London transforms into a magical wonderland during the festive season, and few English traditions capture this spirit better than a luxurious afternoon tea. With holiday-inspired menus featuring crumbly mince pies, spiced gingerbread, and indulgent drinks, festive afternoon teas offer a perfect way to embrace the season in style. From iconic hotels to quirky spots, each location adds its own sparkle to the classic tea experience, blending seasonal treats with cosy, festive ambiance. Whether you're pausing between Christmas shopping or gathering with loved ones, our guide to London’s best festive afternoon teas will help you find the perfect place to toast to the holidays. Get ready for indulgent pastries shaped like baubles, finger sandwiches with winter fillings, and a cocktail or two brimming with seasonal spices—London has truly mastered the art of the Christmas afternoon tea. Biscuiteers Christmas Afternoon Tea Looking for a festive way to celebrate the season in London? Biscuiteers Boutiques and Icing Cafés offer a Christmas Afternoon Tea that brings together delicious treats, a cosy atmosphere, and a hands-on twist that’s perfect for friends, family, or a holiday date. Voted Best Festive Afternoon Tea by Luxury London Magazine , this experience combines the warmth of a traditional tea with Biscuiteers' signature hand-iced biscuits, winter-inspired finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a selection of bespoke Tregothnan teas. To make it even more special, add a glass of artisan Prosecco from Italy for a sparkling holiday toast. One of the highlights at Biscuiteers is the opportunity to decorate your own biscuits. With a DIY icing kit featuring three Christmas biscuits, colourful icing, and edible decorations, guests can create their own take-home gifts—making it more than just a tea, but a festive activity to remember. This Christmas Afternoon Tea is served in two of Biscuiteers’ iconic London locations, in Notting Hill just off Portobello Road, or in Belgravia’s Eccleston Yards, offering the perfect setting for a memorable holiday outing. Priced at £48 per person (£55.50 with Prosecco) and available from November 1st, it’s a must-try for a cosy and creative Christmas celebration in the city. You can book here . Brigit’s Bakery For a holiday experience that combines sightseeing with seasonal flavours, Brigit’s Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour delivers festive cheer with a side of London’s most iconic landmarks. Aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster, guests can enjoy views of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, and more, all while savouring a delightful holiday-themed afternoon tea. From smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches to indulgent cakes, pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam, the carefully crafted menu brings a touch of luxury to the journey. For those wanting to elevate the experience, Prosecco or Champagne can be pre-ordered online. The evening tours at 5:00 and 5:30 pm add a special route along Regent Street, offering a front-row view of London’s dazzling Christmas lights. Whether it’s your first visit to the city or a new way to see familiar sights, this tour captures London’s vibrant culture, history, and holiday spirit in one charming ride. Departing from either Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square, tickets start at £45 for adults and £35 for children, making it a memorable outing for all ages this season. You can book here . Royal Lancaster London Royal Lancaster London’s Hyde Café offers a Festive Afternoon Tea experience that beautifully blends tradition with seasonal flair. Available from November 25th to January 5th, this holiday tea features an array of savoury sandwiches filled with British classics like roasted turkey with cranberry jam and smoked salmon with dill tartare, alongside luxurious sweet treats inspired by Christmas. Guests can indulge in festive creations such as the "Snowflake" fruit cake with brandy mousse and the "Santa’s Belt Bauble," a decadent chocolate mousse with spiced pear compote. Warm, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves complete the experience, all complemented by a curated selection of Camellia’s Tea House teas. You can book here . The Chesterfield’s Winter Wonderland The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair invites guests to step into a winter wonderland with its enchanting holiday-themed afternoon tea. A warming glass of mulled wine sets the festive tone, followed by a selection of loose-leaf teas, including a special Chesterfield Christmas blend brimming with aromatic spices. Traditional finger sandwiches balance the indulgent line-up of sweets, which feature seasonal treats like a Gingerbread Choux Bun and a Cherry and Pistachio Battenberg, designed to capture the flavours of the season. Guests with dietary preferences will find that vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Served in the hotel’s bright Conservatory overlooking the garden or the warm and inviting Butler’s Restaurant, this afternoon tea provides an ideal escape in the heart of Mayfair. The Chesterfield’s Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea is perfect for those looking to enjoy a break after holiday shopping in nearby Piccadilly and Bond Street. Available from 12:30 to 5 pm, the experience costs £75 per adult, or £85 with a glass of champagne, and £45 per child, offering a festive twist on a quintessentially British tradition. You can book here . The Dorchester Step into a festive world of refined indulgence at The