San Francisco Holiday Tea Hot Spots 2009

Together with attending the Nutcracker and seeing the holiday lights, holiday tea can be a fun tradition with the kids at this time of year. While there are many options for holiday tea, there are several stand-outs that are known for their food, holiday décor, and kid-friendly activities.

The Ritz Carlton. The Ritz offers the Teddy Bear Tea in its elegant The Lobby Lounge. This is a tea just for kids and they are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal (or stuffie as my daughter would say). There is story telling, a visit with the Ritz-Carlton Teddy, a photograph and a small teddy bear to take home. The food and tea are excellent and a portion of proceeds will benefit The Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. That said, $80 is a steep price for tea.

Teddy Bear Tea $80 per person.
Friday, November 27 through Thursday, December 24, 2009
Two seatings: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For reservations call: (415) 773-6198

The Palace Hotel. The Palace Hotel hosts tea in its regal Garden Court. Graced by imperially high ceilings and gilded décor, the Garden Court is a San Francisco institution. The location is convenient to Union Square and they offer a Santa Claus opportunity with their Children’s Tea on Mondays. While the Garden Court is lovely, it can be a bit noisy and the food is not rated as highly as the Ritz or the Fairmont.

Available on weekdays, tea seating’s are from 2:00 to 3:30 Monday through Friday.
Full teas $30-$42
For reservations call: (415) 546-5089

The Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont Hotel, atop Nob Hill, has been serving high tea in San Francisco for almost 100 years. This year the Fairmont is creating a life-size winter wonderland in its lobby, creating an extra draw for the kids.

Following extensive renovations, the Laurel Court restaurant is now the centerpiece of the Fairmont's lobby. In conjunction with the San Francisco Ballet, The Fairmont offers its Nutcracker Tea, complete with gingerbread house decorating and a Nutcracker toy. The spread is considered to be one of the most generous and the experts consider the Fairmont and the Ritz as having highest quality spread.

Available every Saturday and Sunday between November 28th though December 27th, 2009. Additionally, the Nutcracker Tea will be served on November 27th and December 21 though December 24th, 2009.
Full tea $45 per person
Seating: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
For reservations call: (415) 772-5260

If you are looking for something that is a bit more laid back than the hotel tea offerings, you may want to try Lovejoys on Church St. They offer a "Wee Tea" for the little ones with a cream cheese and jelly sandwich, scone, fresh fruit, petite four, and either tea or hot chocolate.

Wee Tea: $13.95 per person
Full Tea: $10.95 to $17.95 per person
For reservations call: (415) 648-5895