Picture the scene. It’s early December on Oxford Street. The pavements and stores are teeming with Christmas shoppers (despite the inevitable drizzle), faces lit by the festive lights overhead and complexions rosy thanks to scarves and hats that have been donned despite the fact it has yet to dip below 10 degrees. You’re tired. Your feet ache. You’re desperate for a break from all the retail ‘therapy’ but somehow it’s not yet 3pm.
And then, suddenly, there it is: a five-star hotel enticing you in with a twinkling Christmas tree and the irresistible smell of freshly-baked scones. In the distance, you can hear the sound of champagne bottles popping and the delicate tinkle of cups, saucers and piano keys. It is, of course, time for a festive afternoon tea.
While London is home to the world’s finest afternoon teas all year round, at Christmas the capital’s hotels and restaurants really pull out all the stops to ramp up the festive cheer. Expect pastries in the shape of baubles, delicate finger sandwiches with seasonal fillings and whole menus of cocktails blended with nutmeg and cinnamon. These are London’s best festive afternoon teas for Christmas 2026.
Shangri-La, Southwark
Shangri-La The Shard is launching ‘A Holly Jolly Afternoon Tea’ this Christmas, made in collaboration with Disney and inspired by beloved classic, Mary Poppins. Paying homage to the popular musical, the highly-anticipated experience, running from 12 November 2026 through January 2027, will feature playful touches and edible film references. Curated by Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile, the menu will include whimsical pâtisseries in the shape of Mary Poppins’ iconic carpet bag and floral hat, as well as London’s iconic rooftops in a nod to the film’s famous Chim Chim Cher-ee scene. Mixologists will also be on hand to create Mary Poppins inspired cocktails, before the show-stopping finale: a recreation of The Shard, crafted from Valrhona dark chocolate and cherries, presented to each table in a mist of dry ice.
From £93 per person, visit ting-shangri-la.com
Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street 
Hosted at Ginger Lily Bar and Lounge, Pan Pacific London‘s new festive afternoon tea menu is the height of indulgence, running from 9 November 2026 to 4 January 2027. Expect a selection of delicious savoury and sweet treats, such as roast turkey finger sandwiches, pork & apricot sausage rolls, warm mince pies and snowman-themed coconut macarons, alongside tea, cranberry scones and champagne. Plus, there’s no need to call in the babysitter for this outing, as there’s also a children’s afternoon tea, ensuring little ones are not only well fed, but thoroughly entertained. The overall highlight? The innovative cake selection, including mini yule logs, a Rudolph-inspired vanilla cheesecake and a Christmas tree choux served with spiced apple compote.
From £68 per person, visit panpacific.com
The Langham, Marylebone 
Where better to enjoy a festive afternoon tea than the place where the tradition began? Having served afternoon tea since the hotel first opened in 1865, The Langham has created a festive twist on its classic treats this season with a new Christmas menu. In keeping with The Langham’s transformation into ‘The Winter Garden’, decked out with frosted botanicals, sculptural branches and glass details, the hotel is also launching its special Winter Garden Festive Afternoon Tea, running from 9 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Expect roast bronze turkey, stuffing and pickled cranberry finger sandwiches, as well as potato farls with crème fraîche and oscietra caviar, plum & ginger cake with spiced compote and The Langham’s iconic Glasshouse, an Earl Grey-infused layered sponge with bergamot jelly. This is all accompanied by classic scones, Cornish clotted cream and 20 different tea varieties to choose from.
From £95 per person, visit langhamlondon.christmas
Templeton Garden, Earl’s Court 
Anton Rodriguez
For those looking for an afternoon tea in West London this season, Templeton Garden is a true standout, launching a Christmas twist on its usual menu on 5 November 2026. Inspired by the magic of Christmas, expect sparkling decorations and cosy furnishings, served at the hotel’s stunning Pippin’s restaurant and overlooking the private Victorian garden. The festive afternoon tea promises towers of delicate finger sandwiches, from turkey and cranberry, to mature cheddar with spiced chutney, as well as freshly-baked gingerbread scones and tiers of sweet treats including a show-stopping chestnut and chocolate bauble. Alongside the curated menu of fine teas, there is also the option to add a glass of English sparkling wine from Nyetimber to elevate the celebrations and toast the festive season.
From £46 per person, visit pippinsrestaurant.com
The Beaumont, Mayfair 
Afternoon teas at The Beaumont Mayfair are legendary, served in the glamorous Art Deco setting of the hotel’s Gatsby Room and accompanied by live piano music. Decked out with twinkling lights, Christmas decorations and a roaring log fire, its festive afternoon tea, launching on 20 November 2026, will offer an elevated experience. Expect seasonal sandwiches and savouries including turkey with sage & onion stuffing, and salmon gravlax clementine with crème fraîche, before a selection of freshly-baked homemade scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. The decadent cake selection is the highlight, featuring a dainty Mont Blanc tart, a festive gingerbread choux with Baileys gel, and an indulgent chocolate and orange mousse.
From £70 per person, visit thebeaumont.com
Tom Brown at The Capital, Knightsbridge 
Lateef photography
Tom Brown at The Capital has become a culinary institution since its 2025 opening, offering Michelin-starred food in the heart of Knightsbridge. This season, it is opening its doors for the festivities with its Yuletide Afternoon Tea. Running from 23 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, guests can indulge in towers of festive treats under the chandeliers of the luxury Capital Hotel. A selection of seasonal sandwiches will be followed by homemade scones served with Cornish clotted cream and warm freshly-baked mince pies. The festive dessert tower however will be the focal point, featuring a traditional Christmas pudding, an elegant chocolate tart with clementine & hazelnut, pear frangipane, and a duck egg custard tart with nutmeg. A glass of NV Testulat Carte d’Or Champagne completes the experience, allowing guests to kick off Christmas in style.
From £65 per person, visit tombrownatthecapital.com
Read more: The best Christmas tasting menus in London