Not one to shy away from the festive season, Delapré Abbey loves to go big with its celebrations. There’s nothing the team won’t do to get into the Christmas spirit – and everyone is invited to join in the fun!
Delapré Abbey offers a choice of festive experiences and is always keen to hear guests’ ideas for how they would like to celebrate the season, offering an invitation to join in one of the festive events, or work with the team to create their own ‘something special’.
The AA-rosette restaurant, Hibiscus, is available for exclusive corporate hire or for smaller groups looking for a refined end-of-year dinner. These evenings feature seasonal menus crafted by award-winning Executive Chef, Bart Polinski, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and carefully considered wine pairings. Whether it’s a formal sit-down celebration or a relaxed networking dinner, Hibiscus provides a professional yet welcoming setting for building relationships and celebrating achievements.
Tours, roasts and trails
Port and Cheese anyone? Guests can enjoy a glass of port whilst taking an atmospheric tour of the Abbey in candlelight and hearing the stories of Delapré’s past with friends and colleagues. The guided candlelit tours of the Abbey are a special way to explore the building’s history after dark and guests can upgrade the evening and combine a tour with a festive meal in Hibiscus.
For a more informal experience, the Christmas Roasts offer a relaxed opportunity to bring colleagues together. Whether it’s a private event in one of the Victorian rooms or a table in The Orangery café, the team at Delapre are keen to add the festivities to the day. The focus is on great food, a warm atmosphere, and the opportunity to slow down and connect before the busy year ends.
If roasts aren’t the order of the day, the team will be happy to share details of Delapré’s Dickens Christmas Afternoon Tea experience.
The Winter Light Trail is back from the November 28 to December 31 and is set to transform the Abbey grounds into an illuminated route, ideal for entertaining clients or rewarding staff with an after-hours experience. This self-guided walk is a chance to enjoy the grounds in a new way, with light installations and atmospheric scenes that make a striking backdrop for networking or socialising.
For teams looking for something with a playful twist, there are Murder Mystery Christmas Parties on December 5 and 18, offering an evening of intrigue, laughter and teamwork. Guests become part of the action as they work together to solve a light-hearted whodunnit over the course of the evening. Between the suspense and surprises, they will enjoy an exceptional festive dining experience, with menus crafted by the in-house chefs to showcase the best of the season.
Guaranteed to be an evening of fun and laughter – it’s a refreshing change from the traditional office Christmas meal.
A hands-on activity that works well for small teams or client hospitality are wreath-making classes which provide a relaxed and creative environment. Led by Delapré’s experienced team, the sessions give participants the chance to create their own fresh wreath to take home, with refreshments available throughout.
Friends and families can also enjoy the annual Christmas Fair on November 22 and 23, featuring local crafts, gifts and seasonal produce, along with the magic of Santa’s Grotto for younger visitors. Visitors can also relax with seasonal treats and special festive offers in The Orangery Café throughout December.
Making it work for your business
Delapré understands that every organisation has different needs at the end of the year – from large-scale staff parties to more intimate client dinners or family-friendly activities. The events team works closely with event organisers to tailor the experience, ensuring everything runs smoothly and reflects the business’s brand and values.
With a range of spaces, award winning catering, and a calendar of festive events ready to choose from, Delapré Abbey offers flexibility and variety without the need for your team to handle logistics. It’s a chance to mark the end of the year.
For availability, booking options and tailored packages for your business, contact the Delapré Abbey team at events@delapreabbey.org or visit the Delapré Abbey website.
