The Best Hotel Holiday Teas To Delight Little Girls
Who doesn’t love the chance to get dressed up and enjoy a special meal in a festive setting? Children enjoy the revelry of the holiday season just as much as adults, so why not treat your tot to a fancy afternoon tea? Luxe hotels all across the globe open up their dining rooms and pull out all the stops to throw over-the-top celebrations. Ready to create long-lasting family memories and new Christmas traditions? Here are the best hotel holiday teas in the world.
Top of the Mark at the InterContinental, San Francisco
The children’s magical tea at the Top of the Mark takes place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December, plus Thursday, December 21 and Tuesday, December 26. There’s a master balloonatic, a face painter, a whimsical elf named Wendy, and a cookie decorating station. The delicious menu is extensive and features an assortment of tea sandwiches, including cucumber and smoked salmon for parents and strawberry and cream cheese for the kiddos. Four different types of scones—currant, blueberry maple, English tea, and orange cranberry—come with thick Devonshire cream and tangy lemon curd.
There’s also a dessert buffet, and kid-friendly foods (macaroni and cheese, mini corn dogs, chicken strips, etc.) for the pickier eaters. The stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco are also the perfect backdrop to snap a jolly group shot for Instagram.
The Plaza Hotel, New York City
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s having tea with Eloise at The Plaza. Wednesday through Friday during the first two weeks in December, tea with Santa is offered twice a day, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., as well as a few, select additional dates: Tuesday, December 19 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Thursday, December 21 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Saturday, December 9th at 11 a.m. The tea menu includes pink lemonade, pink hot chocolate, tea sandwiches, fruit skewers, candy cane cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies. All guests are invited to write Eloise a letter and Santa will read the group a story. Each family also receives a commemorative photo and the tots leave with an Eloise-themed favor bag.
The Dorchester, London
Since opening in 1931, The Dorchester in London has served fine afternoon tea daily. From now until December 24, the hotel welcomes families on weekends for its Christmas carols afternoon tea at the Promenade. A children’s choir sings carols while a selection of scrumptious snacks are served, such as homemade finger sandwiches on artisanal bread, warm raisin scones with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream, Christmas-themed French pastries, and rare teas are on the menu. Adults may also enjoy a complimentary glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne—cheers!
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Teddy bears are the name of the game at afternoon tea in Naples at the Ritz-Carlton. The resort’s lobby lounge is filled with oversized fluffy teddy bears for kids to cuddle and play with. Tea takes place December 9 and 10, as well as from the 16 to the 23 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The young ones can enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, and storytelling. Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus will make a surprise appearance that’s sure to delight everyone in attendance.
The St. Regis, Atlanta
Holiday tea with Santa takes place December 8 through 10 and the 14 through 24 at the St. Regis in Atlanta. Each day there are two seatings: 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Guests enjoy tea and holiday nibbles in the elegant Astor Court. The event is hosted by Santa himself who is eager to welcome children and learn what is on their wish lists. Live music by pianist Joe Alderman ensures that both kids and adults are in merry and bright spirits.
The Drake Hotel, Chicago
The Drake Hotel in Chicago is hosting a winter wonderland tea at the Palm Court. The tea takes place daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with seatings every half hour, through December 31, while the 12 days of Christmas Carolers perform alongside a harpist. On the menu? Nutella and jelly sandwiches; a crab salad tartlet; English scones and Mandarin orange mini loaves with preserves, lemon curd, and English double Devon cream; and macarons.
