Hospitality Editor Narrell Tabone has the inside scoop on how to match your festive event needs with the perfect venue, according to your guest list, catering needs and overall vibe. So get out your checklist and tick one of these great locations – from laid-back coastal café to waterside seafood, from Asian flavours to pub playlists, and even a party venue afloat, we’ve got you covered.
Festive Beats in the Taproom at Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Woollamia
If your Christmas party calls for good music, good beer and a place where everyone instantly relaxes, Jervis Bay Brewing Co delivers it with ease.
This beer garden off the beaten track is a favourite for multi-generational families thanks to the relaxed seating and the kids’ play area. It’s a no-brainer for work mates from nearby businesses who often head over after hours. Several running and cycling clubs claim it as their preferred spot to cool down and celebrate a solid session, especially a Christmas celebration that covers everyone.
The taproom tanks add a bit of theatre, the art brings colour, 5 Little Pigs Food Truck caters for everyone including most food intolerances.
There’s a marquee-covered section of the garden that sets the scene for a celebration that never feels rushed. The playlist is always on point, giving the whole space that unmistakable brewery buzz.
No group is too small to join the fun, and larger gatherings are well supported. Parties of 20 or more can fit comfortably, while groups of 40 and above can enjoy exclusive use of the marquee. A $10 per person deposit secures the booking and can be used as a bar tab.
Patrons are welcome to add a few festive touches and decorations to make the space feel even more personal, all while enjoying some of Jervis Bay’s most loved craft beers.
Venue manager Craig Boyce is your contact for planning the details, including catering arrangements with the 5 Little Pigs food truck on site.
Bookings: jervisbaybrewing.co/bookings or (02) 4401 2142.
Flamin’ Galah’s a Festive Playground, Woollamia
This brew-pub’s bold pink backdrop, playful galah icon and easy-going atmosphere gives it a bright, social energy that feels just right for your festive Christmas gatherings. They are ready for your bookings now, from small casual catch-ups to larger end-of-year celebrations, the Galah covers everyone but is especially embraced by the tradies and craft beer enthusiasts, and groups who just wanna have fun.
There is plenty of space to choose from, including the mezzanine with its pool table for groups of 25-30, the back beer garden for 60 or more, and the front lawn for relaxed groups of 20-30.
The bar menu has an extensive range of their own craft beers, cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic choices. If you are a smaller group, The Nest food truck on site offers a feastful menu covering gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Happy hour runs on weekdays from 4pm to 6pm, and Sundays from 3pm to 4pm outside school holidays, accompanied by live music. Cocktails range between $19-$22.
For Christmas party enquiries, Claire and Sam ask groups of 15 or more to contact them through the Flamin’ Galah website, while smaller groups are welcome to walk in.
‘Tis the Season at Taj, Huskisson
For a Christmas gathering full of colour, the scent of spice and incredible flavour bombs, Taj Indian Restaurant on Owen Street Huskisson delivers the perfect upbeat vibe.
Owners Arron and Emily create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, with a front dining area slightly screened from the main space perfect for an intimate group or request a long table set-up for large groups.
Their delicious banquets start from tables of six or eight, while the whole restaurant can be booked for up to 40 guests. Catering is flexible, from $45 to $75 per head and a fully licensed drinks package can be arranged to suit the occasion.
Perfect for family Christmas reunions, local business get-togethers, Navy base teams or Chamber of Commerce gatherings, Arron and Emily make hosting effortless.
Whether you prefer relaxed canape-style entertaining with a selection of dips and appetisers or a sit-down sharing menu bursting with rich, colourful flavours, the choices are designed to suit every festive occasion. The venue is fully licensed and BYO, offering a carefully selected range of local beer, wine and spirits. Festive parties are welcome to sprinkle a little tinsel around their tables for a little extra seasonal charm.
Call (02) 4441 7775 to start planning your festive celebration.
Celebrate Christmas with Sharing Boards & Views
Darling House Deli is a newly opened venue serving quality deli sandwiches, vibrant salads, fresh juices and top-notch coffee (formerly Mercier Coffee and Martini Club). Located next to Boobook on Owen Street Huskisson, this venue has one of the best views in the village.
