Most of the San Francisco holiday-themed teas here incorporate an element for children -- such as the Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz, and the Magical Holiday Tea at the Top of the Mark, featuring a magic act for the kids. Throughout the holidays, you'll find regular afternoon teas in their usual venues, often in the festive environments of decorated hotels and tea rooms.
For a list of year-round tea options: San Francisco Tea Rooms
Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz
Nob Hill - 600 Stockton at California Street - San Francisco, CA
December 5 to December 24, 2008
Ritz Carlton San Francisco
$80 per guest, not including tax or gratuity. Children can enjoy traditional Teddy Bear Tea, in front of the fireplace with Binky the Elf. The tea includes storytelling, balloons, a take-home teddy bear, hot chocolate, cookies and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There are two seatings, once at 10am and the next at 1pm. A portion of the proceeds go to the Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Ritz Afternoon Tea - Christmas Day
Nob Hill - 600 Stockton at California Street - San Francisco, CA
December 25 from 1p to 4:30p>br> Ritz Carlton San Francisco
Enjoy tea in the Lobby Lounge with accompaniment from a "jazz-to-classics" harpist. Tea includes finger sandwiches and sweets, selected from one of four menus: Traditional, Royal, Premier, and Vegetarian.
Palace Hotel - Holiday Afternoon Tea
South of Market - 2 New Montgomery Street - San Francisco, CA
December 5 to 29, 2008
Palace Hotel - San Francisco
$40 for adults, $32 for children (5 to 12). Traditional afternoon tea is served Monday through Friday, from 2p to 3:30p. Reservations can be made online or by phoning (415) 546-5089.
Top of the Mark - Magical Holiday Tea
Nob Hill - One Nob Hill / 999 California Street - San Francisco, CA
December 5 to 27 - Fridays and Saturdays
December 22 & 23 - Monday & Tuesday
Top of the Mark - Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
$44 per person. Tea features the magic of RJ Owens plus a children's gift. The menu includes items for children such as macaroni and cheese or hot dogs. Also, for grownups, traditional tea sandwiches like cucumber, smoked salmon and egg sald, along with scones and a dessert buffet.
St. Francis Holiday Tea
Union Square - 335 Powell Street (at Geary) - San Francisco, CA
November 28 to December 28 - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
$39 for adults (not including tax and gratuity), $20 for children 12 and under. Tea is served from 2p to 4p. A selection of champagne is also offered.
Secret Garden Tea House - Gingerbread Tea
Inner Sunset - 721 Lincoln Way (between 8th and 9th) - San Francisco, CA
December 12, 16 and 17 - From 4p to 6p
$18.95 per child, adults and children ages 5 and up are welcome. Children are served the Prince and Princess Tea and can join in the party room to decorate a freshly-baked gingerbread man. Parents are invited to join, or they may leave their children in the care of "the tea ladies." Phone (415) 566-8834 for reservations.
Tal-y-Tara Children's Christmas Tea
Outer Richmond - 6439 California Street (at 27th Ave) - San Francisco, CA
December 14 and 21, 2008 - Noon to 6p
$25 per person, children under 5 free. Limited space, by reservation only: (415) 751-9275. Children will meet Santa and friends, enjoy full tea service, live harpist performance, chocolate chip mini scones, and holiday treats and favors.
Nutcracker Tea at the Fairmont
Nob Hill - 950 Mason (near California) - San Francisco, CA
November 28 to December 28, 2008 - Wednesday through Sunday
$49 for adults and children (plus tax and gratuity). Tea is served from 2:30p to 4:30p. For children, a Nutracker gift and gingerbread toy soldiers are gifts during the tea. On Saturdays, children will receive a gingerbread house from the Fairmont Tea Fairy, one they can take home and decorate. Adults receive a complimentary glass of champagne. Reservations: (415) 772-5260