Deck the Halls and Set the Table: Our Festive Lunches at SbN
The moment the fairy lights begin to twinkle, and the winter air turns crisp and bright, we know Christmas is just around the corner. At Stoke by Nayland Resort, soft golden lights, stunning decorations and the scent of mulled spices drift gently through the air, creating a warm and sparkling backdrop for the festive season.
Nestled in the heart of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our resort becomes a haven where loved ones reunite, friends reconnect, and teams gather for well-earned celebrations. December at Stoke by Nayland brings together delicious cuisine, joyful atmosphere and breathtaking countryside views into a truly memorable experience.
Join us for indulgent festive lunches, luxurious afternoon teas, atmospheric dinners, lively party nights and the excitement of Santa’s special appearance. Every event has been thoughtfully designed to bring people together and celebrate the wonder and warmth of the season.
So, pull up a chair, raise a glass, and unwrap the delights awaiting you this December.
Festive Lunches That Sparkle
Tuck into a seasonal feast shared with the people who matter most.
There is no better way to embrace the run-up to Christmas than with a fabulously festive two- or three-course lunch served in our stunning Lakes Restaurant. From 1st to 23rd December, diners can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere paired with extraordinary views across the wintry Dedham Vale, where shimmering lakes and rolling countryside create the perfect backdrop.
Every dish embraces the flavours of the season, from rich winter warmers to lighter festive favourites crafted with care by our talented chefs. Our lunches are ideal for get-togethers, relaxed family outings and colleagues wanting to toast the year’s achievements.
To make your experience extra special, a live pianist performs every Thursday, filling the room with soft, sparkling melodies. On Sundays, guests can also indulge in a comforting Festive Carvery served from 12:30pm to 2:45pm, offering the perfect chance to relax and savour the tastes of the season.
Festive Dinners in Style
As the sun sets over the Dedham Vale and the resort glows with golden light. Here at Stoke by Nayland, we offer the perfect setting for a magical festive evening. A rich ambience fills the room and pairs effortlessly with creative, flavourful dishes that make every dinner feel unique. Our Festive Dinners are perfect for couples seeking a cosy date night, families unwinding after Christmas shopping or groups looking for a stylish and intimate meal before the big day arrives. From 6:30pm to 9pm, choose between a two-course festive dinner or a leisurely three-course feast.
Culinary Delights That Celebrate The Season
Our Festive Lunches and Dinners feature a selection of thoughtfully curated dishes. Classics such as Roast East Anglian Turkey with bacon-wrapped chipolata and fragrant onion and apricot stuffing, tender Slow Roasted Striploin of Beef and Roasted Belly of Suffolk Pork with caramelised apple sauce sit alongside lighter options like Baked Fillet of Salmon finished with a brioche, leek and herb crumb and served with saffron-infused cream sauce. Plant-based diners can enjoy a wholesome Lentil, Vegetable, Date and Chestnut Loaf, where all dishes include a full array of traditional roast trimmings.
Desserts provide a tasty finish, offering everything from traditional Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce to spiced Boxford Farms apple and cranberry lattice pie, velvety white and milk chocolate torte or a trio of cheeses with fruit chutney and crackers. Each meal concludes with tea or coffee and a mince pie.
A Winter Wonderland: Festive Afternoon Tea
December is undoubtedly the most magical moment for a festive afternoon tea. Throughout the month, our restaurant transforms into a winter wonderland and becomes the perfect retreat for a peaceful afternoon of indulgence. Families, friends and couples can enjoy a beautifully presented selection of turkey and cranberry sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Tiptree jam and an assortment of sweet treats, including mini warm mince pies and clementine and ginger posset.
Our menus cater to a wide range of dietary needs, with Traditional, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options all available, served daily from 12:30pm to 3pm.
Magical Moments with Father Christmas
Although fully booked for 14th December, our Festive Carvery with Father Christmas remains one of the most enchanting events of the season.
Here at Stoke by Nayland Resort, families gather for a hearty carvery lunch while children enjoy festive activity packs before meeting Father Christmas himself, who presents a small gift to each child up to 12 years old. For those still wanting to experience this special atmosphere, our regular Festive Carvery Sundays throughout December provide the same warm seasonal spirit, minus the Santa visit.
Boxing Day Bliss
Another cherished tradition at the resort, our Boxing Day Carvery Lunch, is already fully booked – a testament to its popularity. After the excitement of Christmas Day, this relaxed three-course feast offers a great way to unwind.
Diners can enjoy starters such as a classic prawn cocktail, roasted garlic chicken croquette or sweet potato and coconut milk soup, followed by a traditional carvery with Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and all the trimmings. A tempting dessert buffet rounds off the experience, available from 12:30pm to 3pm.
Dance The Night Away: Christmas Party Nights
Once Christmas Day arrives, the festivities need not end. From 29th November to 3rd January, our Classic Christmas Party Nights keep the Christmas spirit alive with a delicious two-course festive dinner followed by lively DJ entertainment and dancing. These evenings are ideal for colleagues marking the end of the year, groups of friends seeking a festive night out and families who love to celebrate together. Overnight stays can be added, including a Club Room, full English breakfast and access to our poolside facilities.
Those looking to add an extra touch of luxury can also reserve a VIP area for pre-party drinks, arrange drinks packages delivered to the table or indulge in pre-party pampering at Peake Spa with manicures, pedicures and other relaxing treatments.
For one final sparkle before routine returns, the fun continues with our January Blues Party Night on 3rd January.
A Festive Season to Remember
Celebrating Christmas at Stoke by Nayland Resort is truly something special. The charming winter scenery, inviting team and beautifully decorated spaces come together to create an atmosphere unlike any other. With events tailored for every age, taste and group size, our resort offers a magical setting where festive memories are made to last.
Whether you are savouring a festive lunch, enjoying a sweet afternoon tea, indulging in a delicious dinner, dancing through a party night or simply gathering with the people who matter most, we provide the perfect backdrop for your most cherished seasonal moments. With the halls decked, the tables set, and the festive spirit flowing, your December celebrations can start right here!
