Christmas Tea in the Bay Area: a holiday tradition

Book Now: Christmas Tea in the Bay Area For Families

Thank you to Claremont Resort & Club for sponsoring today’s round-up of child-friendly Christmas tea options in the Bay Area. Their Holiday Tea begins on November 1, offered every Saturday and Sunday through December 28, 2025.

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!

high tea service with families
Claremont Resort & Club’s tea service is festive and elegant | Photo: Claremont Resort & Club

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. ***Additional Dates and Times in December Added Due to Popular Demand***

When: Available on Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 1 – 28.  Saturdays & Sundays with two seatings at noon and 2:30 pm | December 6 – December 28, Monday – Wednesday, December 22 -24 |Friday, December 19 & December 26 with three seatings at 10 am, noon and 2:30 pm.
Cost: $135 for ages 14+ | $85 for children 13 and under
Where: Claremont Resort & Club Lobby Lounge & Bar, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley
Reservations >
More Details >

Santa Tea at Claremont Resort & Club, Berkeley

Enjoy an elevated Holiday Tea experience unlike any other—where your group can savor the full afternoon tea service from the comfort of Santa’s beautifully decorated sleigh. Each child will receive a keepsake gift to carry the magic home. ***Additional Dates and Times in December Added Due to Popular Demand***

When: Saturdays & Sundays, December 6 – December 28 |Monday – Wednesday, December 22 – December 24 |
Friday, December 19 & December 26
Seatings: 12:15pm & 12:30pm
Cost: Available for groups of up to four guests | $590
Where: Claremont Resort & Club 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. 4-28. Three seatings at 11 am, 1:15 pm, or 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 flair, 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 >

holiday tea table with little girl drinking tea
Hot Chocolate instead of tea is an option at the Claremont tea service | Photo: Julie Herson

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: $39 – $65 per person
Where: 163 West Neal Street, Pleasanton, CA
Website >

Teddy Bear Tea at The Gardens at Heather Farms, Walnut Creek

This popular event is back for 2025 and will likely sell out soon! 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 6 and 7, 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. A special experience, but rather pricey!

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: $450 for two  Pre-purchase and Reservations are required.
Where: 950 Mason Street San Francisco
Website >

Christmas tea in the Bay Area sponsored by Claremont Hotel
Holiday tea for two at the Claremont Resort & Club | Photo: Claremont Resort & Club

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, 2025 Choose from two seatings: 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. The event concludes at 2:00 PM.
Cost: $129+ per guest (ages 4 and up); 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, end of November – end of December, 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 entertaining performances. 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 Hospital. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area.
When: Starting Nov. 29 – end of December
Cost: $195 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 >

tea sandwiches on tiered plate
The three-tiered treats included traditional tea sandwiches and tasty pastries | Photo: Julie Herson

Dollie + Me Holiday Tea at The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

The fifth 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 & sisâ„¢. 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. 13 and 14, 2025, 11 pm – 1 pm
Cost: Ages 4 + $147, (Total for one adult and one child totals $294 including taxes and fees)
Tickets available here >
Where: 335 Powell Street (between Geary and Post), San Francisco

Beacon Grand, San Francisco

Elevate your Saturday with an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience at Beacon Grand that combines savory and sweet culinary delights with decadent J’enwey Tea Co. varietals and live piano music. The perfect way to spend your afternoon in Union Square. Delight in house-made scones, savory tea sandwiches, and an array of delicious dessert bites paired with carefully selected tea blends with flavor profiles from rich and robust to herbal and sparkling. Not a Holiday Tea specifically, but everything will be suitably Christmasy in December, so it’ll still feel festive.

When: Saturdays from 2 – 4 pm
Cost: $105++ per adult, $50++ per child 12 years and under
Where: 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA
Website >

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. It looks like for 2025 they offer several fun Tea options: A Santa Tea, Carolers Tea, and Holiday Tea. Reservations required. Check out our visit to The Palace Hotel here >

When: Weekends Nov 29 – Dec 21, plus Dec 22-24
Cost: $135 – $220
Where: 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA
Website >

Palace Hotel Tea
High Tea at the Palace Hotel is a popular attraction | PC: Parul Patel

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 a past 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: One seating at 1:30 pm, daily, year-round. Reservations are required, through OpenTable
Cost: Varies
Where: Neiman Marcus, Floor 4, 150 Stockton Street, San Francisco
Website >

little girl sitting in front of windows next to Christmas tree
Rain or shine, the view during tea at the Claremont is stunning | Photo: Julie Herson

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 16, 2025. Two seatings: 11am & 1pm
Cost: $80 per person
Where: 75 Arbor Road Menlo Park
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: Dec 2 – 18, Weekdays | 11am, 1pm, & 3:30pm, 90-minute experience
Cost: Cost: $185; Includes Daytime Admission to Holidays at Filoli (Members receive 10% off)
Where: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Website >

Teatime at Crown & Crumpet
Teatime at Crown & Crumpet

Crown & Crumpet, Ross

Although their San Francisco location is no longer open, Crown & Crumpet has a cute little location in Ross in Marin County. They’ve started creating their Splendicious Holiday Extravaganza, though the details are still in the works. The garden will be tented with a proper, strong tent that will be decorated and cozy, ready to keep you in the Holiday mood when you celebrate all things winter wonderlandish!

When: December 6 -December 31
Cost: TBD
Where: 22 Ross Common, Ross, CA
Website >

Muir’s Tea Room, Sebastopol

This delightful little spot in the North Bay offers some super cute options, including their 16th Harry Potter Potion’s Class. 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>

hotel in the hills
The Castle in the Hills, the Claremont Resort & Club is a Berkeley institution | Photo: Claremont Resort & Club

Thank you to Claremont Resort & Club for sponsoring today’s round-up of child-friendly Christmas tea options in the Bay Area. Their Holiday Tea begins on November 1 and goes through December 28.

xxx

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