No one does the holidays fancier than the Ritz-Carlton, and kids ages 2-11 who are inclined toward dressing up, sipping sparkling apple cider out of a Champagne glass (a real one!), and dancing on stage with a couple of Santa’s elves will love the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco’s Teddy Bear Tea, an annual holiday tradition whose proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area.

Held in the hotel ballroom, adorned with festive decor, the tea starts with an array of sweets — from Oreo cheesecake to chocolate-berry kouign-amann, served with hot chocolate for the littles and a selection of teas for the adults — while a live pianist sets the mood. Lest you think the tea is just for kids, rest assured that there are two separate menus for the savory portion of the food. The kids’ plate includes a crustless turkey sandwich cut into the shape of a teddy bear and cucumber finger sandwiches, while the adult plate has smoked salmon on rye and a croissant stuffed with chicken salad. Extras include exquisite homemade scones with both lemon curd and Devonshire cream, and a special iced teddy bear cookie. As you’re enjoying the abundance of wonderfulness, two elves come out and talk with each and every child.

You’re welcome to continue sipping and savoring once the entertainment starts, but the kids will be swept away to the rug at the foot of the stage for a participatory song and dance that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season.

The tea is offered three times a day — 10am, 1pm and 4pm — from November 30th to December 23rd for $192 per person, including gratuity. Book your table here.

Additional holiday happenings at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco include:

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, 12/4 at 5:30 PM: Join The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco for the annual festive celebration, co-hosted by Betty Yu of KTVU Fox 2 and Liam Mayclem of KCBS radio. Includes complimentary refreshments and photo opps with Santa in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom's winter wonderland.

Christmas Day Dinner on Wednesday, 12/25: The hotel’s lounge will offer a three-course, pre-fixe Christmas Day menu featuring holiday classics and seasonal twists.

  • Seatings at 12 pm, 2:30 pm, 5 p.m, and 7:30 pm
  • $180 USD per guest, exclusive of tax and gratuity
  • Reservations can be made here.

New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, 12/31: Celebrate New Year's Eve in the hotel’s lounge with a DJ spinning dance music from 11 pm to 1 am. Choose from the regular à la carte menu or a special seafood platter for two at $195, with charred scallops, oysters, shrimp, smoked cod spread, and more. At midnight, enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne.