If you’re alone on Christmas Day and wouldn’t mind some company, why not join one of the Christmas lunches or dinners in your local community? For those who can’t go out, we’ve also listed some virtual options. Please note that you will need to book in advance to attend any of these.
At the bottom of this page, you will also find information about foodbanks support available during the Christmas period in your area.
Want to volunteer on Christmas Day?
If you’d like to spend Christmas giving something back to your community, a lot of Churches and organisations offering free Christmas meals are looking for volunteers. Scroll down to see which organisations are looking for Santa helpers or festive elves!
DORKING
Dorking Christian Centre
From 11am – arrivals and welcome drinks, full Xmas lunch and presents on departure. Suggested donation: £5 per head (no obligation).
Please complete the registration form (scroll down to notices and click on the link) or register with Janette or Louise on 01306 886830.
For anyone in the Rushmoor and Surrey Heath areas who’d otherwise be on their own on Christmas day. A free 2 course lunch, veggie/vegan options available, no alcohol, disabled guests can bring a carer.
FETCHAM
The Meeting Room – Christmas Day Lunch in Fetcham Village Hall. If you would like to attend the event, please email themeetingroom123@gmail.com or call 07413 978422.
Volunteers needed – If you would like to volunteer some of your time on Christmas Day for the Meeting Room Christmas Lunch event, they would love to hear from you. Even if it is only for a couple of hours or for all of the day, they could use your help. It is a really great experience and you will be helping to make Christmas Day such a special occasion for people in our local community. Please email themeetingroom123@gmail.com or call 07413 978422.
STONELEIGH AND EWELL
Christmas Festive Dinner – For those who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas day or know of someone in this situation, ‘Churches Together in Ewell’ is pleased to offer a Christmas dinner plus festive activities.
On Christmas Day 12:30 – 4:15pm at a local church. This offer is open to all Stoneleigh and Ewell residents.
Transport can be arranged. There is no charge. To join us call: 07999 805 475 or email christmas.dinner@dsl.pipex.com
EPSOM
Christmas Meal – Kings Church, Epsom
Free of charge, from 12.15pm-2.30pm. The Kings Church, Longmead Road, Epsom, KT19 9BU. To book or for more information go to: thekingschurch.org/christmasmeals or call 0208 786 7998.
Epsom Methodist Church is hosting a sit-down meal on Christmas Day. The event is for all ages, directed at those who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. They will have a traditional Christmas lunch and lots of laughter, singing and entertainment.
If you would like to help there’s lots to do:
In addition, this will be their fifth and final year of organising this event. If anyone feels called to take it on into future years, this year is a chance to shadow them and gain the experience!
All offers welcome! Please contact Keith & Lisa Halstead on christmastogether@epsommethodistchurch.org.uk
REIGATE AND BANSTEAD
St Marks Church, Community Lunch will be having a Christmas Ploughman’s Lunch on Saturday 10 December at 12.15pm, for £3.00. For families and individuals. Call Gill on 01737 353953 by 8 December for more information.
St Marks Church, Christmas Day – Christmas Together is for people who would otherwise be alone Christmas Day to join with others for a Christmas lunch and festivities. Transport included and there is no charge. Call Janet on O1737 353138 asap.
Easter Project, Christmas Meal on 20 December at 12.30pm. Drop in at Merstham Mix Café but first come first serve up to 25 people. Donations only. Sign up in the café. Merstham Community Hub, 2a Portland Drive, Merstham, Redhill, RH1 3HY.
Renewed Hope, Christmas Meals on Wheels, a free two-course lunch with all the trimmings delivered on Christmas Day. It is for any adult living in the Redhill, Reigate and Merstham area who is spending Christmas Day alone or who can’t afford a Christmas Day lunch. To book email: info@renewedhope.org.uk or call on 01737 886 997 by 9 December as places are limited.
Renewed Hope, Drop-In offering free lunch time meals on weekdays 11am-3pm and 12.30pm-1.30pm over Christmas period (closed on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day) at Shrewsbury Chapel, Redhill. For homeless, vulnerable & isolated adults. Anyone is welcome to drop in. For more information please visit their website.
ELMBRIDGE
Community Christmas Lunch at St Andrew’s between 1-4pm on Christmas Day. Bookings via elaine@sac.church
GUILDFORD
St Mary/St Joseph Church Guildford – For anyone in need this Christmas (homeless, students, lonely, vulnerable), the Gaskin family are offering to deliver Christmas lunch on Christmas Day to the home of anyone in need. Please reserve your lunch by emailing info@freechristmaslunch.com, or by calling 01483 562 704.
CATERHAM
Alone at Christmas or worried about funds? Caterham Churches together and The Westway are delighted to invite you to a FREE traditional lunch, at The Westway or delivered to your home. Call 01883 347 230 or email info@thewestway.org to reserve your place. Lunch from 12.30pm, The Westway, 25 Chaldon Road, Caterham, CR3 5PG. Free of charge.
Could you help? Help is needed in the following areas: planning and organising pre-event, cooking, serving or helping host on Christmas Day. They are also looking for drivers to give lifts or deliver meals and festive elves to help clear up after. Lots of fun and a great way to spend Christmas day!
OTHER LOCATIONS
Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly)
Re-engage is an organisation that believes that no older person in the UK should be alone on Christmas Day unless they want to be. They have listings of community Christmas Day events being run near you. Simply enter your postcode to find out what’s going on in Surrey, they will be updating the events available weekly. Often transport to the event is available.
And if you’re over 75, they’ll find an event that’s suitable for you. Go to the Re-engage Community Christmas webpage for details.
VIRTUAL
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People – Christmas Day chit chat!
Are you going to be on your own on Christmas Day? You are welcome to join a short Christmas Day chit chat using the zoom joining details below: 25th December, 10:00 am to 10.30 am.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72884103624?pwd=uTid72aaWCyW7LyDkeLExTC9bKqd15.1
Meeting ID: 728 8410 3624
Passcode: 12345
The Bee Tree Community – Virtual Dinner & Activities on Christmas Week
The Bee Tree Community is a virtual community centre aiming to help tackle social isolation, loneliness and lockdown stress through bringing people together online across wonderful groups and sessions. No matter where you are, who you’re with, what you’re doing, how you’re feeling – you can join their Christmas table and celebrations. Invite your family, get your hat on and join the Bee Tree Community on Zoom.
Download their Christmas Week programme. To book a session, you’ll need to register on their website.
FOODBANKS
If you’d like some information about foodbank parcels and food clubs available over Christmas, whether to receive or donate:
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