Tuck into a festive afternoon tea with our contenders for the best Christmas afternoon tea London has to offer over the holiday season.
Christmas afternoon tea in London 2023 ranges from the opulent to the downright quirky – so get your Insta game face on, ready your tastebuds and be prepared for indulgent treats between Christmas shopping sprees.
Book some of the best traditional afternoon teas in London, enjoy something different with themed afternoon teas, splash out with champagne afternoon teas, or save with cheaper options.
Details of London's Christmas afternoon teas are yet to be confirmed for 2023. In the meantime, check below for some of the best festive teas from 2022.
1. Skyline Festive Afternoon Tea at Ting at Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard

Start Christmas on a high, as you head to the 35th floor of The Shard for a decadent afternoon tea. The Skyline Festive Afternoon Tea at Ting puts a futuristic twist on its usual offering, with delicious pastries including Paris-Brest, cinnamon plum tart and vanilla, alongside savouries and scones.
While you are there, take the experience to new heights and pair your afternoon tea with The View from The Shard.
2. Magical Afternoon Tea for Two Adults and Two Children at Wands and Wizard Exploratorium

A family treat for those who long to be a part of the wizarding world, head to Wands and Wizards of Exploratorium for a magical afternoon tea. Select your wand and cast a spell to unlock your chest of ingredients to craft a delicious afternoon tea and bubbling brews.
3. B Bakery Christmas afternoon tea bus tour

Check out some of the dazzling London Christmas lights aboard a festive version of the usual B Bakery Afternoon Tea bus tour. Enjoy finger sandwiches, choux pastry with pistachio cream and cherry coulis and more tasty bites. Then, sit back and enjoy the view with a cup of hot chocolate or, for a little extra, a gin cocktail, mulled wine or champagne.
4. Festive Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly

5. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham

Relax in the luxurious surroundings of The Langham as you feast on the festive afternoon tea in the Palm Court. Also available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy classic holiday dishes such as smoked turkey and figgy pudding that have been transformed into afternoon sweet and savoury treats.
6. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London

7. Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers

8. Festive Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

9. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough London

10. Christmas afternoon tea at Marriott County Hall
Gaze out at the Thames and the Houses of Parliament from your spot in The Library at Marriott County Hall, as you pick up fun treats, including mince pies with gingerbread and Christmas scones. The perfect way to refuel before wandering along the pretty South Bank and exploring its Christmas market.
11. Claridge's Christmas afternoon tea

Marvel at Claridge's magnificent Christmas tree before tucking into its Festive Afternoon Tea in the Foyer & Reading Room. Indulge in champagne, specially selected teas and seasonal treats including Christmas pudding stirred by the whole pastry team as part of an annual tradition.
12. Festive Afternoon Tea at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a Christmas afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London The Churchill. This Christmas, enjoy savoury bites such as turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches, chestnut and Kentish blue cheese tart, and fancies such as double chocolate yule log. Afterwards, venture to nearby Oxford Street to see the world-famous Christmas lights.
13. Festive Afternoon Tea at InterContinental at The O2

Taking a trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car or shopping at ICON Outlet at The O2? Make it a day to remember by tucking into a Christmas-themed afternoon tea in the Meridian Lounge at the InterContinental at The O2. Savour views over Greenwich as you bite into themed fare such as clementine and cardamom choux, and cranberry scones.
14. Winter Wonderland Afternoon at The Rubens at the Palace

The Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace invites you to sip on mulled wine or a glass of bubbles to the tranquil backdrop of live piano music. The tea includes seasonal takes on traditional delights, which you can devour as you gaze out at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.
15. Festive afternoon tea at the Hyde Cafe at the Royal Lancaster London
Feast on seasonal favourites with a festive afternoon tea at the Royal Lancaster London. Treats include vanilla and caramelised apple baubles, orange Bakewell tart Santa's hat and a Christmas present of cherry mousse and dark chocolate. Afterwards, wander to nearby Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or finish off the last of your Christmas shopping in London’s West End.
16. Winter afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

