Holiday Tea for families in Washington, DC

Holidays are a time for creating memories, whether it be continuing a family tradition or beginning new ones. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few high teas; my favorite was at The Plaza Hotel in New York City with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. For those of you looking to take your Bambinos {or go without kids} here’s a list of some venues in our area where you can enjoy tea and crumpets; most with a holiday theme.

• The Nutcracker Tea Party: December 8, 2019- 11:00am or 3:00pm

Join your favorite Nutcracker characters for a magical morning or afternoon tea party at the grand Willard InterContinental Hotel. Guests will be transported to an enchanting winter wonderland where they will indulge in tea sandwiches, fresh scones, sweet treats, holiday teas, crisp champagne (for the adults), and pose for photos with the iconic Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy. Experience tea time prior to or after the matinee performance of The Washington Ballet’s charmingly-DC The Nutcracker at the historic Warner Theatre. Sunday, December 8, 2019 at The Willard InterContinental Hotel
11:00am Morning Tea or 3:00pm Afternoon Tea. Each Nutcracker Tea ticket includes a prime seat to the 1:00PM matinee performance of The Nutcracker, creating the ultimate holiday experience.

• Holiday Teen Tea at Tudor Place: December 8, 2019- 12:00pm-2:00pm

Join fellow teens and families for an elegant tea and tour of Tudor Place. Start with a Victorian tea in the 1867 Dower House and enjoy tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, and historic tea blends. Next, take a guided tour of the historic house highlighting festive décor, holiday traditions, and the ways the women of Tudor Place celebrated Christmas. For preteens and teens aged 11+. 

• Peter Rabbit Tea at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner

Served Saturday & Sunday, 12:00pm to 4:00pm, as part of the regularly served Afternoon Tea. Enjoy the Ritz-Carlton Tea experience with your young ones with a menu especially designed for guests ages 12 and under. $42 per person (for our guests under age 12).

• Pentagon City Ritz Carlton Kids Tea at Fyve

Teddy Bear Tea is $20 per person. Selection of children’s tea sandwiches, sweet plate-pastry chef’s choice of the day, hot chocolate. To make an Afternoon Tea reservation please call (703) 412-2762.

• The Mansion on O Street

They offer a Kids Dessert Tea Tour as well as high tea and various other kids events. Under 12, $25 per person and 12 & older, $45 per person.

• Peacock Alley Tea at The Willard

The Willard’s Holiday Afternoon Tea is one of the hotel’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, among the festive decor and elegant sounds of the harp, guests can enjoy a tantalizing array of festive teas, sandwiches and seasonally inspired pastries. Holiday Afternoon Tea is offered daily in December from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, excluding December 24, 25 and 31st. $75 per person / $85 per person with champagne (plus service charge & taxes). $45 for children 5-12 years of age (plus service charge & taxes). Children under 4 dine complimentary. They also have other afternoon tea events besides holidays.

• Strathmore Afternoon Tea

The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, as you enjoy Afternoon Tea in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at Strathmore. They do hold special events around various holidays so check their schedule to plan ahead. Charles Dickens’ Tea and Mrs. Claus Tea are a few of the popular holiday teas. Afternoon Teas: $25 per person (Stars Price $22.50), Specialty Teas: $29 per person (Stars Price $26.10).

• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged. $28.50 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. All tea sandwiches and pastries are served family-style. 

• Tea with Mrs. B

Has many tea inspired events you can sign your kids up to attend. Including but not limited to Toddler Tea and Tea with Santa Claus.

• The American Girl’s Tea Tysons Corner

Enjoy a special dining experience with a variety of dainty tea sandwiches and assorted sweet treats. Several dates for Holiday Tea and Santa events. Situated within Tyson Corner Mall with access to Santa, an ice skating rink, Pottery Barn Kids, the Disney Store and over-the-top holiday decorations! See a guest review on an afternoon at Tysons.

Other establishments that offer tea service, not all with a holiday focus:

Lady Camellia Pastry & Tea Room
The Tavern at the Henley Park Holiday Tea
Children’s Holiday Tea at The Mandarin Oriental
The Jefferson
The Mayflower
Tea Cellar in the Park Hyatt Washington
The St. Regis