‘Tis the season to let your hair down, crank up Mariah, and swap spreadsheets for spritzes.
The Illawarra is overflowing with fun, creative, and totally different ways to celebrate Christmas! From hands-on activities and local foodie gems to outdoor adventures that’ll earn you your festive dessert.
Whether you’re wrangling the office crew or planning a friends’ catch-up before the madness hits, we’ve got your back with the ultimate guide to unique Christmas parties in the Illawarra.
If your crew loves a bit of chaos and competition, Breakout Bar & Escape Rooms is a winner.
You kick things off trying to escape a themed room together, which is either great for team bonding or a fast way to find out who panics under pressure.
Once you’ve cracked the clues, you can wind down with cocktails and karaoke in their moody little bar.
It’s equal parts brainwork, belly laughs and belting out bad 2000s hits… Basically, Christmas party gold.
C1 Speed Electric Indoor Karting
Because nothing says Christmas spirit quite like overtaking your boss on a hairpin corner.
C1 Speed Eelectric Indoor Karting is the spot for crews who prefer adrenaline over awkward small talk. It’s all electric go-karts, tight corners, and plenty of opportunities to show up your workmates… or completely embarrass yourself, depending on your driving skills. Either way, it’s an absolute laugh.
Bonus points if you organise a mini podium ceremony afterwards.
Checho’s nails that sweet spot between fun and seriously good food. The share-style menu is packed with yummy, scrummy dishes that make lingering over lunch or dinner a no-brainer.
And their bag cocktails… yes, you read that right… bag cocktails, are as entertaining as they are tasty.
This spot was made for Christmas catch-ups.
Voart Studio is all about getting creative, paintbrush in one hand, wine glass in the other.
Their sip-and-paint sessions are a mix of colour, laughter and mild artistic chaos [in the best way], while the pottery parties are a bit more hands-on and just as fun.
You’ll get messy, make something vaguely functional, and probably discover a hidden talent or two along the way.
It’s relaxed, easy going, and perfect for a Christmas catch-up that swaps small talk for creativity and a good laugh.
SmashLab Break Room Experience
If the year’s been a bit… a lot, Smash Lab is pure therapy. You suit up, grab a bat, and take out all your 2025 frustrations on old TVs, printers and glassware, safely, of course. It’s weirdly satisfying and a total laugh, especially when you see how competitive everyone gets.
Perfect for a Christmas party that’s less about small talk and more about smashing stuff [literally] before heading off for a well-earned drink.
If your team’s got a competitive streak [and let’s be honest, most do], Battle Axe is a cracking choice. It’s exactly what it sounds like! You throw axes at targets, cheer each other on, and discover who in the group you definitely don’t want to annoy.
There’s a fun mix of skill, silliness and pure satisfaction when you finally hit the bullseye. Perfect for a Christmas catch-up that’s a little offbeat, a little loud, and a whole lot of fun.
Footgolf is exactly what it sounds like! Part soccer, part golf, and all good fun.
You swap clubs for a soccer ball, aim for oversized holes, and laugh your way around the course. It’s easy to pick up, surprisingly addictive, and the perfect mix of competition and chaos.
Great for a work crew or mates who want to get outside, have a laugh, and maybe settle a few friendly scores before the year’s out.
For a Christmas catch-up that’s a little more active [and a lot more memorable], Hangdog is a total winner. You’ll be climbing, cheering each other on, and laughing way too hard when someone gets halfway up the wall and realises heights aren’t their thing.
It’s team-building without the trust falls! Fun, energising, and perfect for groups who’d rather move than mingle.
Bonus: you’ll definitely earn that post-climb drink.
South Coast Winery Twilight Tastings Tour
Now this is how you do a Christmas party in style. Kenny Escapes takes you on a twilight winery adventure through the Shoalhaven and South Coast, with rolling vineyards, golden sunsets and a glass [or two] of something local in hand.
You’ll visit two award-winning cellar doors, enjoy tastings of regional wines and cheeses, and finish the evening with a two-course dinner at one of the region’s favourite restaurants in Berry or Nowra.
It’s relaxed, scenic and just the right amount of indulgent! A beautiful way to wrap up the year with your crew.
Corporate Wellness Sauna & Ice Bath Therapy
Not every Christmas catch-up has to end with cocktails. Some start [and stay] in full chill mode.
SAUNAUS offers private infrared sauna and ice bath sessions that are all about switching off, slowing down and soaking up some calm after a big year. It’s a total reset for body and mind. The kind of group experience that leaves everyone feeling lighter, brighter and a little smug about skipping the hangover.
Perfect for work teams or mates who’d rather sweat it out than shout over the bar.
The best part about celebrating locally is that the festive spirit never really stops. The Illawarra is bursting with Christmas cheer!
There’s markets, events, carols and lights all adding to that end-of-year magic. Keep the celebrations rolling and soak up everything the season has to offer right here at home.
Find all the festive events and Christmas cheer around the Illawarra right here.