It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Essex
The festive season is a time to reflect on the year’s successes and celebrate with colleagues and communities. Whether you’re planning a classic all-inclusive party night or seeking something uniquely memorable, Essex has you covered
Create unforgettable memories that you’ll be talking about in the office for weeks!
Christmas at the Cliffs
Bringing you the very best in live entertainment this Christmas, the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend has an array of fabulously festive party nights that will have you dancing all night long. Whether it’s a work do or a night out with friends and family, make Christmas 2025 one to remember with delicious food and a vibrant party atmosphere.
Swing into Christmas
Host your Christmas party in style with an unforgettable evening of festive cheer at Essex County Cricket Club, set in the heart of Chelmsford. Taking place throughout December, their shared party nights include a welcome drink, delicious three-course meal, and live DJ entertainment from 7pm to midnight – all with exceptional service in a unique venue. You’ll leave feeling bowled over with festive merriment.
Raise a glass
Celebrate the festive season in style at Delta Hotels Waltham Abbey. Join one of their Christmas party nights, taking place every Friday in December, which include a delicious 3-course meal, DJ, disco, and festive extras. Why not take your event to the next level? Their ‘Upgrade Your Experience’ drinks packages are perfect for adding a special touch to your table. For the perfect pre-party cheer, don’t miss out on the Brew Bar Happy Hour! And for those closer to north-east Essex, Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester also offers a myriad of festive celebrations – promising an unforgettable Christmas with great food, music, and magical memories!
Celebrate the season, support a cause
Celebrate Christmas in style at Radisson Blu London Stansted. Enjoy a sparkling arrival drink beside the iconic wine tower, followed by a festive 3-course feast, and dancing till midnight. Choose from shared or private party packages, with discounted room rates and access to the PACE Health Club. Plus, for every guest attending, a donation will be made to Magic Breakfast UK, a charity on a mission to end child morning hunger for good!
A yuletide twist
If you’re not quite ready for turkey, why not try a festive afternoon tea?
Indulge in a magical afternoon at Downham Hall with their Festive Afternoon Tea, served in the beautifully decorated De Beauvoir Suite and Orangery. Enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival, followed by a seasonal twist on the classic afternoon tea, complete with live music to set the mood. Available Wednesday to Saturday from 30 November to Christmas Eve – perfect for a more intimate celebration in the heart of the Essex countryside.
Seasonal afternoon indulgence
Alternatively, immerse yourself in Stoke by Nayland Resort’s magical winter wonderland setting. Enjoy seasonal sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting array of festive sweet treats! Wash it all down with your choice of tea or coffee. With traditional, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on offer, there’s something to suit all tastes.
Nature-inspired festive fun
Swap the office party for something creative this Christmas!
Beth Chatto’s Festive Wreath Making Workshop, taking place on 20 November, offers a hands-on experience using natural materials gathered from the garden. Held in a beautiful outdoor setting, it’s perfect for colleagues, friends, or family to enjoy time together while crafting something personal. Admission to the gardens is included, and all materials are provided – just bring your festive spirit and dress for the weather!
Christmas craft for everyone to enjoy
The Museum of Power’s Wreath Making Workshops offer a festive interactive experience using your choice of baubles or natural decorations. Taking place on the last two weekends of November, the workshops will be held in the unique setting of Langford’s industrial heritage site. All materials are provided, and the museum’s tearoom will be open for a sweet treat, making it a cosy, memorable way to celebrate the season with colleagues, friends, or family.
Festive fun fit for royalty!
Celebrate the season in style with a Festive Wreath Workshop at Hedingham Castle on 30 November. Set in the enchanting Tapestry Room, this popular experience is ideal for you and your green-fingered colleagues. Guided by expert florists, you’ll craft a luxury wreath using natural foliage, while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies. With castle views and cosy vibes, it’s a creative and memorable alternative to the traditional Christmas party. Take it home to proudly hang on your front door!
Toast the season together
Make spirits bright with wine flights and bottomless bites!
Looking for something unique for this year’s Christmas do? Throughout December, New Hall Vineyard in the stunning Crouch Valley invites you to enjoy their festive cellar door Saturdays. Enjoy a seasonal wine flight or wines by the glass in the Tasting Room with colleagues, before taking advantage of their special offers on bottles to take home and personalised bottle labels – perfect for gifting.
Bottomless Christmas cheer
Make your holidays sparkle with Park Inn by Radisson Palace Southend-on-Sea’s bottomless festive brunch. Enjoy unlimited drinks and a delicious spread featuring roast turkey with all the trimmings, butternut squash & sage soup, and chocolate cheesecake with cream. With stunning estuary views and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to toast the season with friends or colleagues.
Muddy, merry moments
Reimagine your Christmas party with unique experiences.
Looking for a Christmas party alternative that’s muddy, memorable and full of laughs? The Bobble Hat Run at Nuclear Races Wild Forest in Brentwood offers a 2K festive obstacle course through 20 acres of woodland, suitable for all abilities. Perfect for colleagues or friends, it’s a fun, active way to bond, challenge yourselves, and embrace the outdoors. Expect festive vibes, teamwork, and plenty of mud – don’t forget to bring some marshmallows to toast on the roaring fire pit afterwards!
Escape the ordinary
Looking for a Christmas party with a twist? Essex escape rooms offer unforgettable team experiences that combine challenge, laughter, and adventure. Whether you’re cracking codes in a casino heist, escaping a prison cell, or uncovering secrets aboard a pirate ship, these immersive games are perfect for festive fun. Essex has some great 5* gaming experiences to choose from, such as Escape Live in Southend and Chelmsford, Know Escape with sites across the county and Escape Hunt, Lakeside.
Try something new
Set in magical woodland and a medieval-style barn, The White Dragon Activity Centre in Bures, near Colchester, is perfect for adventurous teams this Christmas. Try archery, axe throwing, or airgun shooting, then relax by a campfire. With expert coaching and a quirky, immersive setting, it’s a brilliant alternative to the usual office party.
Level up your Christmas party
Spirits Bar & Games in Colchester is a fantastic choice for an alternative Christmas party. With retro arcade games, classic consoles, and a vibrant cocktail bar, it’s perfect for teams looking to mix festive fun with nostalgic vibes. Whether you’re battling on Mario Kart or sipping themed drinks, it’s a playful twist on the traditional office party.
Or why not keep the energy rolling with a few friendly strikes at CJ’s Bowling in Hockley? With classic lanes, arcade games, and smart darts, CJ’s offers a lively, all-in-one venue for teams to compete, relax, and celebrate in style.