Under owner Jodie McGregor, the space has been refreshed, featuring local artworks on the walls and stunning views across the Bay. From 28 November, they will open Friday and Saturday evenings, offering the perfect setting for festive gatherings.
Organising your Christmas party with groups of eight or more, you can choose a bar food package at $30 per head or a sharing banquet from $40, with all dietary needs covered including vegan and gluten-free.
Those looking for the full festive experience with their crowd can book the entire venue for Friday or Saturday nights with a minimum spend of $3,000. You have the option of arranging your own music or live DJs with Jodie.
The venue is fully licensed, with wines from $40-$95 per bottle, cocktails around $20, and beers from $8. Keep an eye on their socials for updates on evening platters and pricing.
To book your Christmas party or discuss options, email Jodie at jodie@darlinghouse.au.
Or phone 0493 206 409
Shake Up Your Christmas at Bud’s
For a Christmas party with energy, good conversation and a touch of retro flair, Bud’s Tavern is an easy pick in Huskisson. It’s a fun choice for tradies, small business teams and hospitality crews wanting to unwind after a big year. With its lively buzz, retro pub vibe, the delish Bud’s bistro menu and an easy-going crowd, it’s perfect for anyone after a relaxed, no-fuss celebration.
Publican Scott Mileto said they can accommodate groups of up to 28 guests and their boozy cocktails start at $22. Happy hours 4-6pm seven days a week makes a good time to get a head start on your Chrissy celebrations.
With a juicer at the bar ready to squeeze freshly pressed apple juice, all you need is to select your spirit and voilà you have created your favourite personalised festive cocktail – we like the Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, it’s a taste-bud of Northern Christmas.
Groups over 15 require pre-payment and food orders. To book and start planning your festive catch-up, email gday@budstavernhusky.com or drop in and have a chat to the Bud’s crew.
Huskisson’s Waterfront Feast
If your idea of an end-of-year celebration involves seafood by the water, cocktails in hand and a fresh new menu to explore, Fishermen’s Wharf Huskisson sets the perfect scene.
Just metres from Huskisson Wharf, the venue feels open, breezy and effortlessly coastal. Restaurant manager Marintan Florensia has a natural way of making guests feel welcome, giving every festive catch-up a relaxed and friendly touch.
For those organising a sizeable celebration, this venue can host up to 150 guests. There is a DJ every second Friday and Saturday, bringing the venue to life with house beats. Groups wanting something more personalised can book the entire venue and arrange their own entertainment, planned directly with management.
The atmosphere pulls in everyone from friends warming up for a night out, families settling in for a long lunch, and locals who love the calm, wharf-style setting.
It’s easy-going, comfortable and ideal for groups of all ages.
There’s a menu spanning over breakfast, lunch and dinner and if you’re up for a treat, try a $120 seafood platter, a standout choice for two wanting a quick, festive lunch.
If you are keen for a set menu for your Christmas party gathering, you can’t go past their $45 or $55 set menu. There is also the Sunset Ladies menu for $99pp or go all out for a Portside’s bottomless at $110pp, running every Friday and Saturday from 4pm adding a flavoursome twist your festive evening.
Cocktails sit between $16 and $22, with a generous menu mix of wine, beer and spirits for anyone who enjoys a good drink done well. They are fully licensed, with happy hour from 4pm to 6pm every Friday and Saturday.
For bookings or further details, contact restaurant manager Marintan on (02) 4441 6964 or visit the website’s contact page.
Sandbar’s New Outdoor Space, Ready for Christmas
With their newly covered swish outdoor area, Sandbar Restaurant on Hawke Street Huskisson is ready to welcome groups of all sizes. Here, a long pre-festive catch up lunch can effortlessly drift into sunset drinks, especially with weekly happy hours Thursday to Monday 5pm-6pm and weekends 3pm-6pm.
