There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Philly during the holidays, but if you are looking for something extra special (and your living room carpet pretend tea parties just aren’t going to cut it), check out a holiday tea created just with kids in mind! It’s a perfect opportunity to get dressed up, make your kids feel fancy, and even get a last-minute holiday picture.

Tea with the Sugarplum Fairy

December 14 and 15, 2 pm (ballet at noon)

DoubleTree Philadelphia, 237 S. Broad Street

Starts at $85, varies based on ballet tickets

 

This very special tea hosted by the Pennsylvania Ballet features Nutcracker character appearances, a delicious buffet, face painting, and candy stations. You can even add on ballet tickets for the day. Call 215-587-6921 to reserve your spot.

Holiday Tea with Toys

December 14 and 15, noon

Historic Strawberry Mansion, 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive

$5 per person

 

Children (and adults) are invited to bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal to visit Historic Strawberry Mansion during Tea with Toys, a special opportunity to see the holiday decorations, sip tea, munch cookies and go on a tour of the Mansion’s third floor to view the extraordinary doll and toy collections. Guests for tea are encouraged to come early to enjoy the first-floor decorations as well.

Rittenhouse Hotel Teddy Bear Tea

Rittenhouse Hotel’s Mary Cassatt Tea Room, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square
December 21, 23, 24, 26 and 27; seatings at 11:15 am and 3 pm
$65 per person

 

The gorgeous Mary Cassatt Tea Room is always a nice choice for a special tea, but during the holidays they hold Teddy Bear Tea, with a special menu of food and treats your kids will love. Kids can enjoy tea with their cuddle friend — or hot chocolate, if that’s more their speed — and midway through the tea, the kids will participate in a sweet gingerbread cookie decorating activity. Best of all, their teddy bear gets a seat of honor at the table! Forgot to bring your teddy bear? The hotel will provide a teddy bear guest (named Ritty) for every child as a take-home gift. Call Lacroix for reservations: 215-790-2533.

Dormouse Tea at The Dandelion 

The Dandelion, 124 S. 18th St.
Daily from 3 — 5 pm
$12 for kids, various tiers and a la carte prices for adults

 

This one isn’t specific to the holiday, but it deserves a special mention because sometimes you just need to be fancy on a random Tuesday afternoon, and this place requires minimal forethought while still delivering on that. The children’s Dormouse Tea is a very reasonable price and has kids’ favorites like grilled cheese and PB and J crafted into finger sandwiches. Kids also get a tier of treats, and the restaurant will happily substitute chocolate milk for their tea without judgment.

Special Events Worth the Drive

Children’s Tea in Paris at the Bercy

December 7 and 14, 11 am–12:30 pm

7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore

 

Formal tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and a ballet performance of scenes from The Nutcracker by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet.  Plus you can meet with the characters for some great holiday photos. Tickets available online.

Winter Wonderland Tea at a Taste of Britain 

December 8, 15, 21, 22, and 29  (timed reservations required)

A Taste of Britain, 503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

A Taste of Britain’s festive menu includes holiday-themed treats and a limited edition seasonal scone. Adults get a mimosa alongside their tea, and there is a special kids’ menu in case the adult one isn’t in line with your toddler’s palate. Kids will enjoy the whimsical decor and mismatched place settings, as well as little surprises like Christmas crackers (containing paper crowns, naturally). On your way out, grab some unusual British candy from the shop!

 

Photographs by Laura Swartz.