Sober Ways to Spend the Silly Season in Brisbane

With the silly season in full swing, there are more and more opportunities to over-indulge in food, wine and good times.

If you’ve got too many Christmas parties on your calendar and you’re looking for sober ways to stay busy this season, we’ve got a few suggestions up our sleeve to keep you in the clear.

From hosting your very own seasonal soiree to getting out of town for a bit, these are our favourite ways to unwind this Christmas.

Host a Sober Party

Swap being a good-time guest for being the host with the most (self-control) by hosting your very own Christmas party at home. Invite your friends and family to bring a dish each, and note on the invite that alcohol is not on the guest list.

For a fun party activity, set up a mocktail station with some recipes, so that everyone can make their own tasty festive drinks and try something new.

Volunteer

Make this year about giving back, and focusing on the community around you at Christmas time, by finding somewhere to volunteer.

From assisting in hygiene services to those without a home to bundling up care packages for disadvantaged people, there’s a wide variety of ways to keep yourself busy and provide tremendous support at the same time. 

Organise a Group Activity

Get the gang together for some wholesome fun with a group activity in Brisbane that will spark festive feels all around. Choose your own adventure, from fun and interactive gamified sports like golf and darts to something a little slower-paced like a pottery workshop, Brisbane is packed with opportunities to indulge in quality time with your besties.

Bring a Sober Buddy

If you’ve got some Christmas commitments you can’t get out of, bring a sober buddy as your plus one. You can fetch one another non-alcoholic drinks, provide moral support and a bit of sober company in case the party goes on longer than you expected.

Having a bit of backup helps to add resolve, and reduces any FOMO feelings that arise when you see the rest of the room partaking in a beverage or two.

Explore Nature

Brisbane is home to some truly stunning spaces to immerse yourself in nature and get away from the overwhelming energy of the holiday season. There’s nothing quite like watching the ocean waves lap at the shoreline, or the sunrise from the top of a mountain to make you feel truly calm, yet alive.

From wandering through national parks or chasing waterfalls, there’s no shortage of ways to reconnect with nature this summer. A weekend away down the Gold Coast or up the Sunshine Coast is also an excellent way to get out of town and experience the relaxed, coastal vibes of these seaside spots.

Plan a Group Getaway

Instead of getting carried away with Christmas parties, control your environment by planning a group getaway with your best mates, or with your family.

Book in a comfortable Airbnb, or a spacious Queenslander that will accommodate your entire group chat for a relaxing holiday getaway that will help you stay on track for success. We love nothing more than getting away and spending time with our loved ones–cooking together, playing board games and reminiscing. That’s why we’ve already got this handy guide to group accommodation options in Brisbane ready for you to peruse.

Now that you’re up to speed on sober ways to spend the silly season, find some more wholesome activity inspiration with our date night ideas in Brisbane. Still keen to get out of town? Explore these dreamy day trips from Brisbane.