9 Best London Christmas Afternoon Teas to Try in 2026
You can’t visit London without trying an iconic afternoon tea. This snack was invented when the Queen got a bit hungry and wanted some snacks with her tea. London has gone all out with their traditional high teas. Also, visiting during Christmas time is such a treat as there’s so many fun festive things to do in December in London. So let’s get into the best London Christmas afternoon teas you can try during the holiday period.
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🎅🎄Top Christmas Themed Tours in London!
1. Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top
2. Christmas Lights Walking Tour
3. London Vintage Bus Afternoon Tea (Christmas Themed)
4. Christmas Sights and Sounds of London Tour
5. Guided Winter Markets Food Tour
🎅 Christmas in London Guides:
– Christmassy Restaurants in London
– Christmas Decorations in London
– Festive Things to Do in London
9 Best London Christmas Afternoon Teas
1. The Library at Marriott County Hall
This is my favorite afternoon tea in London because I adore the iconic Big Ben view! Also, because they give you these cute cakes shaped like Big Ben. During the festive period, they have a Christmas afternoon tea. The beautiful Library, part of the Marriott County Hall, is decorated with Christmas trees and garland. This cozy spot is the perfect place to visit
🫖 Best for: Views of Big Ben
📍Location: The Library at Marriott County Hall (Google Maps)
🕛 Opening Hours: Daily 6am–10pm
⭐ Google Rating: 4.2 (341 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @thelibraryatcountyhall
2. The Ritz
The Ritz really goes all out for their Christmas afternoon tea. Not only are the treats festive, but the hotel interiors are stunningly decorated. This is where you should go if you really want to feel the Christmas spirit.
🫖 Best for: Christmas Decor + Christmas themed treats
📍Location: The Ritz (Google Maps)
🕛 Opening Hours: Daily from 6am-11pm
⭐ Google Rating: 4.8 (6.814 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @theritzlondon
3. Sketch
Another one of my favorite Christmas-themed afternoon teas is Sketch. Sketch has a few dining areas and the fine dining has received a 3 Michelin Star rating! Each room will wow you because of how beautiful the design is. The afternoon tea takes place in the Gallery room. It used to be pink, but sadly, it’s been painted yellow now. Still beautiful though!
During Christmas, Sketch has different themes. Last year, there was a white winter theme, beginning with a magical passageway adorned with winter larch branches, woodland blossoms, and a delicate carpet of Limonium.
The bathroom is always the real highlight when visiting Sketch too! This year, there’s a Christmas Snow Globe and the egg-shaped bathroom stalls have Christmas trees on top.
🫖 Best for: the cool bathrooms + presentation of the afternoon tea
📍Location: Sketch (Google Maps)
⭐ Google Rating: 4.3 (10k reviews)
📸 Instagram: @sketchlondon
4. The Coral Room
The Coral Room is in a gorgeous setting for afternoon tea. It is located inside the Bloomsbury Hotel right next to Tottenham Court Road. The bar is perfect for a cocktail and the lounge area is set for afternoon tea. The tree for Christmas is just stunning. Expect festive finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream & jam, and Christmas-inspired desserts. I highly recommend their vanilla chai! It’s a truly special way to celebrate the season in the heart of London.
🫖 Best for: the gorgeous Christmas Tree + lovely cocktails
📍Location: The Coral Room (Google Maps)
⭐ Google Rating: 4.5 (721 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @thecoralroom
5. The Landmark
This beautiful afternoon tea is set in the Landmark at The Winter Garden Restaurant. The courtyard is absolutely stunning with palm trees decorating the room. During the Chistmas period the Landmark offers one of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London.
🫖 Best for: pretty interiors + decadent afternoon tea
📍Location: The Landmark (Google Maps)
⭐ Google Rating: 4.2 (39 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @the_landmark_london
6. Corinthia
Corinthia is a really special place to have a Christmas afternoon tea in London. The hotel is actually just so elegant and beautiful. Last year, when I visited, there were Christmas trees set up and a huge snow globe at the entrance. All of which has a gold colored theme.
The afternoon tea is so cute, the plates and cups are red-striped. The sandwiches are refillable, and I really enjoyed them.
🫖 Best for: Upscale atmosphere
📍Location: Corinthia (Google Maps)
🕛 Opening Hours: Monday-Fri 12:30 pm-4:30 pm; Sat – Sunday 12:30 pm-6:30pm
⭐ Google Rating: 4.5 (322 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @corinthialondon
7. Rubens at the Palace
Rubens at the Palace also has a festive afternoon tea. I really love this place, especially because of the cute red sofachairs in front of the window. There is a view of Buckingham Palace! I truly love a good view.
Plus, the afternoon tea setup is just so special. I loved all the sandwiches and desserts we had.
🫖 Best for: Views of Buckingham Palace
📍Location: Rubens at the Palace (Google Maps)
🕛 Opening Hours: Monday-Sat 12pm-5pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm
⭐ Google Rating: 4.7 (366 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @rubenshotel
8. The Milestone
The Milestone is set in a charming hotel overlooking Kensington Palace. I love the beautiful Christmas tree they set up. Also, the room where the afternoon tea is served is just stunning. The sandwiches are really tasty and the desserts are great.
You can book ahead with the link below.
🫖 Best for: Charming atmosphere
📍Location: The Milestone (Google Maps)
🕛 Opening Hours: daily 1-7pm
⭐ Google Rating: 4.7 (125 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @milestone_hotel
9. Christmas Themed Afternoon Tea on a Vintage Bus
One of the coolest experiences you can have is riding on a red vintage bus and having Christmas themed afternoon tea. Plus, the bus takes you past iconic landmarks in London and you can see all the Christmas decorations along the way! This experience is run by Brigit’s Bakery and you can book it here.
🫖 Best for: seeing the Christmas decor in London on a bus
⭐ Google Rating: 4.4 (1,284 reviews)
📸 Instagram: @brigitsbakery
Hopefully you enjoyed reading this post on the best Christmassy afternoon teas in London.
For further reading, you might like these other London posts!
🇬🇧 Non-touristy things to do in London – from a local!
🏨 Best Festive Hotels in London for Christmas
🎡 Guide to Winter Wonderland London
📆 A Locals Guide to 4 Days in London
✈️ A Solo Travelers Guide to London
🩷 30+ Instagrammable Places in London
☕10 Best Coffee & Brunch spots in London
🛒 London’s Best Markets for Shopping and Food
🏙️ Best Viewpoints of London
📸 The 5 Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
🛣️ Most Beautiful and Famous Streets in London
