Christmas in London isn’t complete without a visit to The Ritz and their iconic Christmas Afternoon Tea is truly the ultimate festive treat. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life Christmas fairytale, this is where you’ll find it.

I’ve been longing to go to The Ritz at Christmas for years, and this season I was lucky enough to experience it with my mum. We booked back in April (yes, it sells out that quickly!) and have been counting down the days ever since.

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✨ First Impressions: A Fairytale Entrance

The Ritz is perfectly located in Mayfair next to Green Park Station, just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace. Even before you go inside, you’re greeted by their famous festive wreaths, which line the exterior in classic red and green. They glitter so beautifully that it honestly feels like walking into the opening scene of a Christmas film.

The entrance is flanked by festive trees and a beautiful red carpet outside where smartly dressed doormen will welcome you in.

Step through the doors and you’re welcomed into a grand entrance hall with an enormous Christmas tree adorned with oversized baubles, big red bows, sparkling teddy bears, and towers of wrapped gifts. Don’t forget to look up as the lights above are just as magical.

A quick tip: check the dress code before visiting. No jeans or trainers allowed. I once saw a girl being handed a pair of pumps from the cloakroom so she could enter afternoon tea – very Ritz!

Last year I popped into the Rivoli Bar on New Year’s Day for a very (very!) pricey glass of champagne with my boyfriend. It was quiet, cosy and something I’ll always remember.

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🎄 The Palm Court: A Christmas Wonderland

After admiring the decorations, make your way into the breathtaking Palm Court, home of Ritz Afternoon Tea. This room alone is worth the visit.

At Christmas, The Ritz takes the décor to another level:
• Gingerbread houses dusted in snow
• Stacks of iced doughnuts
• Elegant festive flowers
• Glittering garlands and glowing lights
• A live pianist playing Christmas classics

It truly feels like stepping inside a storybook.

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🫖 The Tea: Classic with a Festive Twist

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz includes a glass of champagne (we opted for alcohol-free), and everything on the menu has a festive spin.

I ordered my beloved English Rose Blend, but there are countless choices, including a Ritz Christmas blend if you want something seasonal.

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🥪 Sandwiches: The Best You Will Ever Have

Ritz sandwiches are small, neat, and absolutely perfect. This year’s Christmas menu included:

✨ Special Festive Sandwiches:

• Egg mayonnaise with shallots on brioche which was unbelievably good

• Smoked salmon with lemon butter on sourdough

✨ Classics with a Christmas twist:

• Festive chicken with chestnut & sage stuffing

• Ham with mustard mayonnaise

• Cheese & chutney on tomato bread

• Cucumber with cream cheese

They offer extra sandwiches, and my advice? Say yes. Every time. This is not the place for restraint.

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🍰 Scones and Mince Pies

Next, the warm scones arrive, one plain and one fruit which are served with:

• Clotted cream

• Strawberry preserve

• Mini buttery mince pies

And for the record:
✔️ Jam first, always.

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🍒 The Dessert Trolley

One of my favourite parts of The Ritz is the dessert trolley, which glides around the room offering extra sweet treats. We chose:

• A zingy festive fruit cake

• A rich Black Forest Gateaux

It felt wonderfully indulgent.

And because it was my mum’s birthday, they brought her a mini celebratory cake – just like they did for me back in February. Such a thoughtful touch. It was a delicious Victoria Sponge with thick icing, fruit on the top and my name in chocolate! Hurrah!

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🎁 The Desserts (aka the Part I Forgot to Write Down)

I made the waiter explain the desserts twice… and still forgot everything. Food blogger of the year, I know!

But here’s what I do remember:

• A choux bun with a sticky-toffee-pudding-style filling

• A little chocolate biscuit filled with apple, topped with cream

• A delicate quince dessert with festive fruits and raspberries

We were so full at this point that we took everything home – yes, The Ritz will box your desserts beautifully for you. I enjoyed them from my sofa the next day and they were just as heavenly.

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🎄 Final Thoughts: Is Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz Worth It?

Absolutely. Completely. 100% yes.

From the moment you arrive to the final spoonful of dessert, The Ritz wraps you up in pure festive magic. It’s warm, theatrical, elegant, and full of joyful details that make you feel like you’ve stepped out of ordinary life and into Christmas paradise.

If you want to treat someone special – or yourself  -book early and enjoy every luxurious second of it.

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✨ Tips Before You Go to Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

📅 1. Book months in advance
Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is one of the most in-demand festive experiences in London. Bookings open early, and December dates often sell out by summer. If you have your heart set on a specific day, book as soon as humanly possible.

🎀 2. Dress up (and check the dress code!)
The Ritz has a famously strict dress code:

• No jeans

• No trainers

• Smart, elegant attire
  It’s the perfect excuse to wear something special. Think silk, tulle, velvet or a festive red dress – your photos will thank you.

🚇 3. Arrive early to soak up the decorations
The entrance hall is breathtaking at Christmas, and the Palm Court deserves a slow walk. Arriving 10 minutes early gives you time to take photos without rushing straight to your table.

🍾 4. The festive menu includes champagne
Your Christmas booking includes a glass of champagne (or non-alcoholic fizz). Let them know any preferences when you arrive.

☕ 5. Don’t be shy about extra sandwiches
The Ritz happily offers more of any sandwich you like. Say yes—you’re here to indulge!

🍰 6. Save room for the dessert trolley
It’s an iconic part of the experience, and you’ll want to try both options. Pace yourself… or don’t. It’s Christmas.

🎁 7. Yes, you can take desserts home
If you’re too full (easily done), the staff will box up your desserts beautifully. It makes the magic last longer.

💳 8. It’s a splurge – prepare for the price
Christmas Afternoon Tea is more expensive than the usual menu due to the champagne and festive elements. It’s definitely a treat-yourself moment. And there’s service on top of the price too.

📍 9. The Ritz is right next to Green Park Station
Super convenient, especially if you’re heading to see the Buckingham Palace lights, St James’s, or Bond Street afterwards.

📸 10. Photography is allowed—but subtly
Feel free to take photos, but be mindful of the elegant atmosphere. The staff are lovely and used to guests capturing the magic, especially at Christmas.

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