Christmas Tea in the Bay Area: a holiday tradition

Book Now: Christmas Tea in the Bay Area For Families

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 December 2, offered every Saturday and Sunday through December 30, 2023.

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

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 Club & Spa, 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 Heather’s sweet tea time with her son here> and check out Julie’s fabulous staycation with her family here>

When: Available on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Dec. 2 through 30. Seating from 12 pm until 3 pm.
Cost: $135 for adults, including one glass of sparkling wine. $85 for children (under 12 years old)
Where: Claremont Lobby Lounge & Bar, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley
Reservations >

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 available too if you’d like to make your playground visit a highly dignified event.

When: Dec. 1 through the end of December. Hours are 11 am – 5:30 pm Thursday – Sunday. Reservations required.
Cost: 2022 prices were – Adult $55, Child (9 years and under) $50.
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 >

USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, Alameda

This tea service will be held in the historic USS Hornet’s original Officers’ Wardroom, making use of real US Navy china! All proceeds from the event go to the continued care of the Museum’s exhibits and artifacts. Tickets include General Admission to the Museum, which is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Tea sandwiches, cookies, and mini quiche will be served along with a cornucopia of tea and even chocolate milk.
Please Note: there are steep stairs to get to the tea.

When: Dec. 10, 11 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 5 pm. Reservations required.
Cost: $40 per person.
Where: 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda
Buy tickets here >

Holiday High tea at the Claremont
Holiday High Tea at the Claremont | Photo: Heather Flett

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. Reservation only, as well as a fun to-go option if you’d like to create your own 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

This popular event was sadly canceled for 2023 due to a renovation in progress. Boo.

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. Check out the fancy menu >

When: Nov. 24, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023, Thurs-Sun and 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 >

Giant Gingerbread house at the fairmont hotel
Giant Gingerbread house at the Fairmont Hotel is worth a peek | Photo: Sally Mason

Lovejoy’s Tea Room, San Francisco

This adorable tea shop accepts reservations online, via phone or [email protected], 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.

When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3; 9 and 10; 16 and 17, 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm
Cost: $99+ 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
For reservations, please contact the Holiday Desk at [email protected] 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 15 with stories, music, and pictures with Santa’s better half. Oh, and they’ll have hot chocolate if that’s more your thing.

When: Thursdays – Sundays, Nov. 25 – Dec. 22, two seatings: 11 am – 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Cost: $59 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. 25 – 27, Dec. 2 – 3, Dec. 9 – 10, Dec. 18-23
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 >

Crown & Crumpet, San Francisco (and Ross)

Crown & Crumpet’s annual Holiday High Tea is a favorite with families, and they now have a new location in Ross in addition to their Japantown location in San Francisco. Expect a lovely selection of tea sandwiches, crumpets, scones, macarons, and more. The Holiday Tea is occurring throughout December, with reservations required. They’ll even have a Christmas cracker surprise for the kids. Check their website soon, details coming in the coming weeks. Read about Heather and Milo’s tea time experience here>

When: Details are TBD
Cost: TBD
Where: 1746 Post Street, San Francisco and 22 Ross Common, Ross
Website for reservations >

Christmas Tea at Sir Francis Drake
Christmas Tea at Sir Francis Drake | Selfie: Heather Flett

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

The third 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. 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. 16 and 17, 12 pm – 2 pm
Cost: Ages 4 + $95 (Total for one adult and one child totals $223.48 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. 1, 8, 15, 29 and 30
Cost: Adults: $120, Children (12 years of age and under) $60
Where: 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA
Website >

Maison Danel, San Francisco

Maison Danel is a French Pâtisserie, Viennoiserie, and Salon de Thé, a destination in San Francisco to enjoy beautiful pastries, authentic French cuisine, fine teas, and locally roasted coffee in an elegant salon setting. Check out their lovely menu, then make a reservation here. They also offer Le Petit, which is a smaller portion tea service for children 12 and under, with the option for Hot Chocolate instead of tea (thank you).

When: Mon and Thurs: 8 am to 4 pm; Fri, Sat and Sun: 8 am to 5 pm
Cost: $70+ adults, $38 Le Petit
Where: 1030 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Website >

Son & Garden, San Francisco

This Instagram-famous spot has the cutest Barbie DreamHouse High Tea that looks fabulous. They’ll probably have a holiday tea once the Barbie 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: August 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023, Monday – Friday (non-holidays) 12 pm and 1:30 pm
Cost: $110/set for 2 people
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 Tea Options in the Bay Area

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-5pm in the JiuBa Lounge
Cost: $55 per person, 6 person minimum
Where: Westfield Valley Fair 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050
Website >

Marin County Teddy Bear Tea, Mill Valley

Le Petit Jardin is putting on its 14th Annual event in honor of this special time of year, the “Teddy Bear Tea à la Française”. Enjoy a tea service, traditional holiday music, interactive teddy bear stuffing, “fireside” story time, and a festive photo booth. Each child should dress up in a dapper holiday style for the ultimate holiday spirit and photo fun! Then, sit back, snuggle your teddy, and listen to T’was the Night Before Christmas presented in both English AND in French. Fancy!

When: Saturday, Dec. 9 Time: 10:30 am-noon
Cost: $60 per ticket
Where: 201 Seminary Drive, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Website >

Nutcracker Holiday Tea, Menlo Park

The Palo Alto Auxiliary puts on a holiday tea, photos with Santa, sparkling wine, a gift bag for children, holiday vendors, and more with proceeds to benefit the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. The 2023 event date hasn’t been released yet, so stay tuned for more info!

When: TBD
Cost: 2022 tickets were $75 per ticket
Where: Allied Arts Guild 75 Arbor Road Menlo Park, CA 94025
Website >

Palace Hotel Tea Time
Kids find their own ways to enjoy Tea Time | Photo: Parul Patel

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.

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 in a stop at Patisserie Angelica for their Magical Holiday Tea, served Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 3 pm. Price varies. Website>

 

Holiday tea traditions are not just for children
Holiday tea traditions are not just for children, the Claremont lobby’s elegant service is perfect for YOU

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 December 2. Incredible gingerbread house decorating happens on December 2.

xxx

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1 thought on “Book Now: Christmas Tea in the Bay Area For Families”

  1. Teddy Bear Tea at Heather Farms is a take-home tea for 2023:

    Each bag is full of wonderful treats such as a custom vintage fleece blanket, tea cup and saucer, tea, cookies, a children’s book, a goody bag full of surprises, and a special bear just for you or your little one! Each purchaser gets to pick their very own bear on Friday, Dec.1 or Saturday, Dec. 2 at the pick up located at The Gardens at Heather Farm.

    Each purchase helps towards children’s education programs: https://gardenshf.org/support-us/teddy-bear-tea/

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