Hello there, dear readers! It’s high time to make your 2026 Holiday Tea reservations. This year, there are plenty of fine and fancy options, from modest to extravagant.
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 November 7 and runs Saturdays & Sundays through November 22; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays November 27–December 13; and Daily, December 18–27, 2026.
If you’ve never taken your little one to tea, now might be the perfect time. 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 special Christmas-season events 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 for 2026: November: Saturdays & Sundays | Nov. 7 – Nov. 22 – Seatings: 10 am, 12:30 pm, & 3 pm. December: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | Nov. 27 – Dec. 13. And then daily | Dec. 18 – 27
Cost: Nov.: $125 for ages 14+ | $75 for children 4-13 (plus taxes & gratuity); Dec.: $145/$85 (plus taxes & gratuity)
Where: Claremont Resort & Club Lobby Lounge & Bar, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley
Reservations for November > Reservations for December>
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.
When for 2026: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | Dec. 4 – Dec. 13. Daily | Dec. 18 -24. Seatings: 11 am & 2 pm
Cost: Available for groups of up to four guests | $600 (plus taxes & gratuity)
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. They usually offer a Holiday Tea starting in early December. To-go options are also available if you’d like to make your playground visit a highly dignified event.
When: Early December through the end of the month. Three seatings at 11 am, 1:15 pm, or 3:30 pm. Reservations required.
Cost: Adult $60+, Child (9 years and under) $48+.
Where: 920 Central Avenue, Alameda
Website >
Tyme for Tea, Fremont
A cute tearoom with beautiful Victorian flair, Tyme for Tea offers a special holiday menu 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 for kids of all ages, whimsically decorated with an Alice in Wonderland theme. A tea room without the un-kid-friendly pretensions of a tea room. While they don’t offer a holiday tea specifically, you can still enjoy High Tea with your little ones in style. Scones, tea sandwiches, and strawberry shortcake all adorn their prix-fixe menu, along with an assortment of teas. Reservations only, with a fun to-go option if you’d like to recreate your High Tea at home.
When: Whenever you’d like, by reservation only; call or text 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: Varies, $39 – $65 per person
Where: 163 West Neal Street, Pleasanton, CA
Website >
Holiday Teas at Shadelands, Walnut Creek
The Shadelands Tea features a scrumptious three-course luncheon, highlighted with delicious scones, homemade lemon curd, and, of course, our Secret Shadelands Tea Blend, all served in the intimate setting of the house’s parlor or dining room. Their Holiday Teas take place for two weeks each year, starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Two seatings are available each day, at 11 am and 1:30 pm. They also have special Champagne Teas on Saturdays, December 5 and 12 at 4 pm.
When: November 28 – December 13, 2026. Reservations open 9 am October 1 each year by calling the office at 925-935-7871.
Cost: $57-$65 per person.
Where: 37501 Niles Blvd. Fremont
Website >
Teddy Bear Tea at The Gardens at Heather Farms, Walnut Creek
This popular event is back for 2026 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 ages 3 to 8. Get your tickets here>>
When: December 5 and 6, 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. They offer both a Holiday Tea Service and a special Santa Tea Experience.
When: Holiday Tea Service: November 21, 2026- end of 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. Santa Tea Dates: November 21, 29. December 5, 18, 21, 23.
Cost: Holiday Tea: $560 for two. Pre-purchase and Reservations are required. Santa Tea: $510 for two; pre-purchase here >
Where: 950 Mason Street San Francisco
Website >
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: $32 for high tea, plus custom packages for more or less. $25 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 on some days. The menu includes the classics and some interesting kid-friendly additions. Make reservations early, as this one always sells out!
When: Weekends starting November 28- December 20, 2026. Choose from three seatings: 10:30 am, 11 am, and 11:15 am. The event concludes at 2 pm.
Cost: $135+ per guest (ages 4 and up); $185 with bubbles 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
Near Golden Gate Park in the Sunset District, Sip Tea Room offers a Holiday Tea Service with special music and activities. Sadly, their wildly popular Tea with Mrs. Claus is already sold out! But I hear Charlie Brown may be making an appearance.
When: Thursdays – Sundays, end of November – end of December, three seatings: 11 am – 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm and 3:30 pm-5:30 pm, on Sundays
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 place under the tree for donation to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area.
When: Starting Nov. 28 – end of December
Cost: $199 per guest includes one teddy bear for 11 and under. Children under 2 are free (but no teddy bear; $40 for a teddy bear).
Where: Terrace Room at The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St, San Francisco Website >
Buy tickets in advance >
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 with hot chocolate, sweet treats, and tea sandwiches, plus 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. 19 and 20, 2026, 1 pm -3 pm
Cost: Ages 4 + $119 (Total for one adult and one child totals $279, 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, pairing 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. Enjoy house-made scones, savory tea sandwiches, and a range of delicious dessert bites, paired with carefully selected tea blends with flavor profiles ranging 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: $120++ per adult, $55++ 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 offered 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 starting at the end of November, through the end of December
Cost: $135 – $230
Where: 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA
Website >
Son & Garden, San Francisco
This Instagram-famous spot has the cutest Enchanted Rose High Tea, and it looks fabulous. They’ll probably have a holiday tea once the Beauty and the Beast-themed tea run ends in late 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 has traditionally been served on the weekends and includes a selection of sandwiches, sweets, and scones. The holiday months has brought a Nutcracker theme in previous years, 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.
When: TBD
Cost: TBD
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 holiday shopping at Neiman Marcus, stop by 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 >
Other High and Holiday Tea Options in the Bay Area
Filoli Historic House and Garden, Woodside
Elevate your holiday experience at Filoli 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: Throughout December
Cost: $185 per person, includes daytime admission to Holidays at Filoli; Members receive 10% off
Where: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Website >
Crown & Crumpet, Ross
Although their San Francisco location is no longer open, Crown & Crumpet has a cute little location in Ross in Marin County. Previous holiday seasons included a Splendicious Holiday Extravaganza, though this year’s details are still in the works.
When: December
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 Halloween themes and Autumnal teas. 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, Saturdays & Sundays 11 am to 6 pm
Cost: $69+ 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, Tuesday- Sunday, 11 am -4 pm. Reserve at (707) 827-7998. Website>
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 runs from November 7 through December 27.
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