I came to London for a full week to experience all of the Christmas activities the city is known for. And booking an afternoon tea was at the top of my list. Once I started planning, I realized there was no way I could choose just one. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the best festive afternoon teas in London to try this Christmas.

The Best Festive Afternoon Teas in London

There are so many luxury festive afternoon teas in London, from hotel classics to creative themed experiences.

1. Sketch: The Art of Apré

The first Christmas afternoon tea in London I booked was at Sketch!

Sketch is already famous for its creative design and Instagram-worthy spaces.

Their 2025 holiday theme, The Art of Apré, transforms the whole place into a playful winter escape. Throughout the space, the theme ties everything together in the most charming way.

Think ski chalets, Nutcracker-inspired performances, and soft, snowy décor that makes the room feel like a Christmas storybook scene.

Our meal started with a glass of champagne that we sipped while we chose the tea we wanted. Shortly after, the food arrived.

The savoury plates included classics like coronation chicken and truffled ham croque monsieur.

The desserts felt perfectly on theme with treats like cranberry Battenberg, a rich chocolate yule log, and a delicate Mont Blanc.

Sketch is also known for its bathrooms, and during the festive season, they turn them into their own winter wonderland.

Which makes stepping inside feel like part of the experience.

Altogether, between the performances, the decor, and the holiday-inspired menu, this Christmas afternoon tea felt completely unique.

2. Aqua Shard: Peter Pan Christmas Afternoon Tea

I came to the Aqua Shard for two reasons during my Christmas Trip to London.

First, I wanted to finally see the Shard and take in the views from one of London’s most famous buildings.

Second, I ordered their special Peter Pan Afternoon Tea, which sat among beautiful Christmas decorations.

As soon as we walked in, their huge Peter Pan Christmas tree greeted us.

Once we settled in, the Peter Pan afternoon tea arrived on a creative platter designed like a map of Neverland.

The tea menu had fun touches like the Tinkerbell Tea.

Which is a whimsical blend that captures the magic of the mischievous little Fairy, it’s light, refreshing & as enchanting as fairy dust.

But the sweets were the real showstoppers.

For example, the Tinkerbell dessert came out on a smoking pirate ship, which was one of the coolest presentations I have seen at any afternoon tea.

We even paired our tea with some seasonal Christmas Cocktails!

Overall, Aqua Shard’s Peter Pan tea is a top pick for anyone searching for the best Christmas afternoon teas in London 2025.

Read 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025!

3. The Ritz: Christmas Afternoon Tea

We were honestly honored to secure a reservation for the Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz in London.

It is one of the hardest festive tea experiences to book in London, and as soon as we arrived, we understood why.

The Ritz offers the most traditional London Christmas afternoon tea experience. The décor alone was breathtaking!

The entire room glowed with gold accents, garlands, ribbons, and one of the most beautiful Christmas trees we saw in the city.

It felt like stepping into a classic holiday film.

The tea itself was everything you expect from The Ritz. The service was formal yet warm, and the sandwiches were delicate and full of flavor.

The pastries looked like they belonged in a display case and were Christmas-themed.

A full orchestra played Christmas music, which added such a charming touch to the whole experience.

Every element worked together, from the fine china to the desserts and the overall presentation.

This was one of the most traditional Christmas afternoon teas we tried and also one of the most magical.

I also recommend Ice Skating at Somerset House in London at Christmas!

4. Engel at The Royal Exchange: Festive Afternoon Tea

Our final Christmas afternoon tea was at Engel at The Royal Exchange, and it instantly became one of my favorites.

The festive atmosphere was lovely without being over the top, but what truly stood out was the view.

We tried a few of their cocktails, which paired perfectly with the tea and added a fun twist to the whole afternoon.

Everything was served on a striking display that included a little green apple cotton candy to keep things in the Christmas spirit.

The food was outstanding, from the sandwiches to the homemade cakes and pastries.

Because of this, this tea felt relaxed, elevated, and very memorable.

Overall, Engel at the Royal Exchange is a great choice if you want a more relaxed winter afternoon tea in London.

Visit Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-Up Shop, The Real “Christmas Market”!

Explore More of London at Christmas

If you’re looking for the best festive afternoon teas in London 2025, these are the most magical experiences to book this holiday season.

If you are planning your own holiday trip, here are a few more guides that can help you make the most of it.

Here are 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025!

Go Ice Skating at Somerset House in London at Christmas!

Read all of my Europe Travel Guides!