Best Christmas afternoon tea: 24 of the most festive spreads in London

There are so many Christmas traditions these days that it can be a tall order keeping count of them all. From Stir Up Sunday to Secret Santa, there’s no end to the ways in which people choose to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. One particular festive activity that we’re more than happy to add to the list, though, is Christmas afternoon teas.

Come November time, some of the best afternoon teas in London receive a festive makeover, which sees the tradition's miniature cakes and finger sandwiches dressed up with new and exciting Christmassy alternatives. Egg and cress are replaced with turkey and cranberry, while cucumber and cream cheese get chucked for Stilton and festive chutney. On the sweet front, you can expect gingerbread biscuits, bauble-shaped cakes and patisserie treats spiced with cinnamon to be in abundance.

Much like the traditional version, a festive afternoon tea is a really lovely way to celebrate the most joyous of seasons and, if you’re the type of person who struggles to feel Christmassy every year, is bound to fill you with at least a twinkle of festive spirit. Other than the joy of being waited on like royalty, there’s nothing quite like a tiered cake stand laden with Christmassy treats to make you feel giddy.

If this sounds like your perfect winter afternoon (and hey, why wouldn’t it?), then keep on scrolling for some of the best festive afternoon teas in London. Our tip? Keep an eye out for afternoon teas served in hotels for some of the most beautiful and bizarre spreads in the city, plus a peek at some seriously impressive Christmas trees. You don’t have to be staying there to make a booking! If you’re searching for a Christmas afternoon tea that will leave you feeling all warm and cosy inside, one of these fabulous options should be just right for you.

What's included in a Christmas afternoon tea?

A Christmas afternoon tea, as you might have guessed, is a regular spread with a festive twist. Typically, Christmas afternoon teas in London include mince pies and an option to add a glass of bubbles to celebrate the season. Some of the capital's fanciest hotels go all out on their offerings come December, theming all the treats in line with the time of year and even offering entertainment in some cases - Nutcracker performers, anyone?

The best Christmas afternoon teas in London

If you're already a fan of traditional mini sandwiches and cakes, then you're going to love these fabulous festive afternoon teas! Turkey sandwiches, edible baubles and Christmas cocktails are all on the menu this year.

Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Ruben's Hotel, Victoria

What: To be taken in either The English Grill or The Palace Lounge at The Rubens Hotel, guests can enjoy a festive twist on an award-winning afternoon tea created by Bake Off: The Professionals 2021 finalist Sarah Houghting. The signature afternoon tea features the likes of roast turkey, stuffing and cranberry mayonnaise, and Scottish smoked salmon and beetroot cream cheese, followed by a clementine and almond caramel tart and a hazelnut Swiss roll with praline crèmeux. There's also the option to add mulled wine and bottomless Champagne to your tea, while a variety of different loose-leaf teas are available for traditionalists.
How much: From £82 per adult, £45 per child
When: Available 17 November 2025 until 4 January 2026
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The Rubens at the Palace

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel and Residences, Kensington

What: Set in some of the most beautiful dining rooms London has to offer, festive afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel offers a gorgeous traditional menu to match the setting. You can choose to indulge in this festive treat in Cheneston’s Restaurant, The Oratory, or Park Lounge and make the most of the festive season. Savouries here include the likes of Somerset brie and cranberry quiche, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, and turkey with Caesar dressing. As for sweets, think Christmas pudding macarons, gingerbread bavarois, and a miniature yule log.
How much: From £90 per adult, £45 per child
When: Available from 1 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 1-2 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
Book now: Milestone Hotel and Residences

Festive Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

What: Festive afternoon tea at Pan Pacific is all about decadent flavours and brilliant sweets. Things kick off with an amuse bouche before heading onto a selection of finger sandwiches filled with roast turkey and cranberry, dry-cured smoked salmon, truffle egg and roast beef. Then it’s onto scones followed by sweet treats like Christmas pudding macarons, bobble hat mousse and Santa’s sleigh sables. There’s also an equally indulgent ‘free from’ menu, as well as a dedicated menu for your little ones, meaning that everyone can get into the spirit of the season.
How much: From £68 per adult, £29 per child
When: Available 10 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Book Now: Pan Pacific London

Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, Bayswater

What: There’s only one thing that beats a Winter walk in Hyde Park, and that's a post-amble afternoon tea at Hyde Cafe accompanied by a glass of Taittinger to make it extra special. This year's sandwich selection includes traditional fillings such as roast turkey with cranberry jam, Lambton and Jackson smoked salmon with sliced avocado, and roasted beef sirloin with truffle mayonnaise. Christmas sweets include a Winter Beehive with pear mousse and Christmas-spiced sponge, and a Christmas Bauble made with peppermint white chocolate mousse served on a dark chocolate cremeux. This is a great one for anyone looking for a bit of Christmas theatre.
How much: From £59 per adult, £30 per child
When: Available 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
Book now: Royal Lancaster

The Twelve Days of Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Sheraton Grand, Mayfair

What: Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair, the Palm Court at The Sheraton Grand brings all sorts of grandeur for your afternoon tea, with its soaring skylight, and striking Art-Deco features. Taking inspiration from The Twelve Days of Christmas, here you can expect festive sarnies such as roast turkey with cranberry, and smoked salmon with lemon and dill, followed by freshly baked scones and mini mince pies. The true magic lies in the pastries, think pipers pistachio mousse, six a-laying black forest opera cake, and pear and chestnut tart. Cocktails have also been reimagined, so you can opt for the Spiced Gaggle or the Maid's Spritz, or keep it simple with a festive brew.
How much: £65 per person
When: Available 25 November 2025 until 31 December 2025
Where: 122 Piccadilly, W1J 7BX
Book now: The Palm Court at The Sheraton Grand

Festive Afternoon Tea at Sketch: The Gallery, Mayfair

What: Every year, Sketch: The Gallery puts on a properly festive spread for afternoon tea. The Gallery's Gastro Brasserie Luxe, takes on a new theme each year, and the team always goes big with the decor. This year, it’s all about the Art of Après, creating a snow-topped escape right in the heart of the capital. As for the festive afternoon tea, expect twists on The Gallery’s French favourites, which include the likes of truffled ham croque monsieur and beetroot smoked salmon, followed by small sweets such as chocolate yule log, cranberry Battenberg, and an apple tart. Afternoon tea here is on the pricier side, but you’ll get a glass of something sparkling with your treats.
How much: £115 per adult, £65 per child
When: Available from 13 November 2025
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: The Gallery

Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Westin London, City 

What: The Westin Hotel’s seasonal transformation is always one of our favourites, and this year is no exception with its ‘Once Upon a Christmas’ theme. This year’s afternoon tea is available daily, with indulgent options spanning beetroot-cured gravadlax and caviar, and burford egg and black truffle sandwiches, followed by freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and blackcurrant jam. Showstopping patisseries continue the fairytale theme, with a blackcurrant and candied orange tartlet topped with a glass slipper fondant, and an apple cinnamon Napoleon with a countdown to midnight clock.
How much: From £45 per person
When: Available 20 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
Book now: Mosaic at The Westin London City

Festive Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace, Fitzrovia

What: Housed within the striking Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace is known for its seasonally changing floral installations, making it one of London’s most enchanting winter hideaways. Afternoon tea here starts with a glass of Champagne, followed by classic sarnies such as smoked salmon and mascarpone or turkey with cranberry, sage and onion mayo. Vanilla and sultana scones arrive alongside mulled pear jam and clotted cream, whilst the sweet tier of the stand includes gingerbread madeleine, raspberry mousse, and a pistachio Christmas wreath that looks almost too pretty to eat. 
How much: £75 per adult, £30 per child
When: Available until 4 January 2026
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: Dalloway Terrace

