Outdoor Christmas Party Ideas for the Festive Season

It’s summer time, which only means one thing: ‘tis the season to start looking for outdoor Christmas party ideas! Celebrating in the sunshine is one of the best ways to bring the festive spirit in Australia. Whether you're planning a garden party or picnic, it’s the perfect outdoor activity for your next Christmas party.

One of the best parts about hosting an outdoor event is that you can save on venue costs with a DIY setup. And with the cost of living top of mind for many Australians in 2025, it's a great opportunity to get creative with your budget. Not only does this allow you to save but it also opens up a world of possibilities for creating a unique and memorable experience. With a DIY setup, you have the freedom to transform your backyard, local park or beachside BBQ into an open-air holiday treat! Hang string lights along the fence, add baubles and decorations to the trees, and scatter cushions and cosy blankets to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. When it comes to outdoor Christmas activities, the only limit is your imagination (and maybe council regulations!).

Take your outdoor Christmas party to the next level and organise a creative workshop as guest entertainment. Whether it's creating homemade ornaments, crafting beautiful wreaths or decorating gingerbread houses, these activities will encourage your guests to tap into their creativity and embrace the festive spirit. They'll even have a personalised memento to take home with them!

Whether you're keen to celebrate Christmas in the park or you want to organise a summer soirée in your yard, these outdoor Christmas party ideas will make for a memorable moment with your nearest and dearest. 

Throw a Christmas picnic

Looking to celebrate in style? One of our most luxurious outdoor party ideas, this premium picnic experience is perfect for anyone who likes a healthy dose of opulence and merriment. Hosted by Potts Point establishment, Honkas Bar + Eats, this all-inclusive outdoor party idea includes a divine picnic spread, fabulous French champagne and drinks, a butler to whip up your first martini and some lawn games (think croquet and boules) to keep you entertained for hours. 

You and your guests will spend the afternoon nibbling on lobster, trout and gourmet cheese before tucking into some sumptuous sweets and chocolates to end the feast. The best part? Everything you need for this glorious garden party is provided by the team, so all you need to do is show up. Yep, that's right, the crew at Honkas Bar + Eats will even pack up when you're done! Keen to get your guests feeling extra festive? Ask them to wear their favourite Christmas earrings or Santa hat! Looking to get crafty this Christmas? Click here!

Host a garden party

Hosting a summer soirée is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in 2025. This season, why not decorate the yard (or your local park), invite your loved ones around and make the most of the warmer weather?

The key to pulling off a successful backyard party is getting creative with entertainment. Don’t settle for small talk, but instead, get everyone involved in a hands-on activity. This will take the pressure off the conversation and help everyone ease into the afternoon feeling comfortable and calm.

From flower arranging to paint and sip classes, there are plenty of ways to connect with your friends and family while learning something new. Or even learn how to make your own delicious Christmas cocktails before playing some fun lawn games with your friends! There are plenty of cocktail classes that can come to you and help you bring your backyard party ideas to life. 

One of the best things about throwing an outdoor Christmas party is that there's no need for extravagant seasonal decorating or over-the-top food. Simple touches like fairy lights and fresh greenery (and a DIY Christmas wreath, of course) are all you really need to make your yard look magical. If you’re keen to make your backyard party as low-fuss as possible, ask your guests to pitch in and bring a plate of their favourite nibbles. There’s nothing like a piece of homemade Christmas cake to make you feel merry and bright. 

Organise an unconventional outdoor party

Depending on your guest list, you might like to go for something a little more unconventional like a hula hoop workshop! Fun for adults and children alike, this entertaining outdoor Christmas party activity is perfect for anyone who likes to get active and have a laugh. You and your guests will be giggling in no time at all – and sneak in a secret workout at the same time. After a challenging year, laughter really is the best medicine.

This private tipi party in Victoria (complete with a ceramics class or watercolour workshop) is a wonderful way to get together with friends and skip all of the holiday hoo-ha. BYO picnic food and beverages and get set for an arty afternoon with your friends and family. And don’t forget your camera – this outdoor party idea is seriously Instagram-worthy! 

Looking for a more wellbeing focused experience for your outdoor Christmas party? Try a laughter yoga workshop in Sydney! Laughter is known to reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve overall well-being. A laughter workshop incorporates fun and interactive activities such as laughter exercises, improvisation games, and group challenges that will bring a joyful twist to your festive celebration.

Gaze at the stars with your nearest and dearest

The holidays are a magical moment in the calendar, and now, thanks to the friendly folks at Blue Mountains Stargazing, you can add even more sparkle to the season. Get your teammates or friends together for a Jervis Bay stargazing experience and see nature's Christmas lights come to life. This outdoor party is as unusual as they come but that's what makes it so unforgettable.

Depending on the time of the year, you might see the Milky Way, roaming satellites, the International Space Station and shooting stars travelling across the sky. You'll be guided by Dr Dimitri Douchin, who studied Physics and Fundamental Physics in Paris before starting his PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics in Sydney. Dimitri boasts 10 years of experience as a guide at a number of prestigious astro-tourism organisations, including the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory in Lake Tekapo (for those in the know, Lake Tekapo's stargazing is second to none). Turn your stargazing evening into the ultimate summer Christmas party by organising a beach picnic or dinner at a local restaurant before the workshop begins. When it comes to outdoor Christmas activities, a guided stargazing experience is one of the most unique options on offer.

Looking for more crafty outdoor Christmas party ideas? Paint the day away...

Celebrate Christmas in the park and learn how to paint! Hosted by the friendly folks at Paint for Fun Melbourne, this laid back paint and sip class takes place at Gasworks Arts Park and is a licenced event, meaning you can BYO bevvies and snacks. Hosting up to 30 guests at a time, paint and sip in the park is perfect for family groups, friends and office Christmas parties – it's also one of the best outdoor Christmas activities. To add a festive touch, ask your guests to wear their daggiest Christmas t-shirt (or sweater, weather permitting) and bring some of your favourite festive fare to munch on throughout the class. After you’ve painted your masterpiece, continue the fun and set up a themed Christmas picnic nearby on the grass. We guarantee that everyone will want to hang around for a chat after the ice has broken! 

So, the next time you’re planning your outdoor Christmas party, consider booking a paint and sip class in the park or a stress-free picnic lunch! You’re guaranteed to have some fun, get in the holiday spirit and create heartwarming memories with one another. Whether you’re celebrating end-of-year team building activities or a family day out, outdoor Christmas party ideas are the perfect pick for you!