Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in London 2026
Discover some of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London for 2026, from luxurious five-star hotels and festive London landmarks to wonderfully quirky afternoon tea experiences.
Afternoon tea in London is a treat at any time of year, but there’s something particularly magical about it at Christmas. The streets sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights, shop windows are dressed in their festive finest and the scent of cinnamon, orange and Christmas spices drifts from markets and delicatessens.
And amongst all that Christmas bustle, afternoon tea offers the perfect excuse to slow down. Gather your favourite people, escape the shopping bags for a couple of hours and settle somewhere beautiful for warm scones, exquisite little cakes and, of course, a very welcome pot of tea.
So, where will you find the best Christmas afternoon tea in London in 2026? Here are some of our favourites for a wonderfully festive day out.
A little word of advice: don’t leave your booking until December. London’s most popular Christmas afternoon teas can fill up surprisingly early, particularly for weekends and dates close to Christmas.
A Little Christmas Extra from Girls Afternoon Tea
We can also help make your festive treat a little sweeter. Many of the experiences featured below can be booked through our partners at Virgin Experience Days with an exclusive 20% Girls Afternoon Tea discount.
Simply select the Book Now button and, where the offer is available, you’ll be able to copy your discount code from the pop-up and use it at checkout. The code can be used across most of the Virgin Experience Days website, excluding experiences already marked at their lowest price.
Every penny saved is another penny towards Christmas. Or another mince pie. We don’t judge.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you make a booking. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps us continue searching out lovely experiences to share with you.
Christmas Lights and Monopoly-Themed Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
All aboard for one of London’s quirkiest festive experiences. This Christmas afternoon tea bus tour combines three rather fabulous ingredients: afternoon tea, sightseeing and London’s spectacular Christmas lights.
Settle aboard a Monopoly-themed double-decker bus and tuck into afternoon tea while travelling past some of the capital’s most famous sights, transformed for Christmas with sparkling lights and decorations. Along the way, there’s a digital twist on the classic London Monopoly board game, with activities and puzzles to complete as you travel.
It’s fun, wonderfully different and a brilliant way to experience London at its most magical without wearing out your Christmas-shopping feet.
London Afternoon Tea Tour Christmas Dates 2026:
Mid-November 2026 – early January 2027.
Our tip: Choose the 4pm or 7pm departure if you really want to make the most of London’s Christmas lights.
Girls Afternoon Tea saving: 20% off
BOOK NOWCombine Festive Shopping with Afternoon Tea at Harrods
If ever there was a time to visit Harrods, surely it has to be Christmas.
London’s iconic department store positively dazzles during the festive season, making this a wonderful choice if you want to combine Christmas shopping in Knightsbridge with a rather luxurious afternoon tea.
After admiring the spectacular window displays and browsing for Christmas gifts, retreat from the busy streets and settle into the elegant surroundings of Harrods for beautiful patisserie, delicate sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
Christmas shopping followed by afternoon tea at Harrods? We’d happily find room for that on our Christmas list.
BOOK NOWChristmas Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace
For a Christmas afternoon tea with a rather regal backdrop, The Rubens at the Palace takes some beating.
Sitting just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, this luxurious London hotel enjoys a wonderful position overlooking the Royal Mews. Its afternoon tea is already one of our most popular London experiences, but at Christmas it becomes even more special.
Expect a gloriously festive take on the traditional three-tiered cake stand, laden with beautifully presented savoury and sweet treats. Add the sumptuous surroundings and exceptional location and you have all the ingredients for a memorable Christmas afternoon in London.
Girls Afternoon Tea saving: 20% off
BOOK NOWA Taste of Paris at Brigit’s Bakery, Covent Garden
Christmas in Covent Garden is always special. With its enormous Christmas tree, beautiful decorations, bustling market and festive atmosphere, it’s one of our favourite parts of London at this time of year.
And tucked away on Chandos Place you’ll find the delightful Brigit’s Bakery, where traditional afternoon tea comes with a little French je ne sais quoi.
Its pretty patisserie takes on a festive flourish for Christmas, making this a lovely place to escape the crowds, put down those shopping bags and recharge before heading back out to explore Covent Garden.
With fabulous reviews and a wonderfully central location, think of it as a little taste of Paris in the heart of festive London.
Girls Afternoon Tea saving: 20% off
BOOK NOWThe 5-Star Langham Afternoon Tea – British Heritage Meets Modern Elegance
If your idea of Christmas afternoon tea involves five-star surroundings, exquisite patisserie and impeccable service, The Langham deserves a place very near the top of your list.
Situated in London’s West End, this iconic hotel beautifully combines British heritage with modern elegance. Afternoon tea is served in the breathtaking Palm Court, where a luxurious dining experience brings together the talents of Michel Roux Jr. and Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett.
At Christmas, expect the hotel’s decadent afternoon tea to take on a suitably festive character, with beautifully crafted sweet and savoury creations accompanied by an extensive selection of JING teas.
Elegant, indulgent and wonderfully Christmassy, this is an afternoon tea to dress up for – and remember long after the decorations have come down.
Girls Afternoon Tea saving: 20% off
BOOK NOWSomething Different? Scientific Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
Not every Christmas afternoon tea needs holly, snowflakes and miniature Christmas puddings.
For something completely different, head to The Ampersand Hotel in Kensington, where its wonderfully imaginative Scientific Afternoon Tea puts a playful spin on the traditional experience.
With colourful surroundings and clever science-inspired creations, this is one that adults and children can enjoy together and makes a particularly fun addition to a festive family day out in London.
It could also make a brilliant Christmas gift for someone who loves afternoon tea but appreciates something a little out of the ordinary.
Girls Afternoon Tea saving: 20% off
BOOK NOWPlanning a Festive Day Out in London?
Christmas afternoon tea is about far more than sandwiches and scones. Pair it with London’s Christmas lights, a little festive shopping or a wander through one of the capital’s beautifully decorated neighbourhoods and it becomes a whole day to look forward to.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas catch-up with friends, treating Mum, organising a festive family day out or simply looking for an excuse to put on something sparkly, we hope our pick of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London for 2026 has given you plenty of inspiration.
And remember – the most popular dates are often snapped up early, so if you’ve spotted one you love, it’s worth booking sooner rather than later.
Need even more inspiration? Explore our full collection of afternoon tea venues in London and start planning a fabulous festive day in the capital.
Don’t forget – Get 20% Off Virgin Experience Days Experiences this Christmas.
Get 20% Off Virgin Experience Days