It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Essex

^{Image credit: EscapeLive.}

Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the year’s achievements.

So, whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive party night, or want something a little different, Essex has you covered.

Break free from the norm

Escape rooms make the perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas party. They’re sure to put your team to the test, as well as get you laughing and having fun. You might find yourself in a prison cell, involved in a casino heist or aboard a ship with hidden treasure and a dark secret! Essex has some great 5* gaming experiences to choose from, such as Escape Live in Southend and Chelmsford, Know Escape in Bishop’s Stortford and Escape Hunt, Lakeside.

Celebrate adventurously

If you are looking to add some thrills to your festive celebrations, why not book a pre-Christmas (or post-Christmas) day of unforgettable fun at Go Ape Chelmsford. Wrap up warm, embrace the great outdoors, and tackle tricky crossings, fly down speedy ziplines and navigate around the forest canopy. With sessions available throughout November, December and into January, this experience is sure to elevate your team’s holiday spirit. 

Everyone loves a pantomime, oh yes you do!

Take the team along to the Princes Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea for an adult twist on the popular pantomime, Snow White. Indulge in an unforgettable evening of laughter, innuendos, and risqué humour. This mischievous adaptation, on 28 December, pushes the boundaries, adding a playful twist to the traditional story you know so well. So, gather your colleagues and leave your inhibitions at the door!

Experience the magic of Christmas

Looking for an amazing venue in Southend to host your Christmas party? Join one of Holiday Inn Southend’s popular party nights, or why not host your own exclusive festive event? From all-inclusive shared events, afternoon teas and themed lunches (with unlimited bubbles!), there really is something to suit every taste and budget.

Hoppy Christmas

Beer lovers can celebrate the festive season with colleagues at Brentwood Brewing Company’s annual Christmas Beer Festival on Saturday 7 December. Along with an array of award-winning beers, there’ll be food, entertainment, carol singing and live music. ’Tis the season to be merry after all! This event is very popular, and booking is advised.

Indulge in a little luxury

Experience the magic of Christmas at Down Hall, an historic hotel set in the beautiful Hertfordshire/Essex countryside. With select dates in November and December, their glamorous party nights are a must for your Christmas celebrations. Dust off your glad rads and enjoy a lavish dinner and dance the night away with their resident DJ playing through until midnight. (From £70pp).

Making spirits bright

Looking for something unique for this year’s Christmas party? Combine adrenaline packed games, delicious food, epic cocktails, and of course, some friendly competition at the epic Boom Battle Bar. Choose from axe throwing, shuffleboard, augmented reality darts, ping pong, crazy golf and beer pong. There’s even a karaoke booth for all those secret shower singers in your team! Visit venues in Chelmsford, Lakeside or Southend for an epic Christmas night out.

Paint and sip

Unleash your inner Picasso this Christmas season at Chelmsford Theatre. Their Paint and Sip: Festive Scene workshop, taking place on 4 December, makes for the perfect team-building activity. Start the session with a glass of bubbly, before picking up your paintbrush to recreate a beautiful, snowy winter landscape, reminiscent of a scene straight out of a Christmas card. Experienced tutors will guide you through the process, offering tips and tricks along the way. 

If painting isn’t your thing, why not have a go at making your own beautiful Christmas wreath in the Garden Room at Talbooth House. Take it home to proudly hang on your front door!

Place your bets

hoose an unforgettable merry celebration at Chelmsford City Racecourse this December. Bring your team to the party of the year and celebrate Christmas at Illuminate, the ultimate shared Christmas party night with a three-course meal and DJ. Alternatively, enjoy all the thrills and excitement of racing under the stars at one of their Christmas fixtures for extended opening hours, a festive drinks menu, Christmas carols and disco.

Reindeer rendezvous

Party the night away at Wivenhoe House – an 18th century country house set in the grounds of Wivenhoe Park. Their reindeer rendezvous themed party nights promise to be extra special. Create unforgettable memories with enchanting decorations, joyful activities and indulgent dining experiences that you’ll be talking about in the office for weeks! (From £65pp).

“Santa, I know him!”

To kick off the Christmas celebrations, the iconic Electric Palace Cinema and The Pier Restaurant, both located in historic Harwich, have teamed up to offer a delightfully unique package, available for one night only on 5 December – perfect for your team’s Christmas night out. Sit back and watch the popular Christmas movie, Elf, in one of the world’s oldest purpose-built cinemas, before indulging in a three-course dinner at The Pier.

Seasonal sparkle

Enjoy an enchanting evening in a unique arts venue that truly sparkles. With a brand-new starry night theme, join Firstsite in Colchester for a night filled with delicious food, music and dancing, amongst its twinkling surroundings. Held on evenings throughout late November and all of December these shared party nights are set to wow! Exclusive hire is also available. 

Set sail this festive season

Get the team together and board a vintage sailing barge in Maldon. Take to the water with Topsail Charters this Christmas for a unique celebration. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the winter river on a one and half hour cruise, before sitting down for a delicious freshly cooked two-course Sunday Roast. With only select dates available in November and December, we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Sweet treats

When you’re not quite ready for turkey, why not try a festive afternoon tea at Downham Hall. Served from 30 November until Christmas Eve in their tastefully decorated de Beauvoir suite, you can expect all the usual Christmas touches, along with Christmas Music from a live pianist. (From £48.50pp).

Tee up, drink up, eat up! 

Navigate the super swanky mini golf at Puttshack Lakeside this Christmas, featuring themed holes such as Beer Pong, Drumroll and Pipe Dream. All that winning (or losing) will be sure to work up an appetite and their first-class food menus and festive drinks will not disappoint. Their seasonal packages mean your Christmas visit is all wrapped up and ready to go from the moment you arrive. 

Come rain or shine, day or night, Topgolf in Chigwell offers another great option if you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas. Their flexible packages mean everyone, regardless of their skill, can be involved in some Christmas fun. Who will be the first to get a ho-ho-hole in one? 

For more inspiration, visit www.visitessex.com