Want to experience holiday joy and festivities with an elegant raised pinky*? San Francisco is a great city for afternoon tea, and we have the details on which tea salons are offering seasonal experiences this year. From luxury hotels to cute cafés, you’ll have your pick of the city for piping hot tea, delicious food and luscious wine pairings. *Raise pinky at your own risk!
Featured Photo: Fairmont Holiday Tea by Michelle Chaplow
Of course we begin with the Palace, whose decadent Garden Court Restaurant has offered San Francisco afternoon tea for over a century. Now adorned with a massive Christmas tree, Garden Court is offering two holiday tea services. For $120 per adult and $60 per child, you can try out their seasonal Nutcracker tea and indulge in holiday-inspired scones, sandwiches and more. Slightly pricier is the Santa tea service, where for $140 per adult and $70 per child, Santa Claus makes an appearance.
Wed–Sat 2pm–4pm through Dec 23.
The Fairmont Hotel, a Nob Hill institution and Joe Biden’s favorite stay in the city, offers a refined afternoon tea nestled among the pillars of Laurel Court. With eight tea varieties all produced by the hotel’s brand Lot 35, the Fairmont’s holiday service is available at $169 per adult and $95 per child. Enjoy the sophistication of a duck rillette sandwich while gazing at a giant gingerbread house.
Thurs–Sun 1pm–5pm, then daily starting Dec 14.
Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
Bring the kids to this sweet tradition in a winter wonderland. Teddy Bear Tea treats kids to holiday decorations and entertainment alongside a service of sweets, sandwiches and hot chocolate. The ticket price of $192 per person includes tea, tax and gratuity, a keepsake photo and a teddy bear for guests aged two to eleven. And underneath the Christmas tree, a gift drive is collecting donations for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
Dec 2–3, 9–10 and 18–23 at 10am and 1pm, but reservations are going fast!
A new hotel in old digs, Proper Hotel opened in 2017 at the Union and Market St. flatiron building. At $65 per adult and $35 per child, Proper’s sleek tea service offers a global selection of teas from California flowers to North Indian chai. Feeling generous? Bring a gift to Proper’s toy drive and get a free glass of sparkling wine, along with entry into a prize raffle!
Fri & Sat 2pm–5pm and Sun 12pm–5pm through Dec 30 (excluding Dec 24 & 25.)
Expect a fine dining experience at the St. Regis’ holiday tea service. Known for previously offering an elegant “Art of Tea” afternoon tea, St. Regis will likely impress with its holiday menu. For a modern and elevated tea experience, reserve with St. Regis for $150 per person.
Daily at 2pm–4pm through Dec 31.
This pastel pink café boasts two locations, one in San Francisco’s Japantown and the second in Marin County’s Ross. Adaptable to gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets if you call ahead, Crown and Crumpet is a steal at $68 per adult and $48 per child. The cutesy holiday service includes a festive cocktail to start, a British Christmas cracker to unwrap and a large spread of sandwiches, scones, sweets and tea.
Thurs–Sun through Dec 14, then every day through Dec 23 with seatings from 11am to 3:30pm.
Run by husbands and co-owners Danel and David de Betelu, Maison Danel combines delicacy and joy for a chic holiday service. A connected patisserie and viennoiserie make French pastries the centerpiece of this tea service. You can enjoy abundant croissants and cakes to complement an extensive tea menu at $95 for one or $175 for two, with several upgrades available.
Mon, Tues and Thurs 8am–4pm and Fri, Sat and Sun 8am–5pm through Dec 14.
Open daily at 8am–6pm Dec 15 through January 1.
For a traditional afternoon tea in the inner Sunset, make a stop at Sip’s holiday service! A $59 per person service will provide tea alongside sausage rolls, finger sandwiches and seasonal offerings made from fresh, local ingredients. Sip also hosts a tea event with Mrs. Claus, but you’ll have to remember it for next year! All Mrs. Claus services for 2023 have sold out.
Thurs–Sun from 11:00am–12:45pm and 1:30pm–3:15pm through Dec 23.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
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