A festive afternoon tea is one of Toronto’s most civilized holiday traditions: tiered stands of sandwiches, scones and Christmas sweets in a grand hotel lobby, ideally after a morning of shopping in the cold. Here are the city’s best holiday teas, with details from the 2025 season as a guide. Most venues announce their 2026 menus and prices in November, so check before booking.
Toronto’s best holiday afternoon teas
| Venue | Area | 2025 price guide | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shangri-La Toronto, Lobby Lounge | University Avenue | About $108 | A Nutcracker-themed tea created with the National Ballet of Canada |
| Fairmont Royal York | Union Station | About $50 – $99 | Historic railway hotel at its most festive |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto | Wellington Street | About $95 adults, $50 kids | Holiday tea that supports gifts for kids at SickKids |
| W Toronto | Yorkville | About $99 – $109 | Daily through December |
| Holt’s Café | Bloor Street | About $82 | Elegant tea after Bloor Street shopping |
| The Old Mill Toronto | Etobicoke | About $35 – $70 | English-country setting by the Humber River |
| Windsor Arms Hotel, The Tea Room | Yorkville | About $170 (special event) | A splurge, with extras like a guided painting session |
Prices are per person from the 2025 season, before tax and gratuity.
Shangri-La Toronto: the Nutcracker tea
The Shangri-La’s Lobby Lounge on University Avenue has partnered with the National Ballet of Canada on a Nutcracker-themed tea, a natural pairing with a performance at the Four Seasons Centre around the corner. Book it on the same day as The Nutcracker for a perfect Toronto Christmas outing.
Fairmont Royal York
Toronto’s grand railway hotel has celebrated Christmas since 1929. Its holiday tea is served on weekends through the season in a lobby filled with decorations. Combine it with the walk to St. Lawrence Market. See best hotels for Christmas in Toronto.
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton’s holiday tea runs daily through December, with a children’s price and a portion of proceeds going to gifts for young patients at SickKids hospital.
Yorkville teas
The W Toronto, Holt’s Café and the Windsor Arms make Yorkville the best area for a tea-and-shopping day. After tea, walk the Bloor-Yorkville lights. See Christmas in Yorkville.
The Old Mill
For a cozy, less formal option, the Old Mill in Etobicoke serves a holiday tea in an English-country setting beside the Humber River, at the lowest price on this list.
What’s on a holiday tea menu?
A traditional afternoon tea comes on a three-tier stand, and festive versions add seasonal flavours:
- Bottom tier, savouries: finger sandwiches like cucumber, egg salad and smoked salmon, often with a holiday twist such as turkey and cranberry.
- Middle tier, scones: served warm with clotted cream and jam; at Christmas, look for cranberry, orange or gingerbread scones.
- Top tier, sweets: mini pastries, tarts, macarons and themed treats like edible ornaments or Yule log slices.
- Tea: a menu of loose-leaf teas, often with a special holiday blend. Some venues offer a glass of sparkling wine for an extra charge.
Holiday tea etiquette (relaxed version)
- Eat from the bottom up: savouries first, then scones, then sweets.
- Scones: split them by hand; jam or cream first is up to you.
- Pace yourself. Most teas last around 90 minutes to two hours, and it’s more food than it looks.
- Dress code: smart-casual is fine at most hotels, though many guests dress up for the season.
Afternoon tea with kids
Several Toronto hotels offer children’s tea menus or family seatings, and a festive tea is a lovely treat for older kids after a morning of shopping or the Nutcracker. Ask about kids’ pricing when you book, and choose an earlier time slot.
Make it a festive day out
Pair tea with nearby holiday sights: the Fairmont Royal York is steps from Union Station and the Christmas window displays, the Shangri-La is close to Nathan Phillips Square, and Yorkville teas pair perfectly with a stroll through Yorkville at Christmas.
Holiday afternoon tea: FAQ
How much is holiday afternoon tea in Toronto? In 2025, prices at major hotels ranged from about $50 to over $100 per person. Check each venue for 2026 pricing.
Do I need to book? Yes. December weekends book up weeks in advance.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options? Most hotels offer them with advance notice. Mention dietary needs when you book.
Tips for booking
- Reserve two to three weeks ahead for December weekends.
- Prepaid reservations are common for special-event teas.
- Ask about kids’ menus if you’re bringing children.
- Pair it with a show or shopping; most teas run from late morning to mid-afternoon.
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