While my family is still young, my husband and I are trying hard to form some lasting holiday traditions that we will carry on for years to come. One thing I have begun is taking my oldest daughter to a holiday tea with my Mom. This year, we chose the Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea at the Hotel Monteleone. About the event:
“Some of the season’s favorite Christmas characters including, Santa, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s elves, will all be in attendance sharing in the festivities. Mrs. Claus will be reading classic Christmas tales and a trumpeter will lead special guests in a musical parade. Savory treats, games and caroling will fill the air with joy. Monte the Lion will close the day by presenting each of his new friends with a Monte stuffed animal.”
When we arrived the hotel, my daughter was in awe of the gorgeous tree in the lobby (and I was speechless, too!). We quickly made our way to the banquet room and took a picture with Monte the Lion and a few of Santa’s elves. We were escorted to our beautifully decorated table and almost instantly, we were served tea, milk or coffee. The food was presented on beautiful trays and was truely a work of art in itself.
After we ate, my daughter got the chance to make her own cupcake (nothing says Christmas like gummy worms on a buttercream cupcake, right?). While Santa was available for pictures ($10), Mrs. Claus led the kids in a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” followed by some fun reindeer games including Bingo and Rudolph Says.
We had an amazing time and I beleive we created some wonderful holiday memories. Everyone in my party agreed that the event was very child friendly (they even served peanut butter and jelly wraps and pizza for the kids!). We would definitely consider attening again next year!
If you are looking to start a holiday tradition with your kids, there is another seating of Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea on December 18th at both 10:00am and 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased for $36 for kids and $49 for adults.
We haven’t gone because I thought it was a little pricey- especially since you had to pay for the santa pix besides.
what age would you say is best, 6-7? Thanks!
My daughter is 5 1/2 and she loved it! I took her last year at 4 1/2 and she was a bit scared of the characters. This year she loved it all!
Thank you so much for this wonderful post. We are honored to be a part of your family holiday tradition.
We had such a wonderful time. Seeing Christmas traditions through the eyes of your Grandchild is truly a blessing!!! Thank you Monteleone…it was well worth the price!