Walk into the Palm Court. Seriously. Just do it once in December and you'll get why people fight for these reservations months in advance. The air smells like expensive evergreen and high-end bergamot. It's thick. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to sit up straighter even if your back is killing you from a day of shopping on the Mag Mile. Christmas tea at The Drake isn't just a meal; it's a rite of passage for Chicagoans and visitors who want to feel like they’ve stepped back into 1920.
Most holiday "experiences" these days feel like a cash grab. They’re plastic. They’re rushed. But The Drake has been doing this since the hotel opened in 1920, and honestly, they haven't messed with the formula much because they don't have to. You have a giant, towering Christmas tree that looks like it belongs in a movie, a harpist playing softly in the background, and enough finger sandwiches to make you forget about dinner entirely.
It's expensive. Let's just put that out there. You’re paying for the history, the linens, and the fact that Queen Elizabeth II once sat in this very building. If you’re looking for a quick bite, this ain't it. This is a two-hour commitment to doing absolutely nothing but sipping tea and feeling fancy.
What Actually Happens During Afternoon Tea?
You don't just show up and get a mug of Lipton. When you sit down for Christmas tea at The Drake, the first thing you notice is the "Carolus Magnus" tea service. It’s custom-made. They take the tea seriously here—it’s not an afterthought. You choose from a list of blends, but the "Drake Blend" is usually the move if you’re a first-timer. It’s black tea with a bit of fruitiness that doesn't overpower the scones.
Then comes the tower.
It’s a three-tier setup that looks like a work of art. The bottom level is usually the savory stuff. We’re talking cucumber sandwiches with mint cream cheese, maybe some smoked salmon on pumpernickel, and egg salad that actually tastes like something. The middle layer is where the scones live. They come out warm. That’s the key. If a scone is cold, it’s a biscuit, and we’re not here for biscuits. You get Devonshire cream and preserves, and if you don't use a generous amount of that cream, you’re doing it wrong.
The top tier? Pure sugar. Petit fours, macarons, and holiday-themed pastries that change slightly every year depending on what the pastry chef is feeling. Some years it’s peppermint-heavy; other years it’s all about the gingerbread and spiced plum.
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The Harpist and the Vibe
Music matters. In the Palm Court, the acoustics are weirdly perfect. You have a live harpist—usually someone like Lillian Lau, who has played there for years—and the music carries just enough to drown out the conversation at the table next to you without making you shout at your own guests. It creates this bubble.
It's loud but in a "busy grand hotel" way, not a "conventions center" way. You’ll see grandmothers in their best fur coats sitting across from toddlers in velvet dresses who are trying their best not to drop a macaron on the floor. It’s one of the few places in Chicago where people still actually dress up. You don't have to wear a tuxedo, but if you show up in a hoodie, you’re going to feel like a sore thumb.
Booking the Impossible: The Reality of Reservations
If you try to book Christmas tea at The Drake on December 1st, you’re probably already too late. I’m not kidding. Reservations usually open in late September or early October, and the prime weekend spots disappear within hours.
People have literal calendar alerts for this.
- Check the website daily starting in September. The Drake usually announces the specific "Go Live" date for holiday tea on their social media or official site.
- Weekday tea is the secret move. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, it’s much easier to get in, and the Palm Court feels a bit more relaxed.
- The "window" matters. The holiday tea season typically runs from mid-November through the first week of January.
- Dietary stuff. They are actually pretty good about gluten-free or vegetarian options, but you must tell them 48 hours in advance. Don't be that person who shows up and expects a gluten-free scone on the fly.
The price usually hovers around $80 to $95 per adult, and kids are a bit cheaper, around $35 to $50. Plus tax. Plus a healthy tip because the servers are carrying heavy silver trays through a crowded room of excited children and tourists. It adds up. But for a once-a-year thing? Most people think it’s worth the hit to the wallet.
Why the History of the Palm Court Actually Matters
The Drake was designed by Marshall and Fox, and it opened on New Year’s Eve in 1920. The Palm Court was designed to be the "social heart" of the Gold Coast. It’s a fountain-centric room, though the fountain is often covered or decorated during the holidays to make room for that massive tree.
