From buttery brie to creamy camembert, the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce and the decadence of chocolate orange, Christmas is a festival of flavour.
It’s a foodie’s favourite time of the year, a season made for eating great food in great company. Top of the list for festive dining experiences is, of course, an afternoon tea. Plates piled high with pastries and a cup of your favourite winter warmer? Count us in! And there’s no better place to indulge than in York, where the cobbled streets and cute cafés are even more alluring at Christmas time. No need to worry about where to go either, thanks to this list of the very best afternoon tea offerings in the city.
Bettys York
Credit: Bettys
It’s impossible to talk about afternoon tea in York without mentioning Bettys. The tea room is a Yorkshire institution and has a constant stream of customers lining up outside for those oh-so-special treats. The sleek, cosy interiors are even more inviting in the glow of Christmas lights, making it a must-visit for the festive season.
Their festive afternoon tea menu is a creative, culinary delight. Start with innovative savouries and sandwiches like Fountains Gold Cheddar and caramelised onion eclair and brie with fig and port chutney sandwiches on whole grain bread. Melt-in-your-mouth scones come in a festive cranberry and orange flavour (alongside regular ones) that’ll get you in the mood for a stunning selection of cakes. Spiced cherry and chocolate Christmas cube, Christmas pudding eclair and a clementine Christmas macaroon, sounds like dessert dreams come true!
Where? Bettys Café Tea Rooms, 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QP.
When? Festive afternoon tea is on from Wednesday 11th November to Saturday 2nd January.
How much? Festive afternoon tea starts at £49.95 per person.
Dietary alternatives: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions are available.
The Waterfront Café
Nestled in Naburn, a small community on the edge of the city, The Waterfront Café is one of the only places in York where you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with a view of the River Ouse. With floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of greenery, comfy booths and a clean colour palette, the interiors are perfect for tucking into afternoon tea as the winter sun lights up the whole room.
Their festive afternoon tea is a gift in itself. You’ll start with a tier of turkey & cranberry and smoked salmon & dill sandwiches accompanied by a selection of festive savouries including a fan favourite, pigs in blankets. Then, you can load your orange and cinnamon scone with marmalade and clotted cream before picking off treats like mincemeat palmiers and Christmas pudding truffle that are sure to make you merry.
Where? The Waterfront Café, Marina, Naburn, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 4RW.
When? Festive afternoon tea is available from Monday 30th November to Tuesday 22nd December 2026, served Monday to Saturday between 2pm-3.30pm.
How much? Festive afternoon tea is £30 per person.
Dietary alternatives: Accommodations can be made for dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diners who let the café know in advance.
The Grand
Credit: Will Stanley Creative
Afternoon tea at The Grand in York is a truly luxurious affair. Not only is the hotel majestic, sitting just inside the city walls, but it’s got aerial views of the city skyline dominated by the stunning spires of York Minster. Afternoon tea is served in The Rise, where you can make the most of those views – that is if you can take your eyes off the delicious fare in front of you.
You’ll have your pick of delightful savouries including a chicken liver parfait served on brioche and a pork, chestnut & pear sausage roll with a dollop of spiced apple gel. Plain and cinnamon scones come with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, but the main event is the patisserie, curated by meticulous pastry chef Devin Jones. The Grand Bauble made from gingerbread, eggnog, nutmeg and cranberry jelly is a Christmas wish come true!
Where? The Grand, Station Rise, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6GD.
When? Festive afternoon tea is available from Thursday 12th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027, served daily between 12:30pm-4pm.
How much? Festive afternoon tea starts at £54.50 per adult (including a festive cocktail) and £29.50 per child.
Dietary alternatives: Accommodations can be made for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diners who specify their requirements ahead of time.
The Garden Room at The Milner
The Garden Room at The Milner is an ideal spot for a festive afternoon tea in York. Not only is it a stone’s throw away from the train station but the gorgeous lounge is oh-so cosy once the Christmas tree goes up.
Their Nutcracker-inspired menu doesn’t miss either – roast Norfolk turkey, sage & onion stuffing sandwiches sit side by side with mushroom, parmesan & truffle arancini. The sweet treats range from delicate chocolate orange macarons to decadent Christmas pudding cheesecake, all enjoyed with the hot beverage of your choice. Want to make it extra special? You can upgrade to a prosecco and champagne.
Where? The Milner York, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AA.
When? Afternoon tea is served from Monday 9th November to Wednesday 23rd December 2026, from 12pm-4pm daily.
How much? Festive afternoon tea starts at £39.50 per adult and £19.95 per child.
Dietary alternatives: Let the kitchen know your dietary requirements at least 24 hours in advance of your visit and they’ll create a suitable menu for you.
The Old York Tea Room
Credit: The Old York Tea Room
Set in one of the oldest overhanging houses in England, The Old York Tea Room has tonnes of historic charm. The building itself predates the tradition of afternoon tea by about 500 years but remains the perfect quaint haven for high tea.
They specialise in beautiful bakes, from loaded rocky road bites to chocolate yule logs and perfect pistachio cakes – the dessert window will have your mouth watering before you even step inside. Their festive afternoon tea comes with all the traditional trimmings, finger sandwiches on fluffy white bread, golden scones and a selection of seasonal fruit to garnish the sweet treats – bon appétit!
Where? The Old York Tea Room, 72 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LF.
When? They’re open Wednesday to Saturday 9am-4pm.
How much? Afternoon tea starts at £26.99.
Dietary alternatives: Check with your server on the day to see if they accommodate for dietary requirements.
The Ivy
Credit: The Ivy Collection
The Ivy is known for its top-quality fare and lavish interiors, and the one on St. Helen’s Square in York is no exception. You’ll walk into a green oasis, with ornate light fixtures hanging from high ceilings and Christmas garlands giving the place an extra festive feel and putting you in the mood for a merry high tea.
Savouries range from a smoked salmon & cream cheese choux bun to a chicken milanese & truffle cream brioche roll that’s absolutely divine. Warm fruit scones follow, with clotted cream, strawberry jam and fresh strawberries to boot. Then you can savour the sweets, amongst which is the super luxuriant dark chocolate cup. There’s also festive mince pies and an orange and cranberry eclair.
Where? The Ivy, 2 St. Helen’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8QP.
When? Christmas afternoon tea is available from Tuesday 10th November to Tuesday 29th December 2026, served Monday-Sunday between 3pm–5pm.
How much? Christmas afternoon tea starts at £55 per person.
Dietary alternatives: Accommodations can be made for vegetarian diners who let the restaurant know in advance.