Festive InfiniTEA at The Conran London St. James, Westminster

What: Served in the elegant Orchard Room, this festive take on The Conrad’s signature InfiniTEA makes for a perfectly indulgent celebration. Expect Christmas-inspired sarnies such as ham with brie and cranberry or egg truffle with watercress, followed by showstopping desserts including a Reindeer Mont Blanc filled with blackcurrant jam and chestnut cream, and a Christmas Tree pistachio financier layered with cherry compote and yoghurt chantilly. Tea lovers are well catered for, with sommelier-recommended pairings to go with each course, or your choice of special blend, green, white, black and oolong varieties. Keep it classic, or if you’re really looking to celebrate then why not go all out with the bottomless Champagne experience?
How much: From £60 per person
When: Available until 6 January 2026
Where: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
Book now: The Orchard Room at The Conrad London St. James

Festive Afternoon Tea at 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

What: 11 Cadogan Gardens is a five-star luxury hotel found right in the heart of Chelsea. It’s a setting long adored for its afternoon teas, so what better way to kickstart your festivities than with this seasonal take on Britain’s oldest pastime? Expect turkey sarnies with cranberry mayonnaise and smoked salmon tartlets, followed by cherry choux buns and mince pie filo tarts. Teas come from the award-winning Birchall’s, whilst glasses of Champagne, or cocktails with a festive twist are also on the cards. Mulled wine Old Fashioned, anyone? 
How much: £65 per person
When: Available 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 11 Cadogan Gardens, SW3 2RJ
Book now: 11 Cadogan Gardens

Midwinter Night’s Dream Festive Afternoon Tea at Kona, Westminster

What: St James Court, A Taj Hotel, always impresses with its winter decor and twinkling lights, and this festive backdrop sets the stage for a Shakespearean-inspired afternoon tea. Served in the elegant Kona dining room, this option unfolds in five ‘acts’, based on the famous play. Begin with the Fairy’s Surprise - a chocolate and cherry mousse - before moving onto savourites with seasonal twists, from orange-zested ricotta and cucumber on beetroot bread to smoked salmon with dill cream cheese on spinach bread. Scones, pastries, and petit fours round out the offering, with eye-catching treats that are bound to impress.
How much: £69 per person
When: Available 18 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, Mondays to Thursdays
Where: 54 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF
Book now: Kona Afternoon Tea

Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield, Mayfair

What: Preparations for the big day are well underway at The Chesterfield, with this Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea available from 14 November. Diners will be greeted with a glass of mulled wine, then served up tiered stands of scones and sarnies, including the likes of pulled ham hock, brie, and spiced apple chutney, or turkey mayo and cranberry sandwiches, followed by freshly baked cranberry and chocolate scones. The show-stopping pastries have had an equally festive makeover, with miniature chocolate yule logs, candied orange and mulled wine slices, and cranberry and coconut baubles. Opt for a Christmas blend tea, or a glass of fizz for the full experience.
How much: From £75 per adult, £45 per child
When: Available 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
Planning something special? Explore afternoon tea private dining at The Chesterfield Mayfair
Book now: The Chesterfield Mayfair

De Beers Festive Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge

What: Set within the refined surrounds of the Mandarin Oriental, what better place to enjoy a festive afternoon tea than one of Knightsbridge's most elegant hotels? This seasonal menu takes this beloved British pastime and blends it with southern African influences, think smoked salmon sarnies with rooibos mackerel pate, or sauteed prawns with cucumber sambal, chilli and lemon cream on herb bread. Freshly baked scones follow, served with clotted cream and a trio of apple, strawberry, and crystallised ginger jams, before moving onto a pre-dessert of Christmas malva pudding. Hand-crafted pastries also come with a bit of a twist, offering everything from South African milk tart with candied chestnuts, or whipped white chocolate ganache with naartjie satsuma curd. Be sure to wash everything down with an exclusive tea blend, made in collaboration with Fortnum & Mason.
How much: From £98 per person
When: Available until 8 January 2026
Where: 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
Book now: The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Festive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, Covent Garden

