Festive Holiday Teas for the Family in Marin and San Francisco

Holiday teas are a fun seasonal treat for children and their parents, whether they're at a local library or a fancy hotel in the city. There are several in Marin this season. Holiday teas are popular and usually fill up quickly, so reserve your spot as soon as possible if you plan to go. Here are a few of our favorites in Marin and San Francisco.

A Holiday Magic Toy Box Tea at Falkirk
Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16; seatings at noon and 3 pm
The tea is an old-fashioned tour de force in the elegant Queen Anne Victorian Falkirk Mansion. Homemade tea sandwiches and sweets are served, along with tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages. Features include life-sized toys, a raffle, and plenty of photo opportunities. Make sure you bring your teddy bear or other favorite toy! The Magic Toy Box Tea is hosted by the Cultural Affairs Service League. This extremely popular event is by reservation only and always sells our early! Make reservations by calling (415) 485-3333. The cost is $25 for adults and $22 for children, or $45 for an adult-and-child combination ticket. For more info, visit www.falkirkculturalcenter.org.

Bookmarks Annual Teddy Bear Tea at the Belvedere Tiburon Library
Saturday, December 8 & Sunday December 9; seatings at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am
What better way to begin the season than a festive holiday tea at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library. Children and their families can nibble on tasty treats and sip rich hot cocoa in a winter wonderland setting. Afterwards, children can participate in a sing-a-long featuring holiday songs followed with stories by a favorite Children’s Librarian. Before leaving children will have an opportunity to take a picture with a very special bear. Hosted by Bookmark’s the annual Teddy Bear Tea benefits the children’s and teen’s programs at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library. Tickets are $25 per seat. New this year - Bookmarks will be raffling off a brand new American Girl Doll, a Paper Source crafting party and a giant Lego set. Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the teas. For more info, go to www.teddybearteainfo.com or call (415) 233-2009.

Un Thé au Petit Jardin
Saturday, December 8, 10:30 am–noon
Red Hill Church of San Anselmo
Come for tea and hot cocoa, finger sandwiches, holiday cookies, and fun at Le Petit Jardin's annual Teddy Bear Tea à la française! You and your little ones ages 8 and under will enjoy tea service, traditional French holiday music, fireside story time, a professional photo seating and each child will stuff his or her very own Teddy Bear to take home and snuggle! $20 per child and $15 per adult. Space is very limited so reservations are required. For more information and reservations visit www.lpjkids.com to pay or call (415) 459-3978.

Holiday Prince and Princess Tea
Through December 23 (except December 3 and 10); seatings at 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 4 pm
Secret Garden Tea House, 721 Lincoln Way (at 9th Avenue), San Francisco
The Secret Garden Tea House across from Golden Gate Park offers a holiday Prince and Princess Tea for children 12 and under, featuring a choice of tea, hot chocolate, egg nog, or lemonade, festive tea sandwiches, and holiday sweets and cookies. Plus, each child takes home a Christmas gift bag full of holiday surprises. $21.95 per person. Reservations required: call (415) 702-0398. More info: sites.google.com/site/secretgardentea

Santa Claus Tea at the Palace Hotel
Tuesday, December 11 and 18, Saturday, December 8, 15, and 22, 2–3 pm
Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco
The Palace Hotel in San Francisco offers a truly luxurious Santa Claus tea for families in its famous Garden Court. Cost for this afternoon tea, with traditional (and kid-friendly) tea sandwiches is $55 for adults and children. Santa Claus will of course be on hand for photos and fun. Reservations required: call (415) 546-5089. More information: www.sfpalace.com

Nutcracker Tea at the Fairmont Hotel
Saturdays and Sundays through December 16, daily from December 17–30
Fairmont Hotel, 600 Stockton Street, San Francisco
This family holiday tea in the Fairmont's Laurel Court features gingerbread cookie decorating (with the help of the Nutcracker!) and a a strolling magician will entertain at each table. Children will receive a Nutcracker trinket, and are encouraged to bring a toy to donate for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. $69 per person, $34.50 for children under 5; includes a glass of sparkling wine or a Christmas "mocktail" for underage guests. Reservations required: (415) 772-5260. www.fairmont.com/san-francisco