wreath making is fun, festive and doubles as a décor piece for home or office.
Paint and sip plus cocktail making in Melbourne
Price: $85 per person
Why settle for just one activity? This class combines a cocktail workshop with a guided painting session, making it a complete evening of drinks, creativity and team bonding.
Cocktail making and dumpling class in Sydney
Price: $99 per person
A foodie favourite! Learn to shake up cocktails and fold dumplings in a fun, hands-on session. For remote teams, try the virtual cocktail making with a quiz.
Floral wreath making in Adelaide
Price: $75 per person
A festive classic that never goes out of style. Your team will learn to design fresh wreaths to adorn the office or take home.
Price: $75 per person
Teams dial in, whip up fluffy scones and then enjoy them with jam and cream. It’s afternoon tea and team bonding.
Splash out and celebrate big
If your budget is on the generous side, it’s time to go all out and plan a Christmas party your team will be talking about for years to come. Think of experiences that are interactive, indulgent and a little bit fancy—perfect for celebrating a stellar year.
Private cooking classes are always a hit, giving everyone the chance to roll up their sleeves, learn new skills and share a festive meal together. For teams that love a bit of creativity with a twist, workshops like perfume making or punch needle are memorable, hands-on and totally Instagram-worthy. These experiences create lasting memories and give your colleagues something to show off well into the new year.
Whether it’s mastering a gourmet recipe, crafting a signature scent, or stitching a cozy piece of art, these big-budget celebrations are all about connection, laughter and celebration in style.
Here are some of our top picks for splashing out on your office Christmas party:
Chinese cooking in Sydney with wine pairing
Price: $159 per person + a private class surcharge
Think fiery Sichuan flavours paired with curated wines. A proper foodie event where no one leaves hungry.
Price: $155 per person
A sophisticated culinary workshop that brings the flavours of Provence to your plate. Perfect for a sit-down festive feast.
Price: $165 per person
For teams that want something hands-on but calming, this is plant therapy at its finest. Everyone gets to take home their own lush mini jungle.
Price: $148 per person
A sensory experience that’s as luxe as it gets. Each colleague creates their own signature fragrance, guaranteed to beat a generic candle gift.
Price: $180 per person
Cosy, creative and oddly addictive. Your team will walk away with fluffy works of art and a new conversation starter for the office.
Want to go even bigger? Combine activities for a mega celebration—paint and sip, followed by a cooking class or wreath making, followed by cocktails.
No matter your budget, a creative Christmas party is all about making time to connect, laugh and celebrate the end of the year with your colleagues. From DIY crafts to indulgent foodie experiences, these ideas prove you don’t need to stick to the same old dinner-and-drinks routine. Explore a wide range of creative experiences across Australia and host an office Christmas party so good you’ll have everyone looking forward to next year's!
