Here’s a round-up of everywhere we know is offering a free Christmas dinner in 2025.
Where to get a free Christmas dinner across the UK
Large homelessness charities offer up hot food on Christmas Day in various locations across the country and you can volunteer to help them. Crisis and The Salvation Army are just two charities offering vital support, shelter and food this Christmas.
Social Bite coffee shops across the UK also open their doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to provide a Christmas dinner and company to anyone experiencing homelessness.
The Christmas Dinner project, backed by the Gold from the Stone foundation, supports a network of community-organised dinners across the country – for young care-experienced people who would otherwise be alone for Christmas. Find a meal near you online.
Food banks and shelters across the country will also be offering free Christmas meals. Contact your local council for information about what might be available for you.
Where to get a free Christmas dinner in Wales
The Cardiff Christmas Dinner. For the fourth year, young care-experienced people across South Wales who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone will be invited to the Cardiff Christmas Dinner. It is part of the Christmas Dinner movement.
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The Swansea Wellbeing Centre – The centre is hosting a ‘Big Christmas get-together’ on the day, between 2pm to 5pm. This will include a buffet, hot drinks, socialising and fun activities. Contact Lucy on 07833 232272 to book a space.
Ysgol Trefonnen Church, Llandrindod Wells – Enjoy a free Christmas meal with locals of all ages – and a special visit from Santa for kids – on December 20 from 1pm.
“This is a warm, welcoming festive event for all ages, bringing the community together to share good food, company, and Christmas cheer,” Llandrindod Wells Community Fridge organisers said. Reserve your spot online.
Home Café, Aberystwyth – Home Café will once again be offering free meals on Christmas Day to people facing homelessness or people who are spending this Christmas alone.
Where to get a free Christmas dinner in London
Cricklewood Baptist Church – Cricklewood Baptist Church in North London is running a Christmas lunch for anyone who comes along. People are welcome to attend the 11am service or just come for lunch at 1pm. The day includes live music, a quiz and games and runs until 5pm. Register by emailing admin@cricklewoodbc.org or calling 02082081463.
Novotel London West – Hammersmith & Fulham council will run its annual Christmas lunch for local older people again this year, set to provide good, free food and company to locals who might be feeling isolated this festive season. Over-60s can register online or be nominated for a spot by someone else, and guests will be welcomed from 11am until 3pm on Christmas Day.
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Jackson’s Lane, Highgate – Arts and culture venue Jackson’s Lane will be hosting a free sit-down lunch for isolated older adults who would otherwise be alone on Christmas day – now in its 51st year. Contact christmas@jacksonslane.org.uk to refer yourself or another person.
Single Homeless Project – This UK-wide charity is fundraising to provide Christmas dinner to people experiencing homelessness across the city this Christmas. The organisation helps 12,000 people move out of homelessness each year, and will be giving out hot food, shelter and support this festive season.
The Alexandra, Wimbledon – Pub owners Mick and Sarah will open their doors on Christmas Day to anyone in need of company and a hot meal, completely free of charge.
They say: “It’s not just a meal, it’s a proper, warm-hug-around-the-soul kind of celebration (with crackers and plenty of pudding seconds). It’s completely on us, no questions, no catches, just community at its most heartwarming.:
Where to get a free Christmas dinner across the south and east of England
St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury – People of any age and any belief are welcome to St Mary’s on Christmas Day for a festive event that has been providing comfort to the community for twenty years. A free lunch will be served between 12pm and 3pm, and transport can be arranged in advance for those who need it on 01296 437641.
Bridgnorth Rugby Club, Shropshire – Together at Christmas has been running an annual festive lunch for over a decade and this year’s no different. Anyone in the area who might be facing a tough or lonely Christmas Day is invited for a free lunch in a welcoming atmosphere, and transport is available for anyone who needs it. Call 01746 768129 to book or or email bridgnorthtac@gmail.com.
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Oxford Christmas Lunch – The Oxford Christmas Lunch will return for 2025 at the King’s Centre. To book a place, contact Sara on sara@oxfordchristmaslunch.org or call her on 07535 314716.
The Gaskin’s Free Christmas Lunch, Guildford – The Gaskin’s is delivering Christmas meals to anyone within 15 miles of Guildford between 12pm and 3pm on December 24. Reserve your meal by contacting Marta on 07855846957 or emailing info@freechristmaslunch.com.
Caring in Bristol – Caring in Bristol will run a pop-up day centre for people facing homelessness, every day from Christmas Eve until December 30, offering food and support.
Where to get free Christmas dinner in the north of England
Christmas Day Dinner in Fleetwood – The local community in Fleetwood will provide a free Christmas lunch for the fourth year running. From 12pm, at Fleetwood sea cadet base, volunteers will be serving up a free three-course meal for anyone who might otherwise go without, or who just needs a bit of company on Christmas Day. Contact 07958558135 or email director@emberandblossom.co.uk.
Cornerstone and Caritas House accommodation project, Salford – Operated by the Dioceses of Salford, these centres will be providing Christmas meals to its guests facing homelessness on Christmas Day from 1pm-3pm.
Lifeshare, Manchester – Lifeshare primarily work with rough sleepers and those in food and fuel poverty throughout the year, but at Christmas they open to anyone in need of a warm place to spend the day, a hot shower, dry clothes, a fresh meal, or a friendly face.
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Lifeshare opens for 10 days, from the 19 December to 28 December for anyone needing extra support over the holidays. They have live entertainment from musical performers each day along with games, Christmas films, and creative expression workshops. It will also serve as a warm bank.
The People’s Kitchen, Newcastle – The People’s Kitchen offers a hot meal, clothes, wellbeing packs, food parcels, and sleeping bags – not only on Christmas Day, but seven days a week all year round.
Two Brothers restaurant, Knaresborough – Locals in North Yorkshire town Knaresborough will offer Christmas dinners at the Two Brothers from 1.30pm on Christmas Day. Volunteers can deliver food and gifts on Christmas Day too to those who can’t make it to Two Brothers restaurant.
Register your interest by emailing knaresboroughcdd@gmail.com, calling Bruce on 07958 653084
Where to get a free Christmas dinner in Scotland
Social Bite – Social bite is opening its doors on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for those experiencing homelessness across Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow to enjoy a free festive meal.
Wood Street Social Club, Glasgow – The club is putting on a free Christmas dinner in the east end of Glasgow on Sunday, December 21. Places are limited, so contact them in advance to book a spot.
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Hibernian Community Foundation, Edinburgh – HCF is planning to supply 400 community members meals from Easter Road’s Behind the Goals on Christmas Day, and provide 100 more meals via delivery to community members in the surrounding area. If you or someone you know will benefit from one of the meals, click here for registration.
Steps to Hope, Edinburgh and West Lothian. Steps to Hope offers an annual sit-down Christmas dinner as well as brand new clothing to anyone who is homeless or suffering from addiction.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Know of any others offering free food on Christmas Day? Let us know at editorial@bigissue.com.
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