Afternoon Tea at the Ritz; Hanukkah at AQ

UNION SQUARE—Thanksgiving weekend heralds the beginning of shopping season and its attendant festivities in Union Square, where the Ritz-Carlton will host its traditional Afternoon Tea in the Lounge. Unwind above the shopping hordes with a perfectly-blended pot of tea, savory tea sandwiches, classic sweets likes scones and macaroons and live jazz. Seatings are at 3pm on Nov. 29-Dec. 1; Dec. 5-8 and Dec. 12-24, $65 per person. [EaterWire]

SOMA—It' a quick and crowded holiday season, so get your tickets now for AQ's Hanukkah Dinner on Dec. 2nd. AQ chef Mark Liberman will team up with guest chefs from Commonwealth, The Village Pub, Baker & Banker and Deli Board for an 8-course tasting menu with beverage pairings: look for courses like winter squashes and quince with duck liver, latkes with smoked fish and wagyu brisket pastrami. Tickets are $155 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Food Bank. [EaterWire]

MISSION—Charles Chocolates is blending both tea and Hanukkah themes with afternoon teas taking place from Dec. 1-2. Expect Gloria's brisket sliders, latkes with homemade gravlax and sufganyot with strawberry preserves. Tea is $36.50 per person or $52.50 with a 10-piece box of chocolates to take home. [EaterWire]

SOMA—The Bluxome Meet Market kicks into high gear this Saturday with a special holiday gift fair to feature dozens of local food purveyors. Get there on time to shop for olive oil, honey, wine and preserves for everyone on your gift list this year. [EaterWire]