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 – Winter Holiday Tea: This cherished tradition is served five times weekly through December 28 — Thursday through Sunday in Willard’s Peacock Alley, and Wednesday through Sunday in the Willard Tea Room. Sip tea while serenaded by the holiday melodies of resident harpist Kristen Jepperson, set amid the grandeur of the hotel’s spectacular seasonal décor. The seasonal menu will feature long-time favorites and new tastes of the season. $105 per adult or $120 with a glass of champagne | $65 per child (3-12 years of age) | Additional champagne is available starting at $27 per glass. Seatings are available at noon and 2:30 p.m. More information here.
Pendry Washington DC – Holiday Tea: Every Saturday in December, Pendry DC will offer a holiday-themed Boozy Tea menu. The menu will be served in their European-inspired lobby bar, Bar Pendry, which will be decorated festively for the season. The $80/pp experience is inclusive of three tea-infused cocktails paired with tiered sweet and savory teatime bites. New cocktails include a Bergamot Toddy with Italicus, gin, Earl Grey, spiced honey, and lemon; the Ember & Oak with Amaretto, bourbon, chai, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon; and the Winter Bloom with vodka, St. Germaine, peppermint tea, and honey. 655 Water Street SW.| Seatings at 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM. Reservations can be booked 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.
Jasmine & Jubilee Tea Ceremony: British chef Daniel Green brings his favorite holiday tradition to Flore Café Tysons with the launch of a one-of-a-kind festive experience: The Jasmine & Jubilee Tea Ceremony - British High Tea with a Thai Twist, celebrating the release of his latest cookbook, "Take Home Thailand." This elegant afternoon service, curated by Chef Green in collaboration with Flore Café's acclaimed Pastry Chef Oksana Chepoy, blends two rich culinary traditions—Britain's beloved high tea and Thailand's bold, tropical flavors. Available on weekends throughout winter 2025, guests will enjoy more than a dozen different bites in the high tea set with Thai-inspired surprises. Each high tea service includes: More than a dozen exquisite bites blending British and Thai culinary traditions, a complimentary signed cookbook, "Take Home Thailand" (while supplies last), and elegant tea selections. Perfect for the festive season, the British High Tea with a Thai Twist makes an exceptional gift experience for foodies, friends, and family members. The signed cookbook adds a special touch to this memorable afternoon. Flore Café Tysons; $120 per person, includes one signed cookbook; Book exclusively via Resy. Limited seating. Advance reservations required.
ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA: WHERE ELSE TO GET YOUR TEA ON
These tea spots are always steeping something wonderful:
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
