Make the most of the festive season with a beautifully served afternoon tea. From grand hotel lounges and elegant Christmas afternoon tea experiences to playful themed afternoon tea and sightseeing tours, discover the best festive afternoon tea London has to offer for a memorable winter treat.
Christmas Afternoon Tea London
Looking for the perfect Christmas afternoon tea London experience? Discover festive teas in some of the capital’s most elegant hotels and iconic venues, with seasonal flavours, beautiful surroundings and plenty of Christmas cheer served alongside a classic afternoon tea.
- Festive Afternoon Tea in Westminster at St. Ermin’s Hotel – Step into a Christmas wonderland in the heart of Westminster with festive afternoon tea from £52 per person. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, seasonal sweet treats and fine teas, with bottomless Crémant available for £62. There’s also a children’s festive tea, plus plant-based and gluten-free options.
- An Afternoon Soiree at The Parlour in Great Scotland Yard Hotel – Discover a more secretive take on festive afternoon tea at The Parlour, where the hotel’s Secret Soirée theme sets the scene for handcrafted pastries, elegant savouries and perfectly poured teas. Add Champagne for an extra celebratory touch, all tucked away in the heart of Westminster.
- Festive Afternoon Tea at The Clermont London Victoria – Celebrate Christmas at The Lounge with a classic festive spread of seasonal pastries, delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones and fine teas. Set within the elegant Tea Lounge just moments from Buckingham Palace, it’s a charming choice for a festive catch-up in central London.
- Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Savoy – Make Christmas afternoon tea feel extra special beneath the glow of Gallery at The Savoy. The festive experience brings seasonal treats, warm scones and Champagne to one of London’s most iconic afternoon tea settings, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1889.
- Festive Celebration with Nyetimber at The Ivy Victoria – Give the traditional afternoon tea a festive makeover with The Ivy’s seasonal spread, featuring smoked salmon and cream cheese choux buns, chicken Milanese and truffle cream brioche, warm fruited scones and indulgent chocolate treats. Pair it with a glass of Nyetimber English sparkling wine for an extra festive flourish.
- Frosted Cocoa Afternoon Tea at Strand Palace – Head to The Palace Tea Parlour in Covent Garden for The Frosted Cocoa Afternoon Tea by Love Cocoa, where seasonal savouries, freshly baked scones and chocolate-inspired sweet treats bring a little extra indulgence to Christmas. Available from 10 November 2026 to 11 January 2027, prices start from £50 per adult Monday to Friday.
Themed Afternoon Tea Experiences for Christmas
For something a little more memorable than the traditional tiered stand, London’s themed afternoon teas bring storytelling, theatre and playful menus to the table. These experiences are ideal for families, special occasions or anyone looking for a festive afternoon tea with a difference.
- Festive Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych – Step into the magical world of Roald Dahl with the Festive Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea. Expect a Christmas dinner sandwich, Mr Wonka’s smoked salmon quiche, chocolate creations, marshmallow treats and a chocolatey chariot serving hot chocolate and toppings. Available from 11 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, with prices from £95 per person including Champagne, cocktail or mocktail.
- A Midwinter Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea at Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate – Bring a touch of theatrical magic to Christmas with A Midwinter Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea, a festive edition of Kona’s signature experience. Expect beautifully presented pastries, savouries, seasonal flavours and a touch of festive theatre, served Friday to Sunday at 12pm and 2pm, with additional seatings on 24 and 31 December. Prices are £85 per person.
- Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour with Brigit’s Bakery – Combine afternoon tea with a sightseeing tour aboard a classic Routemaster bus for a Christmas experience that takes in London’s famous festive lights. The 90-minute Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour includes sweet and savoury treats, tea, coffee or hot chocolate and views of landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and more. Prices start from £45 for adults and £37 for children, with tours running from 11 November 2026 to 5 January 2027.
- Brigit’s Bakery Grinchmas Afternoon Tea – Add a mischievous twist to your Christmas afternoon tea with a Grinch-themed bus tour through London. Expect green-themed treats, festive games, onboard surprises and Christmas lights viewed from a cosy vintage Routemaster. Running daily from 11 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, prices start from £50 for adults and £42 for children.
FAQs About Festive Afternoon Tea in London
- When does Christmas afternoon tea start in London? Many of London’s festive afternoon teas begin in early to mid-November and continue through December into early January. For 2026, Strand Palace begins its festive tea on 10 November, while One Aldwych starts on 11 November.
- Where can I find a themed afternoon tea in London? One Aldwych’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory experience and Brigit’s Bakery’s Grinchmas bus tour both add a strong theatrical theme to the traditional afternoon tea. Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate also offers a seasonal, imaginative take on its signature tea.
- Where can I find a Christmas afternoon tea for children? Brigit’s Bakery offers dedicated family-friendly experiences, including its Christmas Lights and Grinchmas bus tours for ages five and up. St. Ermin’s also offers a children’s festive tea, while One Aldwych has a dedicated children’s menu for its Charlie & the Chocolate Factory experience.
- How much does festive afternoon tea cost in London? Prices vary widely depending on the venue and experience. Current 2026 examples range from £45 per adult for Brigit’s Bakery’s Christmas Lights bus tour to £95 per person for One Aldwych’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea with a Champagne, cocktail or mocktail.