Are you looking for a cozy and festive way to celebrate the holiday season in Chicago? Consider indulging in one of the city’s many holiday afternoon teas. From classic hotels to trendy cafes, there are plenty of options.

Here’s The Chicago Good Life Guide to Holiday Afternoon Teas in Chicago! We’ve listed these in order of budget to splurge!

Holiday Teas $40-$65

Russian Tea Time Restaurant – This long-running daily afternoon tea service is a Chicago classic. They offer a variety of menu plans, with the most basic starting at $44.

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party – Running from Nov 4 – Dec 24, 2023, this show is presented by the Chicago Children’s Theatre and is best for kids up to age 8. Experience an interactive trunk and puppet show featuring four beloved Beatrix Potter stories, complete with original music. After the show, enjoy a communal tea party with holiday treats, play with the puppets, and take pictures with the cast. Tickets are $45 per person.

Hotel Zachary – Hotel Zachary’s newest lounge and restaurant, Alma, offers Teddy Bear Tea on weekends from November 25 to December 23. This festive tea service includes Rare Tea Cellars, hot chocolate, tea sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. Children up to 12 can bring their favorite stuffed friend. Adult tea service is available for $60 per person, while children are $30. NOTE: It looks like reservations are full already for 2023! 

The Allis at SoHo House Chicago – Sip hot tea and bubbles paired with homemade pastries and savory bites. Limited reservations are open to the public Friday through Sunday. The Afternoon Tea Service is $63, and the Sparkling Tea Service is $76.

Mon Ami Gabi – Join Mon Ami Gabi for a Parisian Holiday Afternoon Tea on December 2 from 1-3 PM. Sip on Rare Cellar Tea and enjoy sandwiches and sweets. Add extra cheer with Sparkling Brut and Sparkling Rosé for $10 per glass. Tickets are $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Pendry Chicago – Bar Pendry offers Boozy Tea on Sundays. Enjoy tea-based cocktails, a creative take on the classic tea menu, and live entertainment from Chicago musicians. The service costs $65 before alcohol.

Holiday Teas $70-$100

The Gwen Hotel – Tipsy Tea at the Gwen is a favorite of mine for ladies’ brunch! The theme this year is A Very, Merry Mariah Tipsy Tea Party! Adult tickets start at $70. This would make a great holiday outing with friends!

Vanille Chicago – Vanille Patisserie offers Holiday Tea in Lincoln Park. This tea is best for parties with 4-10 people, and tickets are $75 per person. Enjoy Vanille’s signature pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches while sipping on the finest of Benjamin’s Tea. 

The Drake Hotel – Holiday Afternoon Tea reservations are available in Palm Court and on selected dates in Club International. Weekend tea service begins November 2, and weekday service begins November 18. A live harpist and holiday carolers will be stationed to perform on select dates through Christmas. Adult tickets start at $77.

Ritz Carlton Chicago – Enjoy Festive Tea at Torali on Saturdays and Sundays from November 25th to December 24th. Indulge in tea, finger sandwiches, quiche, scones, and pastries. $80 per ticket.

LondonHouse Chicago – I just got to visit LondonHouse to experience their 2023 tea, and it was incredible! Their tea service is offered daily in the Bridges Lobby Bar, on the second floor of the hotel with stunning views of the Chicago River and famous bridges. The Holiday Tea menu begins November 18 and is $90 per person, which includes your choice of Rare Tea Cellars tea, a pastry basket, and an adorable tea tower. Our favorites this year were the Peking Duck Spring Rolls, Vegan Crab Cakes (you couldn’t even tell they were vegan!), and the Eggnog Coffee Cake.

Holiday Teas $100+

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – Served in the Adorn Bar & Restaurant, the winter wonderland-inspired tea features savory bites and sweet treats while benefiting our community. Service runs November 25-December 31, and adult tickets start at $125. The lobby is beautiful during the holidays!

The Langham Chicago – Executive Chef Damion Henry and Executive Pastry Chef Walleska Cianfanelli at The Langham Chicago present a delectable sweet and savory holiday journey—designed for the naughty and nice. Celebrate the magic of the season and childhood memories by delighting in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea with loved ones. Indulge your tastebuds with pastries and tea sandwiches while creating a personalized Letter to Santa during this quintessential ‘Santa’s Toy Stories’ holiday tea experience. Tickets are $60 for children and start at $135 for adults.

The Langham’s restaurant, Travelle, is also offering a Christmas Champagne Brunch Buffet: Executive Chef Damion Henry has curated a festive menu that promises a delectable culinary journey around the world. The spread features a variety of dishes, including buffets, seafood, carving stations, and desserts. Santa will also make an appearance, adding to the magic of the holiday season.

The Peninsula Chicago – Celebrate the holiday season with festive Afternoon Tea at The Lobby, complete with a traditional English tea menu (vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free), a string duo performance, and weekend visits from Santa. Running from November 24 to January 7, 2024, tickets range from $140 to $150 for adults (including a glass of Champagne) and $65 to $85 for children (5 to 12 years). $10 from every adult-priced Afternoon Tea goes to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

For more tips and recommendations on how to live your best Chicago Holiday Good Life, click here!

Cheers!

Christine