Thank you to Claremont Club & Spa for sponsoring today’s round-up of child-friendly Christmas tea options in the Bay Area. Their Holiday Tea begins on November 2, offered every Saturday and Sunday through December 29, 2024.
In case you’ve never taken your little one to tea, now might be the perfect opportunity. One of the best times to take children for a high tea experience is during the holidays when everybody’s feeling festive and willing to put on a fancy outfit. You just might start a yearly tradition. Here are some lovely places in the East Bay and San Francisco that have arranged a special Christmas season event for young tea lovers. Pinkies up!
Holiday Tea in the East Bay
Stay in the East Bay for a special Christmas tea service at some of these lovely spots around Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda.
Claremont Resort & Club, Berkeley
Celebrate the holiday season with this grand Claremont tradition. Enjoy breathtaking views, an unmatched tea selection, sparkling wine, and sweet and savory bites from the Claremont pastry kitchen. Read about Julie’s sweet visit with her daughter and check out Julie’s fabulous holiday staycation with her whole family.
When: Available on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Nov. 2 through Dec. 29 with two seatings at noon and 2:30 pm.
Cost: $135 for adults, including one glass of sparkling wine. $85 for children under 12
Where: Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley
Reservations >
More Details >
Malaya Tea Room, Alameda
Malaya Tea Room is a tribute to the British Malaya era, so think High Tea with an Asian twist. Happily, they’re bringing back Holiday Tea this year. To-go options are also available if you’d like to make your playground visit a highly dignified event.
When: Dec. 5-31. Three seatings at 11 am, 1:15 pm 0r 3:30 pm. Reservations required.
Cost: Adult $59, Child (9 years and under) $48.
Where: 920 Central Avenue, Alameda
Website >
Tyme for Tea, Fremont
A cute tearoom with a beautiful Victorian flare, Tyme for Tea is offering a special menu for the holidays every weekend in December. Holiday reservations open soon, so get yours early.
When: Every weekend in December. Reservations required.
Cost: $38-$56 per person.
Where: 37501 Niles Blvd. Fremont
Website >
Dainteas Afternoon Tea Parlour, Concord
A tea parlor made for kids of all ages, decorated whimsically with an Alice in Wonderland theme. A tea room without the un-kid-friendly pretensions of a tea room. While they’re not doing a holiday tea specifically, you can still enjoy a High Tea with your little ones in style. Scone, tea sandwiches, and strawberry shortcake all adorn their prix-fixe menu, along with an assortment of teas. Reservations only, as well as a fun to-go option if you’d like to create your High Tea at home.
When: Whenever you’d like, but by reservation only, by calling or texting 925-913-0097.
Cost: $55 per person, 6 person minimum
Where: 1302 Galindo St, Concord, CA
Website >
The Royal TEA Garden, Pleasanton
This tearoom delivers the classic afternoon tea experience with a fun atmosphere and plenty of tiny little bites to satisfy your sweet (or savory) tooth. Private catering is offered, as well as delivery through your favorite apps.
When: Three seatings, at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, Wednesday- Sunday. Reservations required.
Cost: $35 – $60 per person
Where: 163 West Neal Street, Pleasanton, CA
Website >
Teddy Bear Tea at The Gardens at Heather Farms, Walnut Creek
Sold out for 2024. This popular event is back for 2024 and is already sold out! This Christmas tea party in Walnut Creek, Teddy Bear Tea is pretty cute. We recommend this tea service for children aged three to eight.
When: December 7 and 8, with two seatings each day at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Where: The Gardens at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek
San Francisco Holiday Tea Services
The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco’s two-story, life-sized Gingerbread House in the hotel’s grand lobby is a wonderful holiday attraction. There’s an impressive moving train and a giant Christmas tree.
When: End of November- December, daily the weeks before and after the Christmas holiday. Seatings at 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Tea is not available on certain days.
Cost: $169 per adult, $95 for children under 12 (plus tax + gratuity it works out to $344.12 for one adult and one child) Reservations are required.
Where: 950 Mason Street San Francisco
Website >
Lovejoy’s Tea Room, San Francisco
This adorable tea shop accepts reservations online, via phone or info@lovejoystearoom.com, as well as walk-ins. They also allow picky kids and adults to customize their high tea experience. A la carte ordering is a big relief for my family!
When: Thursday through Sunday, seatings 11 am to 3 pm with extended hours the week before Christmas
Cost: $29.95 for high tea and many custom packages for more and less. $23.95 for Wee Tea (children under 10)
Where: 1351 Church Street San Francisco in Noe Valley (415) 648-5895
Website >
Children’s Magical Tea, Top of the Mark, San Francisco
Children’s Magical Tea includes balloon art, face painting, a cookie decorating station, and Santa Claus some days. The menu includes the classics and some interesting kid-friendly additions. Make reservations early as this one always sells out!
When: December 1-28, 2024 from 11 am to 2 pm
Cost: $115+ per guest (ages 4 and up); $5 discount with a donation of a new unwrapped toy – reservations required
Where: 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill (415) 616-6941
Reservations here> Website >
Sip Tea Room, San Francisco
Right near Golden Gate Park in the Sunset District, Sip Tea Room is offering a Holiday Tea Service with special music and activities. They’re also hosting Mrs. Claus on Friday, December 16 with stories, music, and pictures with Santa’s better half. Oh, and they’ll have hot chocolate if that’s more your thing. Reservations Required (they always sell out!)