What: If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate with the little ones this Christmas, then One Aldwych’s festive iteration of their beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory experience should be at the top of your list. Delve into the likes of roast turkey and cranberry sandwiches, as well as beetroot and horseradish ‘hot ice cream for cold days’, followed by mince pie-flavoured floss, and your very own box of sweet treats. Wash everything down with lemon sherbet tea, mulled snozzberry cocktails, or even a glass of something sparkling.
How much: From £95 per adult, £65 per child
When: Available 12 November 2025 to 10 January 2026
Where: 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ
Book now: One Aldwych

Festive Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair

What: Masters of all things refined, Brown’s Hotel is the perfect choice for those looking for pure indulgence in the run up to the big day. Sandwiches come with added flair - think smoked salmon with labneh and lemon, or truffled St. Ewe’s egg and mayo with watercress, followed by a line-up of pastries from award-winning pastry chef Ross Sneddon. Expect a citrus meringue tart, chocolate palet d’or, and a nine square heritage Battenberg, with your choice of fizz or mulled wine, alongside plenty of teas - of course. This one’s also available on the 25th, in case you were looking for an afternoon tea to have on Christmas Day!
How much: From £100 per person
When: Available 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel

Festive MAMMA MIA! Afternoon Tea at Strand Palace, Covent Garden

What: Known for its fun themed afternoon teas, Strand Palace pulls out all the stops each winter, with its iconic festive version of the British tradition. Things kick off with sandwiches like Pepper’s pink peppercorn, a Slipping Through My Fingers number with fresh cucumber and Greek tzatziki, and Rosie’s Take A Chance on Brie caramelised onion tart. Then it’s on to sweets like Donna’s Super Trouper Tiramisu, Sophie’s Dream vanilla custard lemon cake, and Sky’s Snowflake Snowball coconut macaroon. You can expect a cute kids menu too, offering up the likes of a Chuiquitita chocolate brownie.
How much: From £50 per adult, from £25 per child
When: Available 11 November 2025 to 31 December 2025
Where: 372 Strand, WC2R 0JJ
Book now: Strand Palace

Let Us Eat Cake Afternoon Tea at Town House at The Kensington, South Kensington

What: Inspired by the Marie Antoinette Style exhibition at the V&A, this decadent afternoon tea at The Kensington gets a full festive makeover in December. Enjoy dainty sandwiches in the hotel’s iconic Drawing Room, with classic flavours such as roast turkey with cranberry or cured salmon with cucumber. Next comes showstopping sweets such as white chocolate and coconut baubles and almond macarons filled with raspberry and white chocolate ganache. Those visiting on weekends will be treated to live harp music, whilst on 12 and 13 December, a live illustrator will be capturing your afternoon tea with a personalised hand drawing for each guest.
How much: From £65 per person
When: Available until 27 December 2025
Where: 109-113 Queens Gate, SW7 5LP
Book now: Town House at The Kensington

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason, St James’s

What: Nestled in the heart of Piccadilly, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason boasts centuries of tradition, making it quite the backdrop to delve into Christmassy treats. Start with the likes of coronation chicken or Christmas spiced suffolk ham sarnies, followed by plain and fruit scones topped with Fortnum’s strawberry and Champagne preserve, orange curd, and clotted cream. Chocolate and cranberry bavarois and sticky figgy loaf round off the offering, with your choice of Fortnum’s famed teas, or a glass of something sparkling.
How much: From £84 per person
When: Available 12 November 2025 until early January 2026
Where: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Book now: Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

