Hotels around the country are gearing up for the holidays with select Christmas-themed teas for the entire family.
Afternoon tea is almost always a special treat. Think tiny sandwiches, precious cakes, and attentive servers with silver teapots. Come holiday season, afternoon tea turns into an event, especially at stately hotels that take pride in this indulgent meal in the middle of the day. Winter holidays give hotels an excuse to take it to the next level—creating themes and over-the-top perks aimed at kids. Most holiday teas run through December and reservations are usually required.
1. The Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear Tea is offered at several Ritz-Carlton locations, with slight variations. In San Francisco, kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal as they enjoy tea or hot chocolate, teddy bear cut-out cookies and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with Binky the Elf. Plus they can hear holiday stories and have their photo taken with the Ritz-Carlton Teddy. They also get a small teddy bear to take home.
2. Four Seasons Hotels also offer a Teddy Bear Tea at several of its hotel locations including Austin, where you can enjoy tea with holiday caroling and Santa Claus giving a fireside reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
3. The Holiday Jingle Tea at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City includes a private horse and carriage ride around Central Park, followed by tea in the Lobby Lounge on the 35th floor with a spectacular view of the city.
4. The Boston Harbor Hotel Holiday Tea starts out with complimentary champagne for the adults, while kids get to decorate cupcakes. Everyone can take home a holiday ornament after they’ve had their fill of tea and treats.
5. Fairmont Hotels offer a Holiday Tea at various locations with different themes. In Seattle, the setting is what makes this tea event stand out—the hotel is decked with more than 20 decorated trees. Before or after your tea, a visit to the special Teddy Bear Suite is a must. You can take photos with dozens of fluffy teddy bears or read teddy bear-themed children’s books.
Destinations: Boston, New York City, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco
Themes: Family Travel
Activities: Eat
