Best Christmas afternoon tea 2026: 15 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.

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 Rubens at the Palace, 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 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 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 16 November 2026 until 3 January 2027
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The Rubens at the Palace

Frosted Cocoa 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 a classic roast turkey, cranberry and sage brioche bun, and devilled egg and red pepper in spinach bread. Then it’s on to sweets like an Ice Crystal Bauble of elderflower and yuzu jelly, and lemon curd, encased in a buckwheat tart, and a single-origin Colombian chocolate and orange mousse with shortbread and salted caramel chocolate truffle. You can expect a cute kids menu too, and there are alternatives for vegans.
How much: From £50 per adult, from £30 per child
When: Available 10 November 2026 to 11 January 2027
Where: 372 Strand, WC2R 0JJ
Book now: Strand Palace

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 Camellia’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 £88 per person
When: 16 November 2026 to 31 December 2026
Where: 16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
Book now: Festive Afternoon Tea at The Stafford

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. We're still waiting on the menu for 2026, but last year's tea included Somerset brie and cranberry quiche, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, and turkey with Caesar dressing. As for sweets, the Christmas pudding macarons were very special indeed.
How much: From £90 per adult, £45 per child (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
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 'Snowman' coconut macarons, Christmas tree choux buns with spiced apple compote and mascarpone diplomat, and mini yule logs. There’s also an equally indulgent ‘free from’ menu, covering all dietary requirements. 
How much: From £68 per adult
When: Available 9 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Book Now: Pan Pacific London

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. Last 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. You can expect equally thoughtful sweets, like a Winter Beehive with pear mousse and Christmas-spiced sponge. We're still waiting on 2026 festive afternoon tea menus, but Royal Lancaster is always great for anyone looking for a bit of Christmas theatre.
How much: From £59 per adult, £30 per child (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
Book now: Royal Lancaster

Festive 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. Last year's menu took inspiration from The Twelve Days of Christmas, with 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 Palm Court's fantastic pastry kitchen, which turned out seasonal treats like pistachio mousse,  Black Forest opera cake, and pear and chestnut tarts. Stay tuned for the 2026 menus.
How much: £65 per person (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
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 takes on a new theme each year, and the team always goes big with the decor. Last year was all about the Art of Après, creating a snow-topped escape right in the heart of the capital with twists on The Gallery’s French favourites, from a truffled ham croque monsieur and beetroot smoked salmon, to chocolate yule logs, 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 (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: The Gallery

Festive Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

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. Last year's sweet treats included vanilla and sultana scones alongside mulled pear jam and clotted cream, as well as gingerbread madeleines, raspberry mousse, and a pistachio Christmas wreath that looked almost too pretty to eat. 
How much: £75 per adult, £30 per child (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: Dalloway Terrace

Festive InfiniTEA at The Conrad 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. If last year is anything to go by, 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.
How much: From £60 per person (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
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? Last year's menu included turkey sandwiches 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 (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: 11 Cadogan Gardens, SW3 2RJ
Book now: 11 Cadogan Gardens

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 13 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 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Where: 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
Book now: The Chesterfield Mayfair

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? The Rosebery hosts one of the most elegant afternoon teas in London, so expect festive luxury with seasonal sandwiches, and freshly baked scones, served with clotted cream and a trio of apple, strawberry, and crystallised ginger jams. Last year's sweets really pushed the boat out: there was a pre-dessert of Christmas malva pudding, hand-crafted pastries like a South African milk tart with candied chestnuts, and whipped white chocolate ganache with naartjie satsuma curd. The tea and Champagne offering is also second to none.
How much: From £98 per person (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
Book now: The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

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. Last year's line up included an incredible 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.
How much: From £100 per person (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: The Drawing Room at Brown's Hotel

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. Last year's menu included the likes of coronation chicken and Christmas spiced Suffolk ham sandwiches, followed by plain and fruit scones topped with Fortnum’s strawberry and Champagne preserve, orange curd, and clotted cream. You can expect something largely the same in 2026 - Fortnum & Mason is renowned for doing the classics well. 
How much: From £84 per person (2025 pricing)
When: TBC
Where: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Book now: Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

Christmas afternoon tea FAQs

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.

When do Christmas afternoon teas start and end?

Most festive afternoon teas launch in mid-to-late November (coinciding with major Christmas light switch-ons) and run through until early January (typically between 3–6 January). A selection of venues also run special sittings on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, though these often feature bespoke menus at a higher price point.

How far in advance should I book a Christmas afternoon tea?

For peak December dates - particularly weekend slots and key dates in the fortnight leading up to Christmas - it is best to book at least one to two months in advance. Popular luxury hotel venues in London often release their festive sittings in late summer or early autumn, with prime afternoon slots selling out rapidly.

What is the dress code for a festive afternoon tea?

The standard dress code for most afternoon tea venues is smart casual. Nice knitwear, dresses, trousers, and collared shirts are ideal. Stricter rules may apply at traditional five-star luxury hotels, where gentlemen are sometimes required to wear jackets and ties, and items like sportswear, trainers, or ripped jeans are strictly prohibited.

Can venues cater for dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)?

Yes, the majority of restaurants and hotels provide alternative festive afternoon tea menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets, alongside dedicated children's menus. Because seasonal recipes and patisserie items are often prepared in advance, venues usually require at least 24 to 48 hours' notice for specific dietary requests.

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. Or, take a look at our roundup of all the best restaurants open on Christmas Day 2026 in London.