The Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is a truly magical experience for families during the holiday season. Located just 20 minutes from Los Angeles, this historic hotel transforms into a festive wonderland each December. The event includes everything from hot chocolate and tea sandwiches to sweet treats, a live puppet show, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Each child also receives a Langham Paddington Teddy Bear to take home. This tea experience lasts about two hours.
Reservations and Arrival
Reservations for the Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Pasadena can be made online through OpenTable, and it’s best to book early since the event often sells out quickly. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy valet parking (be sure to ask for validation during tea for a parking discount). Arriving about 30 minutes early is ideal — it gives families time to explore the hotel’s beautifully decorated grounds and take photos by the holiday displays. Our kids loved wandering through the gardens and admiring all the festive décor before the tea began.
The Tea Experience
The Teddy Bear Tea takes place in a spacious room overlooking the gardens. Tables are beautifully set, complete with Christmas tree–folded napkins. Separate menus are provided for adults and children, with the kids’ menu featuring fun coloring activities on the back. The children enjoyed a delicious spread of festive pastries, sandwiches (meat and cheese, jelly and seed butter), and scones. Their favorite treat was the adorable gingerbread men cookies! For drinks, the kids could choose between hot chocolate with marshmallows (a big hit), apple cider, or pink lemonade. Adults were treated to an assortment of tea sandwiches — the fig and prosciutto was my favorite — along with scones served with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting array of desserts. We sampled three varieties of tea, and the gingerbread black tea stood out as the favorite. The service was exceptional, and the staff made sure both kids and adults enjoyed every moment.
The Puppet Show
After tea, families were invited to gather on the floor for a live Bob Baker Marionette Theater performance. The 20-minute show was festive and fun, featuring charming characters like snowmen, dogs, cats, and of course, Santa himself! The talented puppeteer interacted with the kids throughout, making it a whimsical and joyful part of the afternoon.
Santa’s Arrival
Following the puppet show, the sound of jingling bells announced Santa’s grand entrance. The room filled with cheer as Santa arrived, accompanied by Jack Frost, who greeted each family. Kids lined up eagerly to share their Christmas wishes and take photos with Santa. The entire experience felt very personal, with Santa and his helpers taking time to chat with each child. At the end of the visit, each child received their very own Langham Paddington Bear.
Final Thoughts
The Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Pasadena is a wonderful family holiday tradition in Southern California. While it’s definitely a splurge, the event delivers exceptional value through its festive atmosphere, delicious afternoon tea, live entertainment, Santa visit, and keepsake teddy bear. From start to finish, it felt like a true celebration that we can’t wait to experience again.