New Orleans continues its tradition of High Tea during the Christmas season, These teas are an elegant way to spend an afternoon. From the finger sandwiches, to the freshly baked scones and all the trimmings, to the last delicious bite of a chocolate covered strawberry, these tesa are special experiences. In addition to the food, there's the grand decorations, and music to make your afternoon more festive.

The Windsor Court Tes

The Windsor Court hosts a High Tea all year round in Le Salon on Thursday through Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. At either sitting, you have a choice of the classic tea or the Royal Tea which adds a glass of sherry, sparkling wine or chardonnay and smoked slamon an caviar canapes to the usual fare. For reservations or more information call 504.596.4773 or go online to this website.

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton has afternoon tea all year from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Special Chistmas and Teddy Bear Teas

Afternoon tea takes on a new elegance at Christmas tims, and its not just for adults. Several hotels offer teas especially for the younger set, and that parents or grandparents can enjoy equally.

See the photos

Teddy Bear Tea

The Roosevelt Hotel has an elegant Teddy Bear Tea in the Crescent City Ballroom of this beautifully restored hotel. There's a kids menu that includes hot chocolate, scones, pizza and sandwicher. There's also an adult menu and a cash bar.

It's every weekend in December with two seatings at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are $49 for adults and $34 for kids. For more information call 504.648.1200.

The Royal Teddy Bear Tea

The Royal Sonesta Hotel is hosting Teddy Bear Royal Tea with Santa, Mrs. Clause, Frosty and many more of your favorites, on the following dates:

• Friday, December 16, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17, 2011 – 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 18, 2011 – 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m..
• Monday, December 19, 2011 – 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 20, 2011 – 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday December 21, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 22, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 23, 2011 – 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Premium Seating Closest to the Stage - Adults: $68 Kids: $53; Regular Seating – Adult: $58 Kids: $43 (prices include tax and gratuity. Discounted Parking available. Call for reservations 504-586-0300

Monte Lion's Children's Holiday Party

On Saturdays in December, The Monteleone Hotel is offering Monte Lion's Children's Holiday Party. There's are lots of kid-friendly treats but adults will have some of their own. Take a picture with Santa and meet Mrs. Claus and the elves. Monte the Lion will entertain you and give every child a souvenir Monte stuffed animal. There will be seasonal savories, games and caroling. Adults: $49.00. Kids: $36.00 (Inclusive of tax, gratuity and fees) 10am-12:00 pm. Tickets: 866-468-7619 or the Monteleone's website.

Tea Party For The Dolls

The Beauregard-Keyes House at 1113 Chartres St. hosts a New Orleans Christmas tradition, the tea party for the dolls on the second Saturday of December. Children may bring a favorite doll or toy and take part in a sing-along, listen to a story in the elegant ballroom by the old-fashioned Christmas tree, see the resident dolls "at tea" and a Victorian doll house. Meanwhile, parents tour the house, and afterwards, everyone can enjoy refreshments and meet Santa Claus. From 2pm-3pm. (504)523-7257 for more information.

Papa Noel Tea

Join Papa Noel at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans for a holiday tea party. An elegant tea with Papa Noel is for both parents and their children. There will be music, storytelling, and a gingerbread masterpiece. Children will receive gifts from Papa Noel. Children's Tea Parties are December 6, 13, and 20th.

Windsor Court Tea For The Holidays

In the beautiful Windsor Court during the month of December, a special Afternoon Tea will served in Le Salon. Special flavored holiday teas and Christmas cookies will be available for inclusion in the tea menu. For children during the holidays, a special menu is available with their favorites such as peanut butter and preserves finger sandwiches and Christmas cookies, including ginger bread men and hot cocoa. Reservations are required for all Tea Service in Le Salon and can be made by calling 504-596-4773.

Hotel InterContinental

The Hotel offers Gingerbread Tea, which, in addition to the tea and other tasty refreshments, includes entertainment, children's activities, and a special gift. Weekends through December 21. 444 St. Charles Ave.