Paso Robles holiday tradition continues with Teddy Bear Tea

By Camille DeVaul · Tue Dec 23 2025

35th Annual Victorian Tea brings community together for one final gift from late Main Street leader Norma Moye

PASO ROBLES — Laughter and a sea of teddy bears filled the Paso Robles Park Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 20, as families gathered for one of the community’s most cherished holiday traditions: the Victorian Teddy Bear Tea.

Hosted by the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, the afternoon event welcomed children and their families from inside the historic ballroom at 1232 Park St., a venue built more than a century ago that offered the perfect backdrop for the celebration. Tables were arranged throughout the room, adorned for tea service, as children arrived clutching beloved teddy bears, with many dressed in holiday outfits to match the festive mood.

The Teddy Bear Tea has been a fixture of the Paso Robles holiday season for more than three decades and is considered the final chapter in the city’s beloved “Christmas Story.” The event was originally envisioned by longtime Main Street Association Executive Director Norma Moye as a special sendoff for children before Christmas arrives. Moye passed away at the age of 92 on Monday, Dec. 15.

“This is one final gift to the children before Christmas comes to town,” Moye has often said of the tea — a sentiment felt throughout the room on Saturday.

Guests were treated to tea and cookies, along with drawings, dancing, and holiday entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Claus made their rounds, posing for photos alongside the Snow King and Queen and mischievous elves. A live guitar recital of “Ten Little Angels” and other Christmas carols by Nick Breton added a musical touch to the afternoon.

Photos by Camille DeVaul/PRP

Each child left with more than memories. In keeping with tradition, every young guest received a teddy bear to take home, while parents had the chance to win gift cards and prizes donated by local businesses during a special giveaway.

The event was made possible by a wide network of volunteers. Among those lending a hand were members of FFA, the California Mid-State Fair Queen and her attendants, some young "elves," and numerous local groups who helped ensure the afternoon ran smoothly.

Jan Hop, who co-chairs the Teddy Bear Tea, said the community support was especially meaningful this year.

“Our volunteers, we had FFA, we had the queen and the attendants from the fairgrounds. We had four 12-year-old elves ... everybody was just so wonderful," Hop said. "But what a community. The youth here, and the community, the businesses, just everybody. Paso is heaven on Earth.”

This year’s tea also carried special significance, as it marked the first time the event moved forward without Moye after decades of her leadership. Hop recalled that though Moye was a little late to the party, her presence was definitely there — most likely in her chair, with her Victorian hat and giant teddy bear.

“This is the first event without Norma," Hop said. "She was there with us, saying, 'Good job, kids, have a good time. Enjoy yourself.' She was so missed. It was not the same without her. We did our best to make her proud."

Hop reflected on the long history of the Teddy Bear Tea, recalling its earliest days at the old library, where children once sat on the floor sipping tea and listening to stories read aloud.

As the afternoon came to a close, families gathered their teddy bears, teacups, and keepsakes, stepping back out into the holiday bustle of downtown Paso Robles. For many, the Victorian Teddy Bear Tea remains a timeless tradition.

For more information about upcoming events hosted by the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, visit pasoroblesdowntown.org or contact the Main Street office at (805) 238-4103