Raise Your Pinky: The DMV's Fall & Holiday Tea Roundup

We at TheListAreYouOnIt.com are unabashed tea lovers. Give us a posh setting, a silver pot of something steeped and fragrant, a few towers of sweets and savories, and of course, a generous dollop of clotted cream, and we’re in our happy place. If you know us, you know we love a long, leisurely afternoon tea with friends, luxuriating in all the delicious ceremony. And the DMV takes its tea seriously. From grand hotels to hidden gems, there are plenty of ways to sip in style this season. Here’s where to indulge this fall and holiday season:

NEW & NOTEWORTHY TEAS

The Darcy’s “Wicked Witches” Afternoon Tea: The Darcy is taking us

somewhere over the rainbow with an Oz-inspired experience. In

partnership with the Northern Virginia LEGO User Group, the hotel’s lobby has transformed into a whimsical Emerald City built from over 13,000 LEGO pieces. Alongside the spectacle, guests can enjoy a themed “Wicked Witches Afternoon Tea” featuring savory bites like Glinda’s Goodness, Emerald City Greens, and Bewitching Smoke, plus a bewitching lineup of pastries and assorted hot teas. $56 per person; reservations required.

Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown – Nutcracker Afternoon Tea: Back by popular demand, Fairmont has expanded dates for its beloved Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. Set within the beautifully decorated Loggia overlooking the courtyard’s twinkling lights, this tea is a visual and culinary feast. Expect savory delights like Gulf Shrimp & Mango Chutney Brioche and White Truffle Chicken Salad Croissant, followed by whimsical sweets — Gingerbread Reindeer Cake, Pistachio Cherry Craquelin Choux, and Chocolate Peppermint Swiss Roll. Adults enjoy a glass of Domaine Chandon; little ones sip sparkling cider and leave with a keepsake Nutcracker. $110 adults / $65 children (under 12) | Available throughout December | 1–3 PM. For more information or reservations, email [email protected] or call 202.457.5020.

The Willard InterContinental – Fall Afternoon Tea: Inside the iconic Peacock Alley, the Willard’s Fall Afternoon Tea captures the essence of the season with herbal blends like Bourbon Pumpkin Praline and small bites such as Butternut Squash Tart and Saffron Deviled Egg. Pair it with a seasonal cocktail or mocktail at the Round Robin Bar — the Autumn Spritz or Thyme to Rum — for the full fall fantasy. For more information, click here.

Pendry Washington DC – Chefsgiving Boozy Tea with Rose Ave Bakery: Every Saturday in November, Pendry DC’s Chefsgiving Boozy Tea turns teatime into a philanthropic indulgence. Partnering with the brilliant Rosie Nguyen of Rose Ave Bakery, this year’s menu is a flavor bomb of East-meets-West creativity: Savory Chicken Mooncake, Five-Spice Duck Bao, Cauliflower Mousse with Caviar, and Pumpkin Flan de Queso. Sip tea-based cocktails like Bergamot Toddy or Winter Bloom, all while supporting Les Dames d’Escoffier DC’s grants and scholarships. $80 per person | Saturdays in November | Seatings at 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM. Reservations can be made here.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC – Holiday Afternoon Tea: Back for the season, the Waldorf’s Holiday Afternoon Tea is the picture of luxury. Served beneath the soaring atrium, surrounded by live harp music and a glittering tree, guests are treated to Pomegranate Fig Tart with Brûléed Brie, Cranberry Brie Thyme Scones, and a Caramel Banana Petit Gâteaux. Sip Chocolate Peppermint Truffle or Sugar Plum Fairy tea blends and savor the elegance. $120 per person | $200 premium service | Thurs–Sun | 12 PM & 3:30 PM. Reservations via OpenTable or call 202.868.5042

Folger Shakespeare Library – Frost Fair & Holiday Teas: Afternoon tea takes a literary turn at the Folger Shakespeare Library, with monthly teas and themed experiences like An Austen Afternoon (December 20) and a special Family Tea on December 26 featuring storytelling and kids’ activities in the Reading Room. Details can be found here.

ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA: WHERE ELSE TO GET YOUR TEA ON

These tea spots are always steeping something wonderful:

The Park Hyatt

The Fairmont Hotel

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Ladurée

Lady Camellia

Quadrant at The Ritz-Carlton

St. Regis Hotel

Seasons at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

The Tavern at The Henley Park

Zinnia