The Best Spots for Festive Holiday Tea in Dallas

Dallas does holiday tea exceptionally well. From stately mansions and jewel-box libraries to cozy Oak Cliff homes, there’s a festive afternoon tea service to suit every style. Let’s start a tradition, shall we?

*This post has been updated in November 2023.

Holiday Tea at the Adolphus

The Price: $75 per person (includes tea pairings and a glass of bubbles) | $35 for children under 12
The Vibe: A posh classic.
Must-Try Bite: Sticky toffee pudding cake.

It’s the golden goose of holiday teas in Dallas. Indulging in a scone fully ensconced within the soaring decadence of The French Room. Harps are plucked, bubbles are poured, and baubles abound.  For a purely visual taste, search “holiday tea in Dallas” on TikTok. You can practically taste the truffle egg salad.

Reservations required. Seatings are from 11 am to 3 pm Wednesday through Sunday starting November 1, 2023.

Potpourri Boulangerie

The Price: $65 per person (four people max per party)
The Vibe: Casual and cozy.
Must-Try Bite: Cinnamon donuts with apple butter.

If you prefer charm over pomp, this little yellow house by the Bishop Arts District is a family-owned gem (formerly known as Potpourri of Silk) serving afternoon tea all year round. It also happens to be the only service on this list where you can bring your own bottle of champagne ($10 corking fee). That’s certainly worth toasting.

Reservations required. Call (214) 941-9941. 

Nutcracker Holiday Tea at the Hotel Crescent Court

The Price: $30 (for children’s tea), $100 (for Nutcracker tea), and $130 (for Nutcracker tea + endless champagne)
The Vibe: Playfully regal.
Must-Try Bite: Crab salad with citrus aioli.

Gather in the Great Hall of the sophisticated Uptown hotel for Damman Frères tea and heart tea fare such as roast beef on rye, smoked turkey, and holiday ham. Live music will be offered, as well as the option for endless champagne.

Reservations are required and dates are selling out fast. Tea is hosted every Saturday and Sunday in December (apart from Sunday, December 24 and Sunday, December 31).  

Holiday Tea at Taschen

The Price: $125 per person (includes tax, gratuity, complimentary valet, and a gifted Taschen book)
The Vibe: Cool and intimate.
Must-Try Bite: Caviar tarts made with chives, egg, and kefir cream.

With only four dates (November 19 and December 3, 10, and 17), spots are filling up quickly at Taschen’s tony library within The Joule hotel.

Reservations are required. The four dates are currently sold out, but private parties can book the library here. 

The Dallas Arboretum Holiday Tea

The Price: $69 per person (includes garden parking and admission). A $10 fee will be added for champagne service.
The Vibe: A timeless, fireside fête.
Must-Try Bite: Chestnut and cranberry soup.

For some, no Dallas holiday is complete without a ladylike afternoon at the Arboretum. Starting November 6, enjoy fireside sips and sandwiches in the Degoyler Restaurant (or in a heated tent outside), then stroll around the gazebo-filled grounds or visit the Christmas Village.

Reservations required. Seated tea hosted daily at 11 am and 2 pm from November 6 to December 31. 

Christmas Tea at Alexander Mansion

The Price: $75 per person (includes tea, champagne, and gratuity; gluten-free or vegetarian options available for an additional $5)
The Vibe: Southern stateliness.
Must-Try Bite: Spinach and gruyere puffs.

Indulge on tea sandwiches and history in the Alexander Mansion, a beautifully preserved relic of Ross Avenue’s past. Feel good knowing the proceeds from the festive experience will benefit the restoration of one of the oldest homes in Dallas, which serves as the headquarters to The Dallas Women’s Forum.

Reservations required. One noon seating takes place each day from Wednesday, December 6 to Sunday, December 10, 2023, and from Wednesday, December 13 to Sunday, December 17, 2023.