Holidays at The Jefferson
Guests gather for a traditional afternoon tea service surrounded by festive seasonal decorations. The hotel is decorated with live poinsettias, twinkling lights, garlands, wreaths, and a 30-foot Christmas tree in the Rotunda. Visitors can also view the annual gingerbread display decorated with individually placed candies.
What to Expect
Afternoon holiday tea service held at the historic Jefferson Hotel.
Event Details
Ages
21+ to check in without a parent or guardian
Neighborhood
Downtown Richmond
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Jefferson Hotel
Food & Drink
Traditional afternoon tea is served, with gluten-free, peanut-free, and dairy-free menus available for an additional charge when selected during online booking.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Holiday tea fans and families
Vibe
Festive and elegant
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults $64.00; children ages 4–8 $59.00; children 3 and under free unless a specialty menu is requested. Gluten-free menu: additional $6.00 per person; peanut-free or dairy-free menus: additional $4.00 per person. A 20% gratuity and 13.5% tax are automatically added. – Get tickets
- Parking: Complimentary self-parking for Holiday Tea guests is offered on a space-available basis in the Main Street parking lot between Adams and Jefferson Streets. Ask the host or server for a parking validation ticket before leaving.
Tips & Advice
- Log in to Tock with your card ready, and refresh as soon as booking opens 90 days out, because you have only 10 minutes to finish.
- Put your whole party, children included, in a single booking, because tables go by reservation and separate bookings are seated at separate tables.
- Join the Tock waitlist for a sold-out date and choose a range of times, then accept within 24 hours of an email offering a table.
- Groups under six should look past December 3, 7, 10 and 14, which are already sold out for smaller parties, or join the waitlist.
- Make changes or cancellations through Tock at least seven days ahead, because that is the only way to get your prepayment refunded.
Special Events & Promotions
- Chocolate Lover's Tea every Friday and Saturday of the holiday season, plus Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, booked on its own calendar.
- Santa Tea on Saturday, December 5 and Thursday, December 17, with its own separate pricing.
- Holiday Brunch on Sundays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, including a Santa Brunch on Sunday, December 13 (sold out, waitlist open).
- The annual gingerbread display's theme is kept secret until it's unveiled on Monday, November 30.
- New for 2026: you'll need a reservation to enter the hotel from Friday afternoon through Sunday, and from late afternoon on Wednesday, December 9.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book Holiday Tea?
Reservations are online only through Tock. Booking opens exactly 90 days before each date. Your card is charged when you book, and you have 10 minutes to complete it. Staff can't take bookings by phone, email, social media or in person.
How should I book for a group with kids?
Book everyone in one reservation and include all children in the total. You can choose each person's menu after that. Tables are assigned per reservation, so separate bookings end up at separate tables.
Are there menus for allergies?
Yes. Gluten-free, peanut-free and dairy-free menus are available for an extra charge. Select them when you book online.
Is there a dress code?
No. Wear what's comfortable, though most guests dress up for the occasion.
Where do I park?
Tea guests get free self-parking in the Main Street lot between Adams and Jefferson Streets while space lasts. Ask your host or server to validate your ticket before you leave. Extra parking is in the VCU pay lot two blocks south between Cary and Canal. Valet is for overnight guests only.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.