Having tea is kind of a holiday thing in Dallas. There's the beloved tradition of Holiday Tea at the Adolphus, the tea at The Taschen Library at The Joule, and the regular tea at The Arboretum, which shifts to a holiday focus after Thanksgiving.

A newcomer tea is taking place on December 20 at the Hall of State in Fair Park, but this one has a specific focus: Called High Tea in the Hall, it's a fund-raising event for the Dallas Historical Society, the nonprofit that collects, preserves, and exhibits the unique heritage of Dallas and Texas.

Spokesperson Molly Nolan says that they wanted a different kind of event and one that would also feature their building in Fair Park.

"The Hall of State is so beautiful, it just lends itself to this kind of event," Nolan says. "The room has its signature 12-foot gold medallion which is a perfect backdrop for Santa photos, if people want have a Texas experience."

This is the second year for the event, which is being executed by catering company Food Glorious Food.

"Technically it's not high tea, which would include mincemeat pie - it's traditional afternoon tea," Nolan says.

There are 2 menus and if you buy a table - this is a fund-raiser, don't forget - you also get a bottle of champagne. Tea options include:

Royal Tea Champagne Royale. Aristocratic tea sandwiches; caviar blini; prosciutto and mozzarella on ficelle; hickory smoked turkey on carrot bread; smoked salmon with honey mustard on pumpernickel rounds; scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd; and miniature pastries. Choice of two teas.

Traditional Afternoon Tea. English tea sandwiches including smoked turkey Waldorf; watercress, cucumber, tomato & basil; and egg salad. Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, miniature pastries. Choice of two teas.

Children's tea (for 10 and under). Sandwiches including Nutella & banana; peanut butter & jelly; and ham & cheese sandwich fingers. Scone with vanilla yogurt; mini eclairs, oatmeal cookies, strawberry tarts. Hot chocolate, milk, or apple juice.

Other afternoon activities include:

• Visit with Santa in the Great Hall
• 1930s-era informal modeling by Texas Vintage Society 
• Holiday items from the Dallas Historical Society on display
• Raffle prizes, including tickets to Dallas Summer Musicals.

Prices start at $65 for Dallas Historical Society members and $75 for non members. Attendees are encouraged to wear festive tea attire.

Parking is in front of the building or in the lot to the north of the building, through Gate 3.

Doors open at 3:30 pm, and the tea service runs from 4-5:30 pm.