Brigit's Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, Covent Garden

What: This isn’t just any old festive afternoon tea. Brigit’s Christmassy afternoon tea will take you on a tour of London’s landmarks, many of them lit up with pretty twinkling lights. Savouries include chicken and pickled cucumber tarts, turkey and ham sandwiches, and a savoury avocado choux bun. Homemade cakes, meanwhile, include caramel chocolate mousse dome cakes, butterscotch choux, and coconut tarts, alongside scones with jam and cream. Fancy something less than traditional? Look into the Grinchmas and Paddington tour, with kids' options like a festive Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol too. The menus for each complete the theme.
How much: From £45 per adult, £40 per child
When: 15 November 2025 to 31 December 2025
Where: 6-7 Chandos Place, WC2N 4HU
Book now: Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea London Bus Tour

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Stafford, St James’s

What: Enjoyed in the luxe but cosy surroundings of Michael Caines at The Stafford, this festive afternoon tea offers a selection of homemade finger sandwiches, freshly baked plain and raisin scones, and seasonal pastries that make use of fan favourite festive flavours. Expect a choice of teas from Camelia’s Tea House, or upgrade to include a glass of Champagne. Plus, the restaurant can create a vegan or vegetarian Christmas afternoon tea, so everyone can get involved.
How much: From £78 per person
When: 17 November 2025 to 30 December 2025
Where: 16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
Book now: Michael Caines at The Stafford

Festive Afternoon Tea at JOIA, Battersea

What: An extra special afternoon tea with views of Battersea Power Station. We love JOIA all year round, but its seasonal afternoon tea menu is particularly spectacular, not only because of the downright delicious menu, but diners can enjoy said treats from a window seat overlooking London's skyline. This decadent affair begins with lobster brioche rolls, Iberico ham and cream cheese toasts, and beetroot tartare finger sandwiches, followed by warm scones with mulled wine jam and clotted cream. Sweets come in the form of a ginger and clementine tart, a Baileys and salted caramel present, and a milk chocolate and mint bauble, and you can opt to add a festive cocktail to the experience for an extra £10. 
How much: From £45 per person
When: From 8 November, Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm-4pm
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Book now: JOIA

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, Mayfair

What: The Palm Court will be transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland again this year, complete with classic red and gold trimmings and a beautiful Christmas tree taking centre stage. Serving 20 different types of loose-leaf tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, scones with jam and cream, and a hefty Champagne selection, The Ritz never fails to put on a spread with (jingle) bells on! Indulge in all of the above while being serenaded by The Ritz choir who will be singing all your favourite Christmas carols.
How much: From £120 per adult, from £79 per child
When: Available 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Where: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Book now: The Ritz

Bridgerton Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, Knightsbridge

What: The Lanesborough hotel serves its idyllic Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea all year round, inviting guests to dine under the glittering chandeliers of its Regency dining room. But come Christmas, the team puts a bit of a spin on these indulgent floral stands. The traditional patisseries, including The Social Butterfly, Colin's Travels and The Lady Whistledown, have all had a festive makeover, and you can even round off the experience with themed cocktails, such as the Friends to Lovers cocktail made with coconut tequila and lime juice. If you want to keep things classic, the team have even crafted their very own Bridgerton Blend tea, in collaboration with their tea supplier and the producers of the Netflix show.
How much: From £105 per adult, £60 per child
When: Available 12 November 2025 to 6 January 2026
Where: Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
Book now: The Lanesborough

Festive Afternoon Tea in The Crystal Moon Lounge at Corinthia London, Charing Cross

What: Shimmering in the glow of the Crystal Moon Lounge, afternoon tea at The Corinthia show is sure to get you in the festive spirit. Expect a menu packed full of afternoon tea staples and festive flavours with a twist, such as sliced turkey with cranberry, honey roasted ham with wholegrain mustard, and pickled cucumber with goats’ curd cheese. Finish off with hand-baked scones and plenty of Champagne, with idyllic patisseries such as orange and honey madeleines, hazelnut and milk chocolate rocher and a mandarin gateau, which come delivered on an impressive trolley.
How much: £105 per person
When: Available 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Where: 10 Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Book now: Corinthia London

Obsessed with all things Christmas? Check out our top Christmas set menus at London restaurants and get stuck into rounds of turkey, mince pies, and pigs in blankets.