When: Thursdays – Sundays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 22, 2024, two seatings: 11 am – 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Cost: $69 per person
Where: 721 Lincoln Way, San Francisco
Website >
Teddy Bear Tea, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Children enjoy hot chocolate, teddy bear sweets, and small sandwiches while watching an entertaining elf performance. Kids receive a commemorative teddy bear as a gift. Bring a wrapped gift to put under the tree to be donated to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. $2 per ticket sold will benefit Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area.
When: Nov. 30 – Dec 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 14 – 23, 2024
Cost: $192 per guest includes one teddy bear for 11 and under. Children under 2 are free (but no teddy bear).
Where: Terrace Room at The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St, San Francisco
Buy tickets in advance >
Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco
The fourth annual Dollie + Me Holiday tea invites children to enjoy a special tea experience of hot chocolate, sweet treats, and tea sandwiches while enjoying a fun holiday crafting event hosted by kit & sis™. Each child will receive a goodie bag with crafts to be enjoyed with their dolls. Read about our tea experience here> You’re also just across the street from the Union Square skate rink if you want to make a full day of it.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, 2024, 1 pm – 3 pm
Cost: Ages 4 + $130 (Total for one adult and one child totals $258.12 including taxes and fees)
Tickets available here >
Where: 335 Powell Street (between Geary and Post), San Francisco
The Palace Hotel, San Francisco
Add a fancy magical tea service to your family’s tradition with the Holiday Signature Tea Service at the Palace Hotel, which includes Palace Bakery Scones, Assorted Pastries, and Fresh Holiday Inspired Tea Sandwiches. Reservations required. Check out our visit to The Palace Hotel here >
When: Dec. 4-5, 11-13, 18-20, 28-29, 2024
Cost: Adults: $160, Children (12 years of age and under) $65
Where: 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA
Website >
Son & Garden, San Francisco
This Instagram-famous spot has the cutest Enchanted Rose High Tea that looks fabulous. They’ll probably have a holiday tea once the Beauty and the Beast-themed tea run is over at the end of November, so keep your eyes out. This one looks super fun and trendy; send pics if you go! Reservations required.
When: Holiday Tea TBD
Cost: TBD
Where: 700 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Website >
The Proper Hotel, San Francisco
Yet another option if you want to make for a fancy day in San Francisco. Afternoon tea at The Proper Hotel is served on the weekends and includes a selection of sandwiches, sweets, and scones. The holiday months will bring a Nutcracker theme, so if you’re planning on going to the ballet with your littles, this spot might be the perfect option as it’s right near the Opera House. Check out the menu here.
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 2 pm-5 pm
Cost: $65 -$80
Where: 1100 Market Street Hotel Entrance is at, 45 McAllister St, San Francisco
Website >
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, San Francisco
If you’re already in the City doing some holiday shopping at Neiman Marcus, why not stop in at the Rotunda for a perfectly civilized afternoon tea service? While they’re not offering a special Holiday Tea, the store will be decked out in its holiday best, so it’ll still feel pretty special.
When: Two seatings, at 3 pm and 3:45 pm, Thursday – Sunday year-round. Reservations are required, through OpenTable
Cost: Varies
Where: Neiman Marcus, Floor 4, 150 Stockton Street, San Francisco
Website >
Other High and Holiday Tea Options in the Bay Area
Nutcracker Holiday Tea, Menlo Park
For more than 85 years the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary has raised money to promote, foster and maintain the welfare of children. The holiday tea includes photos with Santa, sparkling wine, a gift bag for children, holiday vendors, and more with proceeds to benefit the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
When: Sunday, November 17, 2024. Two seatings: 11am & 1pm
Cost: $80 per person
Where: 75 Arbor Road Menlo Park, CA 94025
Website >
Filoli Historic House and Garden, Woodside
Elevate your Holidays at Filoli experience with an elegant tea service in Filoli’s Garden House. Tuck into an array of finger sandwiches, scones, and pâtisseries while sipping tea and sparkling wine in an exclusive setting. Read about what the holidays are like at Filoli>
When: Offered select weekdays in December 2024
Cost: $185 per person
Where: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
Website >
iChina, Santa Clara
Venture beyond the crumpets and Earl Grey for a different type of afternoon tea at iChina’s JiuBa Lounge. The Afternoon Tea menu includes a decadent pastry tower designed by renowned Michelin-starred chef Graham Hornigold, as well as dim sum or dumplings, and a selection of premium imported teas, offered a la carte.
When: Offered daily from 11am-4pm in the JiuBa Lounge
Cost: $50 per person
Where: Westfield Valley Fair 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050
Website >
Muir’s Tea Room, Sebastopol
This delightful little spot in the North Bay offers some super cute options, including their 9th Annual Harry Potter Extravaganza. Muir’s is located in a beautifully restored historic Queen Anne Victorian, so you and your kiddos will feel properly fancy. They’ll also have a holiday menu coming out soon, so check back to their website as December nears. Website>
When: Fridays- noon to 4:30 pm; Saturdays & Sundays 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: $65+ per person
Where: 330 South Main Street, Sebastopol
Reservations >
Patisserie Angelica’s Magical Holiday Tea, Sebastopol
If you’re up in the North Bay to cut down your Christmas Tree, schedule a stop at Patisserie Angelica for their year-round West County High Tea. Price varies, Reserve at (707) 827-7998. Website>
Thank you to Claremont Club & Spa for sponsoring today’s round-up of child-friendly Christmas tea options in the Bay Area. Their Holiday Tea begins on November 2.
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