This is a sponsored article on behalf of AfternoonTea.co.uk.
'Tis the season... for tasty sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and luxurious pastries, with festive flavours sprinkled throughout. We are of course talking about Christmas afternoon tea menus, which AfternoonTea.co.uk knows a little something about.
With over 800 venues in their search guide, they've picked out some of the best festive menus available in London this year. Whether you're after a break from Christmas shopping or festive sightseeing, or organising a seasonal catch-up with friends and family, get one of these in the diary, pronto!
Elf Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hilton
Santa? I know him! If you're familiar with the antics of Buddy the Elf — a human child who is raised as an elf by Santa in the North Pole — you'll love the family-friendly Elf Afternoon Tea being served at the The Waldorf Hilton this Christmas.
You're invited to follow the Code of Elves as you indulge in freshly cut sandwiches and savouries, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of maple syrup-flavoured desserts, all while listening to a festive soundtrack.
Elf Afternoon Tea is a collaboration with the ever-popular Elf The Musical, playing at the Aldwych Theatre right next door, so why not book them both on the same day for a super-festive treat?
Available until 3 January 2026.
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal
Located on Regent Street just a few steps from Piccadilly Circus, Hotel Café Royal is perfectly situated to offer a well-timed break from Christmas shopping, in the form of its charming Nutcracker Afternoon Tea.
Scenes and characters from the beloved festive ballet are brought to life through sweet and savoury menu items including Clara's Croissant (smoked salmon, crème fraîche and chives), and The Snow Queen (a delicate cucumber, dill and cream cheese sandwich). Plain and spiced cranberry scones are followed by a quartet of desserts in four festive flavours, and a gingerbread cake.
Push the boat out with additional drink options. Choose between Saicho Sparkling Tea (Jasmine, Darjeeling or Hojicha), a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Brut; or Dom Pérignon 2013, Brut. Well, it is Christmas, after all.
Available until 4 January 2026.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Michael Caines at The Stafford
For full Christmas opulence, treat yourself to Festive Afternoon Tea at Michael Caines at The Stafford, served within the 5-star hotel in the high-end St James's district, close to the Christmas lights, sights and sounds of Mayfair and Piccadilly.
Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, delicious homemade plain and raisin scones and a range of seasonal pastries. Choose from a selection of Camellia's Tea House, or celebrate in style with a chilled glass of champagne.
Available 17 November 2025-4 January 2026.
Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace
Dine like royalty in the Palace Lounge at Rubens at The Palace, located just across the road from the Royal Mews and a certain very well-known palace. The Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea sprinkles the English tradition with festive flavours: think roast turkey, pork & apple stuffing and cranberry on white bread, and roast beef sirloin, rocket and horseradish on beetroot bread. Plain and spiced fruit scones are served with seasonal preserve, lemon curd and clotted cream, and sweets include a hazelnut Swiss roll, and cranberry profiteroles. And if that's not Christmassy enough for you, a glass of mulled wine is included.
Pssst... if you're not a turkey fan, it's worth knowing that this afternoon tea is served on Christmas Day itself, with a glass of champagne included to make it extra special.
Available 17 November 2025-4 January 2026.
Magic Faraway Tree Afternoon Tea at Park Room at Grosvenor House
The beloved Enid Blyton story unfolds through five pastries and an amuse-bouche. Park Room at Grosvenor House serves the Festive Magic Faraway Tree Afternoon Tea, with Head Pastry Chef Anthony Hurst crafting mouthwatering treats including The Land of Presents (a honey mousse and pear compote with caramelised chocolate ganache and honeycomb), and Moonface's Bauble (a ginger and mandarin mousse on a gingersnap and caramelised chocolate biscuit). Each treat is designed to capture the spirit of the Magic Faraway Tree's ever-changing magical lands.
A selection of delicate finger sandwiches, open sandwiches, plain and buttermilk raisin scones, and cakes are served too, and a children's version of the menu is available, so why not make it a festive treat for the whole family?
Available 18 November 2025-4 January 2026.
Browse and book these festive afternoon teas — and many more — at AfternoonTea.co.uk and get your Christmas treat sorted.