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Princess Diana stayed here. Winston Churchill walked these halls. When you’re sitting there for Christmas tea at The Drake, you’re part of a timeline that includes some of the most famous people of the 20th century. There’s a certain weight to the room. The limestone walls, the ornate crown molding—it’s all original or meticulously restored.
Modern hotels try to replicate this "old world" feel with LED lights and minimalist furniture, but it usually feels hollow. The Drake feels heavy. In a good way. It feels permanent.
The "Carolers" Factor
During the peak holiday dates, usually leading right up to Christmas Eve, they often have carolers. These aren't just random people in costumes; they are professional singers who know how to harmonize without being annoying. They wander the room, and if you’re lucky, they’ll stop by your table. It sounds cheesy. On paper, it is incredibly cheesy. But when you’re three cups of tea deep and looking at a 20-foot tree, it’s actually kind of magical.
Common Mistakes People Make
Don't eat a big lunch before you go. People think "tea" means "snack." It doesn't. Between the scones, the sandwiches, and the sweets, you are consuming a full day's worth of calories. If you eat a burger at 12:00 PM and show up for tea at 2:30 PM, you’re going to regret it.
Another mistake? Rushing.
This is not a "fast-casual" environment. The service is intentional. It’s meant to be slow. If you have a show to catch at the Cadillac Palace or a flight to catch at O'Hare, give yourself a massive buffer. You want to linger. You want to ask for a second pot of tea. You want to people-watch.
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Lastly, don't ignore the rest of the hotel. After you finish Christmas tea at The Drake, walk through the lobby. Look at the gingerbread displays—they usually have a massive one that takes the pastry team weeks to build. Check out the flower shop and the lower-level boutiques. The whole building is a vibe in December.
The Competition: The Drake vs. The Peninsula vs. The Langham
Chicago has no shortage of high-end tea. The Peninsula is incredible—it’s more modern, very "zen," and the food is arguably a bit more sophisticated. The Langham has a gorgeous view of the river and a very "London" feel.
But neither of them has the history of The Drake.
If you want the "classic Chicago" experience—the one your grandmother talked about—The Drake is the only answer. The Peninsula feels like a luxury vacation; The Drake feels like coming home to a very rich, very fancy ancestor’s mansion.
Is it kid-friendly?
Sorta. It’s "well-behaved kid" friendly. If your toddler is in a "scream-and-run" phase, the Palm Court is going to be stressful for you and everyone around you. But for kids who can sit for an hour and enjoy a hot cocoa (they offer that as a tea alternative), it’s a core memory. They get their own little tower of food, usually with more "kid-friendly" sandwiches like PB&J or plain ham and cheese.
Actionable Strategy for Your Visit
If you’re serious about making this happen, here is exactly what you need to do:
- Set a reminder for September 15th. Start checking the Drake Hotel’s "Holidays at The Drake" landing page. This is where they post the booking link.
- Use OpenTable. Historically, The Drake uses OpenTable for their afternoon tea bookings. If you have an account, make sure your credit card info is updated so you can snag a spot in seconds.
- Dress the part. You don't need a ballgown, but think "Business Casual Plus." Blazers for men, dresses or nice slacks for women. You’ll feel better in the photos.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. The lobby gets crowded. Arriving early lets you soak in the decorations and get through the check-in process without feeling frazzled.
- Order the Drake Blend. Just do it. It’s the classic for a reason.
- Take the leftovers. They will give you a box for the pastries you can't finish. Those macarons taste great at 10:00 PM in your hotel room or at home.
Christmas tea at The Drake is one of those rare things that actually lives up to the hype. It’s expensive, hard to book, and a bit old-fashioned, but in a world that’s moving way too fast, spending two hours over a porcelain cup of tea in a room built in 1920 is exactly what the holidays should feel like.
Go for the tea, stay for the feeling that you’ve traveled back in time. Just don't forget to tip your harpist.