17 best Christmas afternoon teas in London 2025

Discover a Christmas afternoon tea in London to remember with carols, decorations and festive treats galore.
Lisa Robinson
Written by Lisa Robinson Edited by Visit London Editors 07 January 2025

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 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.

The festive teas below are highlights of what was on offer in 2024. Check back nearer the time for confirmed Christmas afternoon teas in 2025.

In the meantime, 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.

1. 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 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 festive afternoon tea at Ting puts a futuristic twist on its usual offering, with delicious festive-themed pastries including Santa's hat made with chai mousse, pear and cardamom, and a festive Shard featuring Jasmine tea and bergamot, 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.

Where: The Shard (Level 35, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU)

When: 2025 dates TBC

2. 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 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.

Where: B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus (departure from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square

Book the standard B Bakery afternoon tea bus tour now.

3. Festive afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London

a small round plate with christmas themed afternoon tea patisserie treats, with fairy lights in the background
Enjoy a magical festive afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London. Image courtesy of Roche Communications.

Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with decadent flavours at Pan Pacific London in the City of London. Enjoy seasonal treats including a plum and chestnut bauble and mint wreath macaron, alongside plain and orange and cranberry scones and a selection of savoury finger sandwiches.

Where: Pan Pacific London (80 Houndsditch, Bishopsgate, EC3A 7AB)

When: 2025 dates TBC

4. Festive afternoon tea at InterContinental London – The O2

afternoon tea including four sweet pastries, including a chocolate Rudolph brownie and green tartlet with a cherry at the InterContinental at The O2
Festive afternoon tea at InterContinental London - The O2. Image courtesy of InterContinental London - 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 London – The O2. Savour views over Greenwich as you bite into themed fare such as oak-smoked salmon, lemon butter on basil bread sandwiches, clementine and rosemary choux, and cranberry scones.

Where: InterContinental London – The O2 (1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich, SE10 0TW)

When: 2025 dates TBC

5. Festive afternoon tea at The Langham

white table cloth small table with a festive afternoon tea stand, small plates of finger sandwiches and tea cups, christmas crackers decorating the table
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 sweet and savoury treats such as roast turkey finger sandwiches and salmon gravlax, classic and raisin scones served with clotted cream and jam, and festive treats including coffee and chocolate opera slice and tonka bean and orange infused shortbread.

Where: The Langham (1C Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA)

When: 2025 dates TBC

6. Sip and Sparkle festive afternoon tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Celebrate the season in style and tuck into festive flavours and delightful treats at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Enjoy a selection of holiday-inspired pastries, savoury bites and speciality teas, with the option to pair with champagne. The perfect pit stop from Christmas shopping in Mayfair’s boutiques.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane (Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7DR)

When: 2025 dates TBC

7. 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 served in the Foyer and Reading Room. Indulge in champagne, specially selected teas and seasonal treats including traditional finger sandwiches, handmade festive pastries and Christmas pudding stirred by the whole pastry team as part of an annual tradition.

Where: Claridge's (Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR)

When: 2025 dates TBC

8. Flavours of the World festive afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill

festive afternoon tea treats displayed in a briefcase style box
Flavours of the World festive afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. Image courtesy of Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with a Christmas afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. This Christmas, enjoy a festive twist with classic afternoon tea flavours reimagined. Feast on indulgent pastries, festive treats and freshly baked scones, paired with signature teas. Afterwards, venture to nearby Oxford Street to see the world-famous Christmas lights.

Where: Hyatt Regency London The Churchill (30 Portman Square, Marylebone, W1H 7BH)

When: 2025 dates TBC

9. Winter Wonderland afternoon tea 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.

Where: The Rubens at the Palace (39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0PS)

When: 2025 dates TBC

10. Festive afternoon tea at the Hyde Cafe at the Royal Lancaster London

festive afternoon tea presented on small plates with finger sandwiches and present and bauble themed sweet treats
Royal Lancaster London's festive afternoon tea. Image courtesy of Kitten & Shark.

Feast on seasonal favourites with a festive afternoon tea at the Royal Lancaster London. Treats include a selection of traditional sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam and sweet treats including traditional fruit cake and brandy mousse Snowflake and a spiced pear compote and chocolate cake Santa's Belt Bauble. Afterwards, wander to nearby Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or finish off the last of your Christmas shopping in London’s West End.

Where: Royal Lancaster London (Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY)

When: 2025 dates TBC

11. Winter afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

Delight in peaceful surrounds as you feast on a festive garden afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries in the idyllic 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.

Where: Petersham Nurseries (Church Lane, Richmond, TW10 7AB)

When: Available Thursdays to Sundays, 12pm to 5pm

12. Festive afternoon tea at Grosvenor House

festive afternoon tea sweet treats presented on a small white plate, including cake shaped like a gold bauble and a green christmas present with a red bow
'Twas the night before Christmas afternoon tea at Grosvenor House. © Grosvenor House/Claude Okamoto

Experience a festive afternoon inspired by the iconic poem 'Twas The Night Before Christmas at Grosvenor House. This festive afternoon tea includes pastries created by Head Pastry Chef Anthony Hurst, including a traditional brandy-soaked fruit cake with a marzipan case and a baked Wigmore cheesecake with a caramel crème fraîche miniature mouse, alongside savoury treats and finger sandwiches.

Where: Grosvenor House (86-90 Park Lane, W1K 7TN)

When: 2025 dates TBC

13. Festive afternoon tea at InterContinental London Park Lane

festive afternoon tea presented on a white cloth table with fine china tea cups and a lit Christmas tree in the background
Festive afternoon tea at Intercontinental London Park Lane. Image courtesy of Roche Communications.

Dine like a true monarch with an indulgent regal-inspired afternoon tea at InterContinental London Park Lane’s Wellington Lounge in Mayfair. Served on the finest Renaissance Gold teaware set by Wedgwood. Enjoy an assortment of savoury sandwiches and sweet pastries, including warm scones, British apple and cinnamon syllabub and a rich chocolate biscuit cake, inspired by the late queen's affinity for the treat.

Where: InterContinental London Park Lane (One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY)

When: 2025 dates TBC

14. 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.

Where: London Hilton on Park Lane (22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE)

When: 2025 dates TBC

15. Festive afternoon tea at The Landmark London

festive decorations around a table of Christmas themed afternoon tea
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 a selection of finger sandwiches, warm candied apple and cinnamon scones, and patisserie treats such as Christmas pudding topped with mascarpone mousse, pistachio Victoria sponge with cranberry jam and much more. Served with a glass of champagne.

Where: The Landmark London (222 Marylebone Road, Marylebone, NW1 6JQ)

When: 2025 dates TBC

16. Be Our Guest afternoon tea at Waldorf Hilton London

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

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.

Where: The Waldorf Hilton (Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4DD)

When: 1pm to 4pm Monday to Friday, 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays

17. Enchanted Christmas secret garden afternoon tea at Taj

christmas themed patisserie with a chocolate golden reindeer on top, presented on a small white and pink flowery plate
Enchanted Christmas secret garden afternoon tea at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences. Image courtesy of Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences.

Experience the magic of Christmas and tuck into delectable sweet and savoury treats at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences. The secret garden afternoon tea with an enchanted Christmas twist includes a selection of finger sandwiches, mixed berry scones and handmade pastries including an olive oil and lime cake with mango ganache and a chocolate brownie crumble pot with white chocolate flowers.

Where: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences (51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF)

When: 2025 dates TBC

What is included in a Christmas afternoon tea?

Christmas afternoon tea London menus usually feature festive-themed savoury and sweet afternoon tea treats made with seasonal ingredients, such as mince pies, turkey sandwiches, gingerbread, pecan pastries, and cranberry and cinnamon scones. These are served with tea, coffee or bubbly.

Some venues get even more creative by serving Christmas afternoon tea delights in festive shapes, including edible snowmen, Christmas trees, logs and Christmas presents.

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 and beyond with a special festive tour.

Find more Christmas inspiration with things to do over the festive season.