Christmas Parties in Essex
This year, celebrate Christmas somewhere with a story. Set among 170 acres of woodland and waterways in Waltham Abbey, the Gunpowder Mills is one of the most memorable Christmas party venues in Essex. Choose from a festive drinks reception, a long Christmas lunch or an elegant evening dinner, all with exclusive use of our historic spaces, so the whole party is yours. We’re just minutes from the M25, with plenty of parking on site.
Christmas Drinks Reception
From £65 + VAT pp
45-100 guests
2 hours
Christmas Lunch
From £89 + VAT pp
40-75 guests
3 hours
The Christmas Congreve Dinner
From £129 + VAT pp
40-75 guests
6pm-11pm
Christmas Drinks Reception
Get the festive season started with a glass of fizz or mulled wine, festive canapés and bowl food, and a bar team on hand all night. It’s perfect for office parties, client thank-yous and team get-togethers.
What’s included
Exclusive hire of the Spinks Gallery or Café for 2 hours
Welcome glass of fizz or mulled wine
Selected wines, beers and soft drinks
Festive Canapé and bowl food menu
Bar service throughout
AV and PA equipment for festive background music
On-site parking
Wi-Fi
A dedicated venue host throughout your event
Package fee
From £65 + VAT per person
Minimum 45 guests (£2,925 + VAT) | Maximum 100 guests (£6,500 + VAT)
Includes 2 hours’ exclusive hire. Extra hours can be added at £200 per hour.
Sample menu
Canapés: pigs in blankets with honey and mustard glaze; smoked salmon blini with dill crème fraîche; brie and cranberry tartlet (v)
Bowl food: turkey, sage and onion slider with cranberry relish; beef bourguignon with buttery mash; wild mushroom and chestnut risotto (v)
Something sweet: mini mince pies; chocolate and orange brownie bites
Menus change with the seasons. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
Christmas Lunch
The long, leisurely Christmas lunch your team deserves. Raise a welcome glass of fizz or mulled wine, then sit down to a festive two or three-course lunch with wines, beers and soft drinks. It’s ideal for team lunches and client celebrations.
What’s included
Exclusive hire of the Spinks Gallery or Café for 3 hours
Welcome glass of fizz or mulled wine
Seated two or three-course festive lunch
Selected wines, beers and soft drinks
Tables and chairs
Bar service throughout
AV and PA equipment for festive background music
On-site parking
Wi-Fi
A dedicated venue host throughout your event
Package fee
From £89 + VAT per person (two courses)
Add a third course for £10 + VAT per person
Minimum 40 guests (£3,560 + VAT) | Maximum 75 guests (£6,675 + VAT)
Includes 3 hours’ exclusive hire.
Sample menu
Starters: spiced parsnip soup with crusty bread (v); chicken liver pâté with cranberry chutney and toasted brioche
Mains: roast turkey with all the trimmings; braised beef with red wine jus and creamy mash; chestnut, mushroom and cranberry wellington (v)
Desserts: Christmas pudding with brandy sauce; chocolate and clementine torte
Christmas Congreve Dinner
Our most indulgent Christmas celebration, named after Sir William Congreve, whose work transformed gunpowder-making at the Mills. Welcome your guests with fizz or mulled wine, then enjoy a three-course festive dinner and an evening with exclusive use of our historic spaces.
What’s included
Exclusive hire of the Spinks Gallery or Café from 18:00 to 23:00
Welcome glass of fizz or mulled wine
Seated three-course festive dinner
Selected wines, beers and soft drinks
Tables and chairs
Bar service throughout
AV and PA equipment for festive background music
On-site parking
Wi-Fi
A dedicated venue host throughout your event
Package fee
From £129 + VAT per person
Minimum 40 guests (£5,160 + VAT) | Maximum 75 guests (£9,675 + VAT)
Includes exclusive evening hire from 6pm to 11pm.
Sample menu
Starters: smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and rye; whipped goat’s cheese with roasted beetroot and walnuts (v)
Mains: roast turkey with all the trimmings; slow-cooked beef fillet with dauphinoise and red wine jus; chestnut, mushroom and cranberry wellington (v)
Desserts: Christmas pudding with brandy sauce; dark chocolate fondant with cherry compote
Why Christmas at the Gunpowder Mills?
The whole space is yours. Every package includes exclusive hire, so there’s no sharing with other parties.
A setting with a story - our historic buildings make your party one to remember.
Easy to reach - we’re minutes from the M25, with plenty of on-site parking.
A celebration that gives back. As a charity, we put every penny back into caring for this remarkable site.
Book Early for Christmas
Christmas dates go quickly. We have limited dates available. Secure yours with a 10% deposit, with the balance due 4 weeks before your event.
Enquire About Your Christmas Party
Tell us about your celebration and we’ll be in touch within 7 working days to check availability.
Sample menu
Starters: smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and rye; whipped goat’s cheese with roasted beetroot and walnuts (v)
Mains: roast turkey with all the trimmings; slow-cooked beef fillet with dauphinoise and red wine jus; chestnut, mushroom and cranberry wellington (v)
Desserts: Christmas pudding with brandy sauce; dark chocolate fondant with cherry compote
Something else in mind?
Planning a bespoke Christmas celebration? Email us at events@gunpowdermills.com and we’ll help you create it.
Christmas FAQs
Can you cater for dietary requirements? Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for. Just let us know when you book.
Is there parking? Yes, there’s plenty of free parking on site. For evening events, we can share details of local taxi firms.
Can we bring our own decorations? Yes, please confirm with us what you would like to bring.
Can we extend our party? Extra time can be added to the Christmas Drinks Reception at £200 per hour. For other packages, please ask.
The Congreve Dinner
Promoter Package
