If you are looking for a festive treat this Christmas, here’s a guide to some of the afternoon teas that you can enjoy…
Elf the Afternoon Tea, Waldorf Hilton: created in collaboration with the return of Elf the Musical, now playing at the Aldwych Theatre and based on the popular film, this afternoon tea is ideal for those who want to relive some elvish magic. Available to book for until the 3rd January, this afternoon tea includes maple-syrup flavoured desserts! It is perfect for a family afternoon outing ahead of a trip to see the show at the theatre.
Winter Wonderland Afternoon tea at The Rubens at The Palace: enjoy a feast suitable for royalty at The Palace, based opposite to Buckingham Palace, which pays tribute to the English tradition with festive treats including: roast turkey, pork & apple stuffing and cranberry on white bread, and roast beef sirloin, rocket and horseradish on beetroot bread and hazelnut Swiss roll, and cranberry profiteroles. A glass of mulled wine is also included to make it feel even more festive!
Hamley’s Afternoon Tea at The Langham: embrace a childlike joy in this afternoon tea inspired by the famous toy shop in London. Available to book for until the 4th January, this specially themed afternoon tea includes on its menu treats such as: ‘Mrs Lines Rocking Horse’ (Gingerbread infused dulcey cream, pear compote) and ‘Crackers About Hamleys’ (Madagascan vanilla mousse, Valrhona chocolate cremeux).
The Magic Faraway Tree afternoon tea, the Park Room at Grosvenor House: inspired by the classic Enid Blyton story, this afternoon tea brings the story to life through five pastries and an amuse-bouche including ‘The Land of Presents’ (Honey mousse and pear compote with caramelised chocolate ganache and honeycomb) and ‘Woodland Whispers’ (Chocolate cake with morello cherry preserve and whipped vanilla ganache). It is available until the 4th January 2026.
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at Hotel Cafe Royal: the nutcracker is a classic festive story to be enjoyed every day this festive season and the Hotel Cafe Royal celebrates this with this themed afternoon tea. Bringing scenes from the story to life, this afternoon tea includes on its menu Clara’s Croissant (smoked salmon, crème fraîche and chives), and The Snow Queen (a delicate cucumber, dill and cream cheese sandwich). Plain and spiced cranberry scones are followed by a quartet of desserts in four festive flavours, and a gingerbread cake.
Winter Afternoon Tea, Roots & Berries: available in cafés in some of London’s most loved green spaces, this afternoon tea includes different menus (depending on the venue) that are influenced by flavours of the season, but in addition it is priced at £29 per person – which includes a £2 donation to the volunteers who care for each park. This afternoon tea is available at: The Tea House, Bishops Park, Fulham, The Skylark Café, Wandsworth Common The Rookery Café, Streatham Common, The Paddenswick Tea Gardens, Ravenscourt Park The Glassmaker’s Café, Brockwell Park and The Garden Café, Strawberry Hill House. Pre-booking is required.
The Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Tour: fans of Raymond Briggs’s The Snowman will certainly want to take part in this afternoon tea bus tour that pays tribute to the classic festive story on board a bus that takes in the sights of London, featuring the music from the screen adaptation. Available to book for until the 4th January 2026, the menu includes traditional scones with jam and cream, along with an assortment of snowman-themed treats including truffles, cupcakes, and festive drinks (including a souvenir cup to take home) as well as Christmas staples such as mince pies and turkey and stuffing sandwiches. There are also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus available.