About this Event
Come join us again to celebrate the holiday season with a one-of-a kind Christmas Royal Tea at the historic Science Hill/Wakefield Scearce Gallery. Conveniently nestled in downtown Shelbyville, Kentucky, Wakefield Scearce holds one of the largest collections of English antiques. (Click on the video link in the pictures above to view a short clip from KET which provides a glimpse inside this magnificent building and gallery).
Last year this signature tea event quickly sold out so we have added an additional day for 2025 and will be hosting this event on two separate Saturdays: December 13th and 20th. We have reduced the number of tables available in the Georgian dining room from last year to provide guests with more spacing and have added a special VIP dining section in the courtyard for Dec 13th. There will be no silent auction this year in the courtyard. This event page is for the December 13, 2025 event. If you are interested in attending on December 20, 2025 you will need to purchase tickets on the different listing for that day.
Click here to purchase tickets for the Dec. 20th event
Upon arrival in the courtyard, guests will be checked in and served sparkling tea in champagne flutes. The traditional tea service will begin promptly at 1:00 pm in the Georgian Room where guests will be served specially crafted loose-leaf teas and a traditional three-tiered tray that includes a variety of delicious tea sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream & jam. Of course, an English tea is not complete without the top tier of tasty sweets which will include Elegant Life's signature bourbon less bourbon balls.
Not familiar with afternoon teas or etiquette? No problem... Lisa Board will provide a brief overview on the history and etiquette of English tea services and you will also be enlightened with the history of this beautiful landmark that was once an all-girls school in the early1800's and learn about the famous mint julep cups.
*Guests will be seated together to fill tables of 4, 6 or 8. All general tickets purchased on the same order will be seated together. If you would like to be seated with others who purchased tickets on a different order, please give their name when purchasing tickets or contact Kimberly at [email protected]
If you prefer a more intimate two-person only seating arrangement, there are a limited number of tables available and ticket pricing includes two tickets at your own table.
Each room of the gallery is carefully curated and elegantly decorated with Christmas trimmings to put you into the holiday spirit. Items are also available for purchase throughout the gallery and in the shops, so plan to arrive early or stay afterwards to give yourself plenty of time to visit. Science Hill provides a beautiful backdrop for photos during this time of year so make sure to capture yourself in front of these elegant displays and don't be shy... this is a holiday tea experience and beautiful hats and fascinators are encouraged to be worn, but are not required.
Following your meal, a free guided tour through the gallery will be available for anyone wishing to learn more about the history.
Tickets are non-refundable, but we understand that life can be unpredictable. If you are unable to attend, you can transfer your tickets to someone else.
Lastly, your attendance at any of our signature events supports our mission to educate, reduce stigma, and support addiction recovery programs for our community. Thank you.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wakefield-Scearce Gallery, 525 Washington Street, Shelbyville, United States
USD 92.55 to USD 241.94
