Dubai’s Top Spots for Festive Afternoon Teas
The holiday season brings with it the simple joy of gathering over festive afternoon teas. It’s the time for warm scones, spiced cakes, and desserts that look almost too pretty to eat. Add in the soft glow of Christmas lights, and the gentle hum of holiday tunes, and you have the perfect recipe for a relaxed afternoon that feels special.
In Dubai, afternoon tea during Christmas is an experience. Hotels and cafés across the city go all out, serving festive menus in stunning spaces designed to make you feel right at home. From elegant high teas in luxurious lounges to charming cafés with a cosy holiday feel, there’s something for everyone looking to celebrate the season in style.
Here are some of Dubai's best festive afternoon teas to treat yourself this Christmas.
Al Bayt at Palace Downtown
In the refined surroundings of Palace Downtown, Al Bayt offers an afternoon tea that feels like a quiet escape in the middle of the city. The space, with its Arabesque design and festive touches, sets the stage for an elegant holiday experience.
On offer is a tiered spread of freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and festive pastries, each paired perfectly with a selection of teas and coffees. For those looking to add a little extra sparkle to their afternoon, house beverages and bubbly are available to elevate the occasion.
Overlooking the calm waters of Burj Lake, Al Bayt captures the season’s charm, making it ideal for sharing a peaceful, indulgent moment with loved ones this Christmas.
Details:
Dates: 24th and 25th December 2024
Timings: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Al Bayt, Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai
Price:
- AED 220 per person (soft beverages)
- AED 300 per person (house beverages and two glasses of bubbly)
Contact: For reservations, email dineatpalacedowntown@palacehotels.com
Tip: Choose a table by the window or terrace for the best views of the lake and festive décor.
Plato’s at Atlantis The Palm
The Pearl Afternoon Tea at Plato’s Lounge Atlantis The Palm offers an experience where flavour and sophistication come together beautifully. Warm scones served with clotted cream, delicate savoury bites, and handcrafted pastries take centre stage, each carefully curated by Executive Pastry Chef Patrice Cabannes.
What sets this experience apart is its thoughtful range of beverages. Guests can enjoy unlimited tea or coffee, including a diverse selection of fine teas, rich coffees, and the signature Atlantis-branded chocolate. For those looking to elevate their afternoon, Plato’s also offers a choice of signature cocktails or a glass of champagne for an added festive touch.
With its cosy yet refined setting, the Pearl Afternoon Tea promises an afternoon of indulgence, making it a perfect spot to relax, savour, and celebrate the season.
Details:
Dates: Daily throughout December 2024
Timings: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Plato’s Lounge, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Price:
- AED 290 per person (inclusive of unlimited tea or coffee)
- AED 340 per person (with a signature cocktail)
- AED 390 per person (with a glass of champagne)
Contact: For reservations, call +971 4 426 2626
Tip: Pair the afternoon tea with a signature cocktail for a unique twist to this festive experience.
Amber Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
Amber Lounge brings a unique festive twist to afternoon tea with a sensory experience inspired by Jo Malone London. Combining elegance and fragrance, the Christmas Afternoon Tea features sweet and savoury treats infused with the iconic scents of Jo Malone, ranging from zesty citrus notes to warm, comforting aromas.
The menu offers delicate finger sandwiches, festive-themed cakes, and indulgent bites like chocolate-covered candied fruits and rich truffles. Each creation is thoughtfully paired with fine teas or the option of a bespoke Jo Malone-inspired mocktail. Adding to the charm, every guest receives an exclusive Jo Malone London gift, making this tea an extra-special holiday indulgence.
Set in a refined and festive atmosphere, this afternoon tea is perfect for those who appreciate subtle luxury and the art of good taste.
Details:
Dates: 5th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Timings: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Amber Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC
Price: AED 300 for two people
Contact:
- Email: fb.dxb11@adnhmc.com
- Call or WhatsApp: +971 50 523 4086
Tip: Pair your treats with the Jo Malone-inspired mocktail for a full sensory experience, and don’t forget to collect your Jo Malone gift before leaving.
The Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal
The Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal offers a festive afternoon tea filled with seasonal delights. Curated by Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Deville, this elegant spread combines exquisite flavors and artistic presentation. Begin with reimagined savory bites, such as Alaskan king crab tart crowned with Kaluga caviar, maple turkey with cranberry, and Norwegian smoked salmon. The sweet selection is just as impressive, featuring a vanilla and hazelnut yule log, gingerbread madeleines with citrus marmalade, and other festive delights.
Adding to the experience, live pipe music fills the space, setting the perfect tone for a luxurious holiday afternoon surrounded by the sophisticated charm of The Royal Tearoom.
Details:
Dates: 1st December 2024 – 7th January 2025
Timings: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: The Royal Tearoom, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah
Price: AED 650 for two people
Contact: Call +971 4 426 2626
Tip: Book in advance to secure your table and enjoy the festive atmosphere with live pipe music enhancing the experience.
Shai Salon at Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach
The Festive Afternoon Tea at Shai Salon is a perfect way to escape the holiday rush. Designed by Chef Nicolas Lambert, this elegant experience features a selection of delicate pastries, handcrafted sandwiches, and freshly baked scones. Guests can enjoy perfectly brewed teas, guided by in-house tea experts who help find the ideal blend to suit their taste.
The calm, refined ambience paired with festive flavours makes it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a quiet, indulgent afternoon this season. For an added touch of celebration, you can pair your tea with a glass of champagne.
Details:
Dates: 5th December 2024 – 8th January 2025
Timings: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Shai Salon, Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach
Price:
- AED 300 per person
- AED 450 per person with one glass of champagne
Contact: Visit www.fourseasons.com for reservations and more information.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a seat near the window for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
Blüthner Hall at Raffles The Palm
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the elegant Blüthner Hall, where the soft melodies of a live pianist playing Christmas favorites set the tone for a memorable holiday gathering. This refined experience includes a selection of sweet and savory classics, given a festive twist by the talented pastry chefs. Pair your treats with a fragrant tea or add a glass of chilled champagne for an extra touch of celebration.
With its relaxed charm and holiday atmosphere, this afternoon tea is ideal for sharing special moments with family and friends this season.
Details:
Dates: 4th December 2024 – 7th January 2025
Timings: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Blüthner Hall, Raffles The Palm Dubai
Price:
- AED 375 for two people (Afternoon Tea)
- AED 575 for two people (with one glass of champagne)
Contact:
- Call: +971 4 248 8888
- Email: dining.thepalm@raffles.com
Tip: Visit during the evening for a more magical ambiance as the pianist’s tunes complement the holiday lights.
CHOIX TT at InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Experience a festive afternoon tea with a Parisian twist at CHOIX TT by Pierre Gagnaire. This elegant offering blends French patisserie with holiday-inspired flavors, creating a menu of delicate finger sandwiches, mouth-watering pastries, and rich cakes. Each treat is paired with unlimited Dammann Frères tea, adding a touch of refinement to your afternoon.
To make the occasion even more special, guests are served a soft sparkling apple beverage adorned with edible 24k gold flakes, a little detail that brings seasonal charm to this festive experience.
Details:
Dates: 1st December – 31st December 2024
Timings: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: CHOIX TT, InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price:
- AED 175 per person
- AED 299 for two people
Contact: Call +971 4 701 1111
Tip: Arrive early and request a window seat to enjoy the views of Dubai Creek while savouring this festive treat.
Dubai’s festive afternoon teas offer the perfect way to slow down and savour the holiday season. Take the time to treat yourself this season because nothing says Christmas quite like warm scones, delicate pastries, and a steaming cup of perfectly brewed tea.