Holiday afternoon tea time: Chicago hotels offer magical seasonal celebrations

Three luxury downtown Chicago hotels are bringing holiday cheer with elaborate afternoon tea services this season. The Drake Hotel, Langham Chicago, and The Peninsula Chicago offer festive menus, live entertainment, and magical decorations now through early January.

The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel has been hosting Christmas celebrations for over a century since its opening in 1920, according to its website, and this year continues the tradition with multiple holiday offerings that transform the historic building into a winter wonderland.

The hotel's grand lobby features a towering Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornaments, while a Gingerbread Village crafted by the pastry team adds whimsical charm to the space. According to The Drake Hotel, guests can enjoy afternoon tea at Palm Court through Sunday, Jan. 11, with festive performances from holiday carolers and harpists enhancing the atmosphere throughout the season. The venue also showcases a special gingerbread display created in partnership with Chicago Public Schools students, guided by Pastry Chef Robin Johnson, as detailed by The Drake Hotel.

The Langham Chicago

The Langham presents its Tea for Tots experience, designed especially for families seeking magical holiday moments together. Adults can enjoy the afternoon tea for $158, or upgrade to include champagne for $178, while children ages 2 to 12 are welcomed at $70 per person, with all prices excluding tax and gratuity.

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Available daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 4, according to Langham Hotel, the experience includes delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, specialty teas, and elaborate desserts. The Pavilion's tea sommeliers provide attentive service throughout the afternoon, and the Langham Hotel notes that a portion of the proceeds benefits Lurie Children's Hospital.

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula welcomes guests with its 20-foot Christmas tree and elaborate seasonal decorations in The Lobby for afternoon tea seatings at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. Running through Sunday, Jan. 4, pricing varies by day, with Monday through Thursday offerings at $145 for adults and $75 for children aged 5-12.

Weekend prices increase to $160 for adults and $85 for children, according to The Peninsula Chicago, with each adult tea purchase contributing $5 to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Entertainment features daily string duo performances, weekend Santa visits through Sunday, Dec. 28, and magician shows from Friday, Jan. 2, through Sunday, Jan. 4, as noted by The Peninsula Chicago.