Chester at Christmas: A Party with Puzzles and Cheer

19/09/25
Chester in December is magical. Between the twinkling lights, historic streets, cosy pubs, seasonal drinks, and Christmas markets, it is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas party that is more than just dinner and dancing.
One great way to kick things off is with a visit to Escapism Chester. An escape room venue in the heart of Chester is highly rated for its storytelling, variety of puzzles, and immersive sets. Even better, we can host up to 36 players per session, making it ideal for work parties, large groups of friends, or extended family gatherings.
What Is Escapism Chester?
- Multiple themed escape rooms, each with different difficulty levels.
- A typical session lasts 60 minutes, giving your group plenty of time to work together, solve clues, and complete the mission.
- Larger groups can split across several rooms and compete to see who escapes the fastest, adding a competitive edge to the fun.
Adding an Hour of Fun Before the Party
If your main party or dinner is scheduled after your Escapism session, consider adding an extra hour of activity beforehand to warm everyone up, get people talking, and set the festive mood.
Activity |
Why It Works |
Suggestions in Chester |
Festive walk and sightseeing |
Helps guests relax, chat, and soak up the atmosphere before the excitement begins. |
Walk the City Walls for historic views or explore Grosvenor Park for a peaceful start. |
Hot drink meet and greet |
Ideal for early arrivals and latecomers, and keeps everyone warm. |
Choose a café near Escapism Chester so you stay close to your next activity. |
Quick festive challenge or game |
Builds energy and laughter right from the start. |
A short Christmas quiz or mini scavenger hunt works well. |
Photo walk |
Captures memories and encourages group bonding. |
Stop by the Eastgate Clock or Chester Cathedral for photos. |
Light food or nibbles |
Keeps energy levels up before the escape room. |
Try finger food or seasonal treats at a nearby pub or deli. |
A Sample Itinerary
Here’s an example timeline for a Christmas party evening in Chester:
Time |
Activity |
5:30 pm |
Guests arrive and enjoy a warm drink at the Chester Christmas Markets |
6:00 pm |
Group walk to see Chester’s Christmas lights or a short festive activity. |
6:45 pm |
Head to Escapism Chester for your escape room session (60 minutes). |
8 pm |
Move on to your main dinner or party venue. |
Other Things to Do Around Chester
If you want to extend the evening, Chester has plenty of options:
- Christmas Market – Ideal for browsing stalls and picking up mulled wine or seasonal snacks.
- Storyhouse – Theatre, cinema, and live events if you want to pair your party with a show.
- Telford's Warehouse – A great spot for drinks or live music afterwards.
- City Walls – Take a short walk before or after to enjoy Chester’s history under the festive lights.
Tips for Planning
- Book Escapism Chester early, especially in December, to secure enough rooms for a group of up to 36 players.
- Pick a pre-party meeting spot near the venue so your group doesn’t have to rush across the city in winter weather.
- Allow buffer time for parking, coats, and late arrivals.
- Encourage Christmas jumpers or festive accessories and consider prizes for fastest escape or best dressed.
- Keep the weather in mind — have a backup indoor meeting spot if it is raining.