Kick off your holiday season with the best festive afternoon tea in Chicago. A perfect way to beat the cold during this time of year is to get cozy and enjoy the skyline of America’s third coast.
Why should you listen to me compared to the other bloggers out there? I’m from Chicago, born and raised. No matter where I am in the world, the Windy City is the best place in the world for me.
One of the best ways to celebrate special occasions is with delicious food, and the Windy City is an excellent place to eat! Queen Elizabeth would definitely approve.
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The Drake Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea
When: November 7, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Come enjoy a Christmas afternoon tea in Chicago at the Palm Court. At the Drake Hotel, you can expect a live harpist on select dates while you enjoy your holiday afternoon tea.
This year’s mouthwatering menu will feature London Broil, Maple Turkey, and Oak Smoked Scottish Salmon finger sandwiches. Indulge in the Drake’s Chocolate Crunch Cake and White Chocolate Raspberry Entrement.
Address: 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
Holiday Tea at LondonHouse Chicago
When: November 16, 2024 – January 16, 2025
The LondonHouse Chicago has the cutest festive afternoon tea. This experience starts with a hand-selected pastry basket followed by elegant trees served in a bougie tea tower.
You know you’re in for a treat with a menu planned by executive pastry chef Thomas Gorczyca and executive chef Elizabeth Sweeney. This traditional high tea is served at the Bridges Lobby Bar, with gorgeous views of the Chicago River.
Address: 85 East Wacker Drive At North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601
Four Seasons Chicago Festive Afternoon Tea Experience
When: November 23, 2024 – December 25, 2024
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with sweet treats and savory bites at the Adorn Bar & Restaurant. This year, the Four Seasons Chicago is presenting a Teddy Bear Tea.
Address: 120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
When: November 23, 2024 – December 29, 2024
The timeless tradition of afternoon tea is coming to the Chicago Children’s Museum. Their stories this year are The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tailor of Gloucester, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, and The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
The Peninsula Chicago
When: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Peninsula Chicago is bringing their festive tea service to make your season bright. Their traditional English tea menu includes finger sandwiches, scones with homemade preserves, and Devonshire clotted cream.
You can’t forget the adorable petite seasonal pastries. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
And most importantly… Don’t forget to take photos with their 20-foot Christmas tree!
Address: 108 East Superior Street
The Langham Chicago Christmas Afternoon Tea
When: November 29, 2024 – January 11, 2025
The Langham Chicago is having a Christmas afternoon tea service to gather with your loved ones this holiday season. Executive Chef Damion Henry and Executive Pastry Chef Walleska Cianfanelli create a whimsical culinary experience full of magic, joy, and endless festive fun!
Their thoughtfully crafted menu has a Grinch Twist with savory treats named “He is a Whati” and “Green Roast Beef.” Bring the magic of the holidays with a boozy twist and add a glass of bubbles too!
Address: 330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Hotel Zachary Festive Afternoon Tea
When: December 1, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Come enjoy a new holiday tradition at Hotel Zachary with a time-honored tradition of Christmas afternoon tea in Chicago. Have an unforgettable experience with their special Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea.
Address: 3630 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60613
Tipsy Tea Party at The Gwen Hotel
When: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Complete with a live DJ and lively libations, experience The Gwen Hotel’s high-energy, boozy twist on traditional high tea. Their festive afternoon tea features a rotating selection of tea towers, à la carte dining options, and bottomless boozy (and spirit-free) tea selections, a Gwen Tipsy Tea Party is the perfect excuse to sip, savor, and spill the tea every Saturday and Sunday.
It’s one of the best places to celebrate the festive season with your girlfriends! They also host private parties!
Address: 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL, 60611
Ritz Carlton Chicago Festive Afternoon Tea
When: November 29, 2024 – December 22, 2024
The Torali presents a festive afternoon tea experience at the Ritz Carlton Chicago! This year’s tea tray features savory sandwiches and quiche.
Try their bougie sweet bites like Gingerbread and Cheesecake parfait.
Address: 160 East Pearson, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Festive Afternoon Tea
When: November 29, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Take part in the beloved tradition of Christmas afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. They will have their inaugural tea service at the Peacock Lounge, where the haute couture of Oak Street fashion and Gold Coast tradition seamlessly blend with the unparalleled service.
Try their decorative gourmet tea sandwiches and everlasting pours of Moët & Chandon Champagne. The adult price is $150 while the price for younger guests is $55.
Address: 11 E Walton St, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Bar Pendry Boozy Afternoon Tea
When: Year Round
Hotel Pendry presents their boozy afternoon tea to all you Sunday Funday peeps. They offer an Asian twist on their afternoon tea presenting savory bites such as curry chicken and a pumpkin and paneer tart.
Their sweet small bites include a Gulab Jamun and Peda Burfi Truffle. Come and enjoy their Rare Tea Cellars blends. It is only available Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Address: 230 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601
Vanille Patisserie
When: Year Round
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, enjoy their holiday-themed selection of cute cakes during their festive afternoon tea. Vanille offers artisanal desserts and pastries, including delicious entremets (mousse cakes), luscious tarts, handmade chocolates, and candies.
Don’t forget fresh baked croissants and classic French macarons! Afternoon tea makes for a romantic daytime date.
Address: 131 North Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60661
Allis Soho House Christmas Afternoon Tea
When: Year Round
From Friday to Sunday, 2 pm to 4:30 pm, the Allis offers an elevated afternoon tea experience. It’s a public restaurant on the ground floor of Soho House Chicago.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping curated teas or a glass of champagne with savory bites.
Address: 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Russian Tea Time Restaurant
When: Year Round
Touted as one of Chicago’s culinary landmarks for over 30 years, the Russian Tea Time Restaurant celebrates the holiday season with afternoon tea.
Enjoy their unique tea blends from the first sip.
Address: 77 E Adams Street Chicago, IL 60603
I hope you’re inspired to visit one of the world’s most vibrant cities and enjoy a bouquet of beautifully fragrant tea blends in the best restaurants around the city.
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