Care for a spot of tea? There’s nothing quite like having holiday tea to enjoy the magic of the season, and how special is it when you can include the family? Many places even cater to the youngest crowds with their own special kids menu. Here are a few places where families can enjoy tea and other goodies.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Where: Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Cost: Adults $35, Children 4 to 12 – $25, Children 3 and Under – FREE
When: Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
At Drury Lane, enjoy holiday music being played by a pianist while you sip harvest apple spice tea and spiced ginger plum tea. Nosh on freshly baked breads and scones, holiday tea sandwiches and delectable desserts. Kids can opt for hot chocolate, while you can enjoy champagne.
Vanille
Where: 2108 N. Clark and 3243 N. Broadway (Lakeview)
Cost: $36/person and $19/child (Lakeview); $49/person and $19/child (Lincoln Park)
When: Nov. 17 and running through Jan. 7 at both their Lincoln Park locations. Seatings at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The French bakery offers a three-course holiday menu, but you definitely cannot leave without trying their highly acclaimed French Macarons. With a variety of flavors, so you’re bound to find a favorite. Other must-tries include a petit croissant with black forest ham, Gruyere cheese and shallot aioli. The hot chocolate with house made marshmallow and a peppermint Macaron sounds amazing!
Torali Italian – Steak
Where: 160 E Pearson St., Chicago
Cost: $65/adult and $35/child
When: Friday through Sunday until Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. Seatings are at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The new restaurant on the 12th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago invites guests to sip tea under the sunlit restaurant. Nosh on finger sandwiches such as the house smoked salmon and curried chicken salad. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with maple egg custard and miniature apple mousse cake for dessert. For an extra treat, try the tea-enhanced cocktails such as the Matcha Martini and the Earl Grey Rosé.
Holiday Tea at Allium Restaurant and Bar
Where: Four Seasons Chicago, 120 E Delaware Place, Chicago
Cost: $58 for adults and $30 for children.
When: Dec. 9 to Dec. 31 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Their menu looks absolutely divine with items like candied violet scone with jam and Devonshire cream or avocado toast and lobster salad. Choose tea from their rare tea cellar or live a little and have a tea cocktail. (You know you deserve it!) Kids can choose hot chocolate or lemonade instead of tea. If you’d like to pair your tea with holiday cookies and a jolly good visit from Santa, then visit on Dec. 9 and 23 for Storytelling Tea ($68/adult and $40/child).
Holiday Tea at The Palm Court
Where: The Drake, 140 East Walton Place, Chicago
Cost: $49 for adults; $24 for children ages 3-12
When: Nov. 27-30, Dec. 1-31. Check website for times.
Get into the holiday spirit by listening to the 12 Days of Christmas Carolers and a harpist while sipping French tea. Little ones will feel extra special with the royal treatment by ordering from the Little Prince & Princess Tea menu. Kiddie cocktail, anyone?
Nutcracker Holiday Tea
Where: Palmer House Hilton, Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, 17 E. Monroe Street, Chicago
Cost: $50 per Adult; $22 per child ages 3-12
When: Nov. 17 – Jan.1, seatings from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Choose your type of tea (black, green or herbal) from the “waltz of the snowflake teas,” then choose small bites from the “miniature overture of sweet & savory tiers.” Savory options include pimento and ham or curried shrimp salad. Those with a sweet tooth can’t go wrong with red velvet cupcake or nutmeg oatmeal apple pie. A small Nutcracker gift will be given.
Wonderland Tea
Where: The Langham, 330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago
Cost: $78 per adult
When: Nov.19 – Feb.9; Mon-Wed 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Thu-Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tea is taken seriously at The Langham. They offer more than 20 tea selections, many of the tea blends exclusive to The Langham such as a children’s tea and The Langham Blend, a twist on the classic English breakfast. Sandwiches are seriously no joke with options like a braised lamb rillettes or a butternut squash tartlet. Delectable desserts include sticky toffee pudding and a white chocolate gateau.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Where: The Peninsula Chicago, 108 East Superior Street
Cost: $75 per Adult; $39 per child ages 12 and under. Children’s Tea $85 child 12 years and under.
When: Holiday afternoon tea starts Nov. 24. Children’s Holiday Tea available Dec. 2 – 17.
Having tea becomes extra special when you’re sipping tea while listening to live music with a view of The Peninsula’s beautifully decorated tree. Interested in seeing Mrs. Claus? She’ll be reading stories along with fun activities like decorating cookies during the Children’s Annual Holiday Tea. A $5 donation will be made to Make-A-Wish Illinois.
