Sydney offers a truly spectacular setting for festive high tea outings - from harbour views and elegant hotel lounges to historic tearooms and relaxed neighbourhood cafés. While not every venue listed here runs a dedicated Christmas high tea menu, each provides an inviting, celebratory atmosphere that makes them ideal options for a festive catch-up with friends, family or colleagues in December. Explore some of Sydney’s most charming high tea venues and consider them for your 2025 holiday high tea plans.
1. Brook Field House - Classic Sydney Style
Brook Field House combines warm hospitality with classic high tea fare in a relaxed but refined setting. The venue’s charm and variety of sweet and savoury treats make it a lovely choice for a festive outing as the holiday season approaches.
Best for: Casual celebrations and relaxed festive afternoons.
2. Hyatt Regency Sydney - Elegant Hotel Experience
Located in the heart of Sydney, the Hyatt Regency offers an elegant high tea that feels special year-round. With polished presentation and refined service, it’s well suited to end-of-year celebrations, corporate catch-ups or festive gatherings with family.
Best for: Groups, special occasions and refined holiday dining.
3. The Fox Hole - Contemporary Flavours and Fun
The Fox Hole adds a contemporary twist to the high tea tradition, blending classic scones and sandwiches with spirited elements and creative flavours. Its vibrant approach makes it a great choice for a festive outing that feels a little different.
Best for: Friends’ gatherings and unique festive high tea experiences.
4. Loftus Lane Cafe - Whimsical and Stylish
Loftus Lane Cafe brings a touch of whimsy to high tea with playful presentation and varied sweet and savoury elements. Its stylish interior and creative menu items make it an appealing option for a Christmas season treat.
Best for: Stylish celebrations and special festive moments.
5. Lil Miss Collins - Chic Parramatta High Tea
Just outside the city centre, Lil Miss Collins offers a chic, contemporary high tea experience. While not always themed specifically for Christmas, its vibrant setting and beautifully presented plates make it a cheerful choice for festive season gatherings.
Best for: Parramatta locals and brunch-style holiday tea catch-ups.
6. Burnt Orange - Harbour Views and Relaxed Elegance
Burnt Orange pairs scenic Middle Harbour views with classic afternoon tea offerings, creating a relaxed but elegant spot for a festive occasion. Its blend of tradition and warmth makes it suitable for December outings.
Best for: Scenic celebrations and harbourside gatherings.
7. Midden by Mark Olive - Modern Australian High Tea
Midden by Mark Olive showcases a modern Australian take on high tea, with inventive flavours and contemporary presentations. While not specifically a Christmas high tea, its exciting menu makes it a standout choice for a memorable holiday season treat.
Best for: Foodies and modern high tea lovers.
8. Willow Tea Room - Quaint and Classic Tearoom
Willow Tea Room in Haymarket provides a cosy, classic tearoom experience that works beautifully for relaxed festive gatherings, particularly if you’re planning a Christmas catch-up in the heart of the city.
Best for: Quiet holiday afternoon teas with a classic feel.
9. Bivianos Dural - Country Escape High Tea
A little further from the CBD but well worth the trip, Bivianos Dural combines countryside charm with delicious high tea offerings. It’s a lovely choice for holiday celebrations with family or a day trip combined with high tea.
Best for: Country retreat celebrations during the festive season.
10. Cambewarra Estate - Vineyard Charm
Cambewarra Estate brings a vineyard setting and relaxed elegance to its high tea experiences. While classic in style, the peaceful surroundings and quality food make it a great venue to enjoy over the holiday period.
Best for: Vineyard outings and scenic festive gatherings.
11. Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum - A Timeless Festive Classic
Bygone Beautys is one of Australia’s most iconic high tea destinations and feels especially magical during the festive season. With its elegant dining rooms, traditional tiered stands and extensive teapot collection, the experience naturally suits Christmas catch-ups and end-of-year celebrations. Even without an explicitly themed menu, the old-world charm and classic presentation make it a favourite for December outings.
Best for: Lovers of traditional high tea, heritage settings and nostalgic festive experiences.
12. The Cupcake Co - Floral, Elegant and Perfect for a Festive Treat
Set in the Southern Highlands, The Cupcake Co offers a beautifully styled high tea experience that feels celebratory year-round. Known for handcrafted sweets, floral surrounds and delicate presentation, it’s a popular choice for festive gatherings, birthdays and end-of-year celebrations. The relaxed setting and focus on beautifully made desserts make it an ideal destination during the Christmas period.
Best for: Sweet lovers, weekend getaways and picturesque festive celebrations.
From elegant hotels in the CBD to scenic estates and vibrant cafés, Sydney has a wealth of high tea venues that are perfect for celebrating during the festive season. Even if they don’t offer a dedicated Christmas high tea menu, these Sydney venues provide festive-friendly settings and delicious menus that make them excellent choices for holiday gatherings in 2025.