Dorchester’s iconic restaurant, The Promenade, where the Christmas Afternoon Tea transforms a cherished tradition into a magical experience that has delighted visitors since 1931. This seasonal affair invites guests on a culinary journey through time, showcasing a carefully curated selection of delicate finger sandwiches, such as spiced sablé with smoked duck and candied orange, and the festive Cambridge bronze turkey with cranberry and chestnut stuffing. Complementing these savoury delights are seasonal pastries like cinnamon mousse and spiced orange and coffee treats, all served alongside an unrivalled selection of rare teas and the finest Champagne. The ambiance is further elevated by the enchanting melodies of a resident pianist, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that promises to turn holiday moments into cherished memories amidst the opulence of The Promenade. You can book here . The Landmark London The Landmark London transforms its iconic Afternoon Tea into a festive spectacle in the enchanting Winter Garden Restaurant, crowned by one of London’s largest Christmas trees beneath a breath-taking eight-storey-high glass atrium. From November 28th to January 5th, guests can indulge in a specially curated menu by the award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, featuring an array of delicate finger sandwiches and warm, freshly baked candied apple and cinnamon scones. Sweet offerings include a delightful Christmas pudding topped with mascarpone mousse, redcurrants, and a cinnamon biscuit. Priced at £92 per person, this luxurious experience is elevated with a glass of Champagne Lallier R.019, making it the perfect indulgence for the holiday season, available daily from 3 PM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and 1 PM to 4:30 PM on weekends. You can book here . InterContinental Park Lane Experience a regal festive afternoon tea at the InterContinental London Park Lane, where the legacy of both Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II comes alive in The Wellington Lounge. This indulgent tea features the Elizabethan Royal Tea, showcasing a refined selection of sweet delicacies and savoury bites inspired by noble menus of the past, all imbued with a festive spirit. Priced at £74 per person and £35 for children under 12, guests can enhance their experience with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, available in various options, including the classic Brut Yellow Label and the exclusive La Grande Dame 2015. Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, this elegant setting offers a perfect retreat during the holiday season, combining a culinary journey through time with the charm of British tradition. You can book here . The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton Festive Afternoon Tea This festive season, The Lanesborough invites guests to indulge in a whimsical Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea, running from November 13, 2024, to January 8, 2025. Set in the hotel’s exquisitely decorated Regency dining room, bathed in natural light from its domed glass roof, the experience pays homage to the lavish gatherings and elegant soirées of the Regency era. Head Pastry Chef Pierre Morvan-Benezet has meticulously crafted a menu that includes a delightful selection of finger sandwiches, scrumptious scones served with clotted cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats inspired by the beloved characters of Bridgerton Season 3. Beyond the exquisite pastries, guests can enjoy the enchanting 'Friends to Lovers' cocktail, a playful nod to Lady Whistledown, offering a sophisticated alternative to Champagne, with a non-alcoholic version also available. Nestled just moments from Hyde Park in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Lanesborough has been restored to its 1828 grandeur, providing a luxurious backdrop for a memorable festive experience. With its blend of Regency charm and modern elegance, this afternoon tea promises a delightful escape into the world of high society, perfect for fans of the series and newcomers alike. You can book here . The Langham Experience the quintessential festive afternoon tea at The Langham, the birthplace of this beloved tradition since 1865. This Christmas, The Langham presents a delightful twist on the classic tea, showcasing a curated selection of savoury offerings that include succulent roast Norfolk turkey, Scottish salmon gravlax, and luxurious celeriac and truffle sandwiches. These gourmet bites are followed by an array of exquisite sweet treats, featuring a tonka bean and orange-infused cream, ‘cassonade’ shortbread, a decadent coffee and chocolate opera slice, and a crunchy almond sable adorned with almond cream and macerated fruit. Each beautifully crafted morsel reflects the hotel's commitment to excellence and the festive spirit, making it the perfect setting for indulging in a timeless tradition steeped in luxury and sophistication. You can book here . The Stafford This Christmas, The Stafford London elevates the traditional afternoon tea with a delightful festive flair. Indulge in delicate sandwiches like roast turkey with cranberry and honey roasted ham, complemented by warm scones. The bespoke cake trolley presents an array of seasonal treats, including Eggnog & Gingerbread Layer Signature Cake, cinnamon & orange mousse, and cranberry & white chocolate macarons. Priced at £70 per person or £87 with a glass of Louis Roederer Collection 243 Champagne, this festive afternoon tea offers a sophisticated escape, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. You can book here .