Festive Holiday Teas in the DC Area

Traditions are a big part of the season, and holiday afternoon tea is a beloved custom around Washington. The ritual returns to decked-out hotel lobbies and historic homes, offering festive treats, steaming pots of tea, and often a glass of bubbly. Whether you’re planning an outing with little ones, tea time with friends, or a moment of solo luxury, here are 13 places to sip and enjoy the season. 

Fairmont Hotel

The hotel’s beloved Nutcracker Afternoon Tea returns to the whimsically decorated Loggia Lounge. With both savory and “Land of the Sweets”–themed treats, sparkling cider for little ones, and Domain Chandon for adults, it’s an annual ritual that never loses its magic, no matter your age. 

Dates: Select dates December 6 – 30.

Price: $110 for adults and $65 for children up to age 12.

Willard InterContinental

A harpist provides a merry background for tea in the historic Peacock Alley. The hotel dons its holiday best for the occasion, including a towering tree and a gingerbread display. 

Dates: Select dates December 4 – 28.

Price: $105 for adults ($120 with champagne) and $65 for children up to age 12.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden

Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former home is atmospheric year-round but especially during this season. The cafe serves tea with assorted petits fours and sandwiches. (A minimum of four people is required.) Leave time to stroll the magnificent grounds.

Dates: Select dates December 4 – January 5.

Price: $50 per person.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

The first president’s estate held its inaugural holiday tea last year; it sold out almost immediately, so book your table early. This year’s tea will be served in the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant with live harp music.

Dates: Select dates December 5 – 14.

Price: $70 per person.

The Hay-Adams

From now until the end of the year, the Hay-Adams tea will be served in the hotel’s Lafayette restaurant. In addition to scones and sandwiches, guests can look forward to add-ons such as tableside hot toddy service.

Dates: Sundays from November 9 – December 31.

Price: $100 per person ($135-$175 with Champagne).

Green Spring Gardens

Attend a lecture about the history of food in paintings followed by a traditional British afternoon tea. Refreshments are served in the 18th-century house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Date: November 23.

Price: $42 per person.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

Is there anything more magical than enjoying afternoon tea while watching a live performance of The Nutcracker? The hotel will serve a kid-friendly tea in the Peachgrove Ballroom while members of the National Virginia Ballet School perform selections from Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. 

Dates: December 6 and 7.

Price: $170 for adults and $60 for children 4-12. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the hotel’s Teddy Bear Tea, but children will love the hot chocolate, kid-approved treats, and choosing a stuffed animal to take home. There’s plenty for grown-ups to enjoy, too, including the festive backdrop of hotel restaurant Santé.

Dates: Select dates November 28 – January 4.

Price: $84 per person and $55 for children 12 and under.

The St. Regis

This luxurious tea doesn’t stop at pastries, sandwiches, and scones. It also includes champagne, caviar, and even a Ladurée macron cart (4 PM to 6 PM only). Served in the red and gold lobby, expect plenty of decorations and live music.

Dates: Select dates November 5 – January 4.

Price: $119 per person. 

Salamander DC

Enjoy a holiday afternoon in the hotel’s lobby-level lounge. Homemade tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries will be served alongside a selection of loose-leaf tea and champagne. 

Dates: Select dates November 26 – January 11.

Price: $115 per person.

Salamander Resort

For just two days in December, the Middleburg resort will welcome guests for a sumptuous afternoon tea. Seasonal tea blends include Sugar Plum Fairy, Gingerbread Cookie, and Ginger Yuzu. Tea will be served in the resort’s restaurant, Harrimans, which will be decked out in nutcrackers and dangling crystals. 

Dates: December 13 and 20.

Price: $115 for adults and $55 for children 11 and under. 

Waldorf Astoria

Held in the hotel’s soaring atrium, decked with festive decor, this elegant tea features sweet and savory bites served on a traditional three-tier tray and winter-themed tea blends. A highlight is the house-made scones, served with a trio of spreads: Devonshire cream, spiced fruit butter, and maple caramel sauce. Upgrade to the premium tea experience, which includes seating next to the central Christmas tree, fancy china, and a bottle of Champagne.

Dates: Select dates November 20 – February 22.

Price: $120 per person and $200 for the premium experience.

Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf

This unique take on a traditional afternoon tea features tea-spiked cocktails alongside sweet and savory treats. The boozy tea is served in the hotel’s moody, European-train-car-inspired bar.

Dates: Select dates December 6 – 27.

Price: $80 per person.

Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger, which launched their afternoon tea events this fall, is holding a special “family tea” on Boxing Day. Come for tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries from cafe Quill & Crumb. Programming also includes story time and crafts.

Date: December 26.
Price: $95 for adults and $55 for children under 13.

Four Seasons

The hotel’s Teddy Bear Tea is back with Nutcracker dancers, live acoustic music, and a visit from Santa himself. Along with tea, petit fours, scones, and sandwiches, there will be hot chocolate and apple cider plus teddy bears for kids to take home.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays December 6 – December 21.
Price: $135 for adults (includes a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon champagne) and $85 for children 12 and under.

Madeline Weinfield