5 holiday tea times to join this December

Get fancy and stay warm this holiday season with a hot cup of tea at one of these afternoon tea times.

By Michele Kettner • Posted December 4, 2020 at 9:53 a.m.

This year, skip the hot chocolate and warm cocktails and celebrate the holidays with some hot tea. Whether you want to enjoy your afternoon tea in a fancy setting or from the comfort of your home, here are five holiday tea times to attend this month.

Nutcracker Tea

Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 17-20 & 31, times vary
If you can’t catch a performance of The Nutcracker, this themed tea is the next best thing. Celebrate with the Sugar Plum Fairy with a three-course tea selection. Takeout tea will also be available for pickup. // The Tea Cart: 16 W. Main St., Berryville; $28-$43

Festive Tea To-Go

Dec. 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20, 1-2 p.m.
Get your tea to-go at the Fairmont. Each weekend leading up holidays you can pick up an order full of tea sandwiches, tarts, scones and tea. Orders must be placed 48 hours before your pick up date. // Hotel Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown: 2401 M St. NW, Washington, DC; $49

Oatlands Holiday Teas

Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 & 19, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Spend the afternoon sipping on tea at Oatlands Historic House. Ring in the holiday season with scrumptious tea sandwiches, scones and other desserts served with Oatlands’ signature tea. Guests can also pick up a holiday tea package to enjoy at home. // Oatlands Historic House & Gardens: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg; $45-$60

Christmas Candlelight Tea

Dec. 10, 12, 13 & 19, 4-5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing evening in the garden with tea and story time. Learn about the mysterious origin and symbolism behind the beloved carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Participants will receive a holiday themed tea box and favor. // Green Spring Garden: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $48

Afternoon Tea

Through Dec. 24, noon-3 p.m.
Escape to The Ritz-Carlton for an unforgettable afternoon tea. With three different packages, including one for children, guests will enjoy homemade, scones, sandwiches and pastries along with their tea of choice. Reservations are required. // The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City: 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington; $20-$50

For more holiday activities, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.