Chef Jason Wilkinson and his team take care of everything, bringing fresh refined coastal flavours to a menu designed to cover everyone’s dietary needs and an extensive wine, spirit and beer list followed by cocktails ranging between $17-$22.
Sandbar suits every kind of celebration, whether it is a corporate team winding down, a real estate crew marking the year, local retailers gathering their staff, or a group of friends wanting a festive moment together. Christmas napkins and bonbons are included, ready to open as the season begins to sparkle.
Smaller gatherings of 10 to 20 can enjoy the shared space or balcony, while parties of up to 40 can choose between air-conditioned indoor or outdoor dining. For larger events, the entire venue can be booked, accommodating 80 guests for a seated celebration, or up to 140 for a lively cocktail-style gathering.
Group menus start at $55 per person for a casual shared-style feast, with the option to elevate the celebration to a full Christmas banquet at $100 per person.
Sandbar is known for that unmistakable Jervis Bay hospitality, relaxed with a touch of refinement.
For enquiries and sample menus, contact chef.sandbarhuskisson@gmail.com or call (02) 4441 7203.
A Merry Malaysian Feast at AK Dragon, Huskisson
If your Christmas celebration calls for generous flavours and a relaxed atmosphere, AK Dragon Malaysian Restaurant in Huskisson offers a welcoming spot to gather. Set on the corner of Bowen and Hawke Streets, this well-known local favourite brings together a cosy dining room with gentle Asian touches, local art and a sense of ease that suits workplace groups, families and friends alike.
Owner and chef Alex is now taking Christmas bookings, with room for 45 guests inside and up to 50 outside. The covered outdoor area features plenty of tables beneath a softly lit canopy, creating a comfortable space for long lunches or balmy evening celebrations. Alex is happy to tailor a menu to suit your group, keeping planning simple and personal.
For teams wanting something a little livelier for their staff Christmas outing, Tuesday evenings are a great pick. Salsa nights start from 5pm and come with a $40 all-you-can-eat menu, making it an easy way to mix dinner with a bit of fun. Vegetarian dishes are available, and the team is attentive to dietary needs when booking.
AK Dragon is fully licensed with beers, spirits, wines and cocktails, and its outlook across to White Sands Park brings a relaxed coastal backdrop to your festive gathering. With generous food, friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers an easy place to bring everyone together before the year winds down.
To book your Christmas celebration, call (02) 4441 5839.
Celebrate Christmas like a Local in Vincentia
The Local cafe in Vincentia is now taking bookings for festive gatherings and has already been receiving plenty of enquiries. These guys are known as one of the central hubs in Vincentia and it’s easy to see why, with a light open setting, plenty of outdoor seating and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere providing a comfortable space for friends, family, or colleagues to come together and enjoy a festive celebration.
Now open for dinner Friday and Saturday nights, The Local offers both indoor and outdoor spaces and can tailor menus to suit your group. Christmas parties can be booked anytime between 4pm and 7pm, depending on numbers and menu choice.
It’s the perfect spot to celebrate the season with great food, good company, and that genuine local vibe The Local is known for.
For all Christmas party enquiries or menu details, contact Sophie, café manager, via email, manager@thelocaljervisbay.com
All aboard the Jervis Bay Wild Christmas Party Cruise!
Now for something completely different, why not choose Christmas on the Water with Jervis Bay Wild.
After your happy hour drinks at The Fisherman’s Wharf Huskisson, hop on board for a sunset Christmas party that feels effortlessly magical, creating a perfect moment to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues.
Jervis Bay Wild is hosting their festive evening cruise aboard Tekin Spirit of Jervis Bay, departing from Huskisson Wharf, right beside Fishermen’s Wharf restaurant and bar. For $75 per person, enjoy a three-hour cruise with a relaxed BBQ dinner, fresh salads, and all the best views of the Bay.
The Christmas Party Cruise sets sail on Saturday 20 December, departing at 6:30pm. It is a great way for workplace teams, families or groups of friends to mark the season in a memorable, stress-free way.
Bookings are essential and spots are limited, so grab yours before they go. Reserve online at Jervis Bay Wild or call (02) 4441 7002.
