For the past couple of years, I have had the pleasure of experiencing Holiday Tea at the famous Drake Hotel in Chicago. Afternoon tea takes place in the Palm Court and is served daily from 1-5 PM throughout the year.
The Drake hosts special afternoon tea sittings for holidays like Mother’s Day and Easter and is especially popular around Christmas for their holiday tea.
Afternoon tea at The Drake is so popular that people like Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth have even been seen in the Palm Court.
The Drake Hotel has stunning decor and the Palm Court is especially beautiful with the picturesque fountain in the middle of the room.
They even have a harpist who plays beautiful background music while you sip your tea.
During the holiday tea there are also carolers who come around and sing Christmas carols which is such a fun touch.
Now onto the main event! Upon being seated the first thing to do is choose your tea. The Drake has an extensive tea menu so it is never easy to choose.
Once you have chosen their tea, each person is given their own little tea pot to serve their tea. My favorite is the Tropical Green tea.
The tea service also comes with a three tier plate of finger sandwiches and sweets. The varieties may differ between visits, but you will always get three types of sandwiches, two scones, and three desserts.
Sandwiches have included cucumber, turkey salad, ham on pumpernickel, curried chicken salad, and mini lobster rolls. The turkey salad with cranberry is a favorite!
The scones are also delicious and I especially loved the lemon poppyseed with lemon curd spread on top!
I’m always pretty full after eating the sandwiches and scones, but the desserts are not to be missed. Their signature swan cream puff is definitely a highlight!
I have loved the little tradition we started with my mom and sister to have Holiday Tea at The Drake. It is such a fun girls’ day and I highly recommend making a reservation for yourself.
Palm Court is located at 140 E. Walton Place in The Drake Hotel in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood
You can read about my afternoon tea experience at The Langham here.
Caroline says
That food looks amazing! Love the Drake, especially during the holiday season. π Afternoon tea is a great thing to do if you’re visiting the city too. π
Paige says
It’s so much! I love going to afternoon tea! π
xo Paige
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
This looks so fun! I would love to do something like this with my mom and sister one day.
Paige says
It is such a fun girls afternoon! If you’re ever in Chicago you’ll have to make a reservation!
xo Paige
Caitlin says
I have been dying to go to tea at the Drake! I’m waiting for a special occasion to finally head over there. Glad to know it’s as great as I hoped!
Paige says
It’s so much fun! You definitely will need to go!
xo Paige