The holiday tea tradition stems from an effort in the 1830s to reduce public drunkenness. Rather than Christmas Eve parties with overflowing alcohol, people threw large tea parties the night before Christmas, and I guess it kind of stuck. It's the perfect thing to do with your kids to make the holidays that much more special, and a great way to take a break amongst all the hustle and bustle of the season.
Alma at Hotel Zachary's Teddy Bear Tea
Lakeview
December 1 - January 26, 2025
Anne's Haven Holiday Tea Party for Moms
Portage Park
December 12, 11am-1pm
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
West Loop
November 24 - December 29, 2024
The Drake: Palm Court Holiday Afternoon Tea Service
Gold Coast
November 7 - January 5, 2025
Epiphany Center for the Arts' The Nutcracker Suite: Clara's Enchanted Holiday Tea Party
West Loop
December 15, 10am
Evanston History Center Holiday Tea for Families
Evanston
December 21, 10:30am-12:00pm
Gerri's Tea Room Holiday Special
Long Grove
December 5 - December 31, 2024
(Also has a tea to go option.)
The Langham's Festive Holiday Tea
The Loop
November 29 - January 11, 2025
LondonHouse's Holiday Tea
The Loop
November 16 - January 12, 2025
The Loop
November 29 - January 5, 2025
Trogo Kitchen and Market's Holiday Tea
Logan Square
December 21, 2:30pm
Other Afternoon Tea Service
The Green Post Pub
Albany Park
Daily 2pm-4pm
Kale My Name
Albany Park
Daily 11am-5pm
TeaLula
Park Ridge
Wednesday - Sundays
Vanille Patisserie
Lincoln Park
Tuesday - Sundays
(You can even purchase a Tea Party to bring home.)