Holidays and tea times tend to go hand in hand. Area restaurants and tea rooms have curated cozy experiences with festive flair and plenty of seasonal treats. Mark your calendars for seven local holiday tea events happening in November and December.
Waldorf Astoria Holiday Afternoon Tea
Thursday through Sunday, starting November 21, seatings at noon and 3:30 p.m.
The Waldorf Astoria DC has brought back its holiday afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy seasonal treats (cranberry brie thyme scones anyone?) and festive teas in flavors like chocolate peppermint truffle and sugar plum fairy. The tea is held under the grand clock in Peacock Alley, which is perfect for people watching. 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Crest Hill Tea Room Christmas Tea
November 18 to January 4
Crest Hill Tea Room’s Christmas tea includes a soup or salad, main course meal, and a choice of Mrs. Claus’ teas for $44.99 per person. Attendees can purchase special add-ons like peppermint mocha lattes, a Christmas mimosa, and holiday brownies. 6488 Main St., The Plains
Tea with Mrs. B’s Christmas Gathering with Santa
December 1 through 6, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
Mrs. B invites Santa to her tearoom every year for a special party. Children are invited to attend a cozy visit with Santa, create a holiday gift, and enjoy homemade hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, treats, and teas. A photographer will also be on hand to capture the children interacting with Santa, and a link to photos will be sent one week post-event. 136 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church
Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
December 5-7 and 12-14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Mount Vernon Inn hosts a holiday tea set to live harp music in December. In addition to a selection of teas, tea sandwiches, and scones, there will be sweets like salted caramel mini chocolate tarts, lemon bars, and cherry mousse cups. Those of drinking age can order Woodford Reserve bourbon and champagne, too. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mt. Vernon
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner
December 7, 2 p.m.
This afternoon tea isn’t just your typical scones and tea — it also includes a live performance of The Nutcracker ballet. The tea is for children ages 4 to 12 and is $60 per child, $170 per adult. 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean
Oatlands Holiday Tea
Saturdays and Sundays in December, seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Oatlands is hosting a holiday-themed tea on weekends in December. The traditional English tea will be held in the Carriage House and scones, Devon cream, tea sandwiches, and sweets will be served. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg
Folger Frost Fair’s Family Tea
December 26
Folger Shakespeare Library in DC is hosting a month-long winter festival (a “Frost Fair”) with holiday music, festive décor, and free things to do. On December 26, an afternoon tea will be held in the Reading Room. Sign up online to receive an email when tickets go on sale. 201 E Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Mount Vernon