Delight in peaceful surrounds as you feast on a winter afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries between in the idyllic corner of London, Richmond. Decked out in splendid festive dress, enjoy salt beef mini bagels, smoked trout, clementine and pomegranate cake and pecan tart all with a glass of the Petersham Rose Petal Prosecco.
17. The Savoy Christmas Afternoon Tea

This Christmas, The Savoy partners with Champagne Laurent-Perrier to celebrate the world of theatre at their It's Showtime Christmas Afternoon Tea. Indulge in elegant surroundings as the world-famous hotel is decked out with lavish decorations and a spectacular Christmas tree. Enjoy a menu of delicate pastries and savoury treats made from seasonal ingredients.
18. Christmas afternoon tea at Sofitel London St James

Combine the flavours of Christmas with Sofitel London St James’ afternoon tea, served in the stylish Rose Lounge. Coronation turkey with apricot chutney, smoked salmon and horseradish creme fraiche, wild mushroom and Jerusalem artichoke tart and truffled egg mayo make up the savouries; while you can also munch on picture-pretty sweets, including a black forest bauble and a vanilla, pear and speculoos delice.
19. Festive Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House

20. Festive Indigo Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych
Relive your childhood with the Festive Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, a Christmas-themed twist on its popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea. Tuck into treats such as the Not Quite as it Seems Salmon and Beetroot Macaron and the Blue as a Blueberry Tart then, toast the festive season with a bespoke cocktail including The Juicing Room Mix or The Chocolatier.
21. Festive Afternoon Tea at Conrad St James

Last year guest's enjoyed white chocolate and orange mousse, gingerbread sable with caramel eggnog, Christmas-themed sandwiches and the same indulgent menu is expected this year. The Conrad at Conrad St James is the perfect pit stop between visiting St James’s’ upscale boutiques.
22. InterContinental London Park Lane

23. Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane

Reward yourself after a shopping spree in Mayfair with a creative Christmas afternoon tea at Podium Restaurant, housed within London Hilton on Park Lane. Full of quirky treats, such as a chocolate pistachio Christmas tree, Christmas fruit cake and duo chocolate log, it’s definitely one for the ‘gram.
24. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Landmark London

Stop by The Landmark London in the run-up to the big day, where you can try its delightful Festive Afternoon Tea. Decked out in beautiful Christmas decorations, the London hotel’s seasonal spread includes gingerbread and hazelnut Christmas pudding mousse, white chocolate and cranberry yule log and much more. Served alongside a glass of champagne.
25. Christmas afternoon tea at The Lane at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Bring together your nearest and dearest for an indulgent Christmas afternoon tea in the opulent surroundings of The Lane's Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Enjoy savoury bites such as cranberry sausage roll along with sweet treats created by baker-to-the-stars, Lily Vanilli. With desserts such as gingerbread spiced sticky toffee pudding and a festive chocolate cake with piped wreaths and a gingerbread star.
26. Festive afternoon tea at St James's Hotel & Club
Head to St James's Hotel & Club to enjoy a festive afternoon tea created by Chef William Drabble of in-house Michelin Star Restaurant Seven Park Place. Served in the beautiful 1857 The Bar and lounge area, guests can enjoy a selection of delicious Christmassy sweet and savoury treats.
27. Be Our Guest afternoon tea at Waldorf Hilton London

Be transported to the magical world of Beauty and the Beast with Waldorf Hilton London’s wonderful Be Our Guest afternoon tea curated by Executive Chef Luke Rayment-Blakely. Expect enchanting nods to the beloved story, including Mrs. Potts and Chip crockery alongside an array of sweet and savoury delights.
More Christmas in London ideas
Make a whole day or weekend of it by booking a spot for Christmas shows, exploring London's Christmas shopping hotspots, seeing the fabulous Christmas lights, discovering twinkling Christmas trees or delving into the many stalls at London Christmas markets. Or tour London any beyond with a special festive tour.
Find more Christmas inspiration with 101 things to do over the festive season.
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