27 best Christmas afternoon teas in London

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

A table covered in sweet and savoury treats at a festive afternoon tea overlooking the London skyline from the shard. — Enjoy a futuristic festive afternoon tea in the sky. Image courtesy of Ting Shangri-La.

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 treasure chest, traditional cups and saucers, and a cake stand with small bottles as part of the Arcane Afternoon Tea experience at the Wands and Wizard Exploratorium. — Wizard Afternoon Tea experience at the Wands and Wizard Exploratorium. Image courtesy of Red Letter Days.

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.

Book the Magical Afternoon Tea now

3. B Bakery Christmas afternoon tea bus tour

Festive cakes and savoury treats line a table covered in christmas decorations and a small elf toy aboard a Brigit’s Bakery tour bus. — Hop aboard a Bridget's Bakery bus tour for a delightful Christmas afternoon tea. Image courtesy of Brigit’s Bakery.

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

Small cakes, including some shaped in the form of Peter Rabbit, a snowman and a cube, on a wooden platter, with Christmas lights in the background. — A festive version of The Original Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly. Image courtesy of Spotl1ght Communications.

The Dilly’s The Official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea is given a festive twist this winter. Enjoy an edible meringue snowman, seasonal savoury and sweet treats based around Beatrix Potter’s famous tales.

5. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham

A white table with green chairs at park lane langham with a christmas afternoon tea. — Christmas afternoon tea at Palm Court at The Langham, London. Image courtesy of Sauce Communications.

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

Christmas-themed pink treats are laid out of decorative plates with champagne and a pot of tea. — Sugar Plum Christmas afternoon tea at Pan Pacific. Image courtesy of Pan Pacific London. Photo credit: John Carey

Take your pick from two festive teas at The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London in the City of London. Taking inspiration from the famous ballet, The Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy Afternoon Tea includes pretty macaroons, a festive tartan tower, and much more.

7. Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers

A festive table laid with vibrant plates with christmas themed sweet treats at the Biscuiteers Christmas afternoon tea in London. — Enjoy a Christmas twist on the classic Biscuiteers sweet treats. Image courtesy of Biscuiteers.

Feast on sweet treats during a Christmas afternoon tea at select Biscuiteers’ venues in Notting Hill and Belgravia. Step through the door of the quirky shopfront, and tuck into turkey and cranberry brioche buns, spiced honey and fig cake and a signature Biscuiteers iced biscuit.

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

A three-tiered platter with sandwiches and Christmas-themed cakes, with Christmas cake and glasses of sparkling wine to the side, and a Christmas tree decorated with lights in the background. — Festive Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

Munch on scones with seasonal spiced jams, festive-themed pastries and dainty sandwiches as part of the Festive Afternoon Tea in the stylish Amaretto Lounge, at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. The perfect pit stop from Christmas shopping in Mayfair’s boutiques.

9. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough London

An indulgent table covered in a Christmas-themed afternoon tea with plates adorned with Holly and sweet treats with Christmas cocktails. — Christmas afternoon tea at the Lanesborough in London. Image courtesy of Perowne International.

Head to The Lanesborough for a festive afternoon tea created by Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Mungiovino, who playfully presents flavours of the season. Savour dishes such as truffled duck and turkey sausage roll, a pistachio and Amarena cherry Christmas tree pastry, Rudolph pudding choux bun and much more.

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

A beautiful table with champagne and sweet and savoury treats at the christmas afternoon tea at claridge's london. — Don't miss a magical festive afternoon tea at Claridge's. Image courtesy of Maybourne Hotel Group.

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

Small green christmas trees, dried orange slices and scones surround a wooden table with christmas themed afternoon tea treats. — Christmas afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. Image courtesy of Hyatt Regency London.

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

Three christmas pastries, one cake, one chocolate yule log and one orange sweet treat, sit atop mini presents at the intercontinental O2 afternoon tea. — Indulge at the Intercontinental London O2. Image courtesy of Intercontinental London.

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

Christmas-themed cakes on two tiers of a cake stand, including cakes shaped like Santa's belt, cakes with holly leaves and cakes shaped like baubles. — Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace. Image courtesy of Perowne International.

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

A table laid out with beautiful crockery in a rustic restaurant with a delightful afternoon tea spread of cakes and sandwiches. — Winter afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond. Image courtesy of Petersham Nurseries.

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

A selection of festive sweet treats sit atop golden presents next to a bottle of rose champagne. — Enjoy a festive afternoon tea with bubbles at The Savoy. Image courtesy of Kapranos PR. Photo credit: Jenna Elsby-Bennett of Studio Collective

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

A table with a white tablecloth covered in a festive afternoon tea spread against a bright red velvet sofa. — Christmas afternoon tea at the Sofitel London St James. Image courtesy of Sofitel London St James/Will Stanley

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

Two children sit at a table enjoying a festive afternoon tea at grosvenor house london. — Grover's festive afternoon tea at Grosvenor House. Image courtesy of JW Marriott.

This festive dog-themed afternoon tea is perfect for little diners. Grover the British Bulldog invites kids to come and enjoy an afternoon tea at Marriott Grosvenor House where they can enjoy sweet treats such as ginger cake with chocolate crunch, strawberry cream shortbread and a warming cup of hot chocolate.

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

A white plate surrounded by christmas decorations with a pastry father christmas and chocolate yule log at the Conrad London Hilton afternoon tea. — A festive afternoon tea at Conrad London. Image courtesy of Hilton.

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

Trays of green christmas tree desserts, pink pudding baubles and finger sandwiches sit next to a glass of champagne. — Festive afternoon tea at Intercontinental London - Wellington. Image courtesy of Intercontinental London.

Sit back and enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas tea at the InterContinental London Park Lane’s Wellington Lounge in Mayfair. The sandwiches, hot savouries and intricate sweets, including Christmas swan cakes, are all inspired by the classic Christmas carol. For an even more indulgent treat, there’s an option with bottomless Perrier-Jouët champagne for 90 minutes.

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

A table at park lane hilton hotel covered in christmas treats and champagne. — Winter Wonderland afternoon tea at Hilton Park Lane. Image courtesy of Hilton.

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

A place with christmas themed desserts including a mini christmas pudding and christmas macaroon surrounded by fairy lights. — Christmas afternoon tea at The Landmark. Image courtesy of The Landmark

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

Tables with plush sofas and chairs and christmas afternoon tea treats sit in an opulent room with pillars and chandeliers at the theatre royal drury lane. — A decadent Christmas afternoon tea at the beautiful at The Lane at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Image courtesy of Sister London.

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

A beauty and the beast themed afternoon tea wit sandwiches and cakes and film characters on a white table cloth. — The Be Our Guest afternoon tea at The Waldorf. Image courtesy of Hilton.

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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