Service FinderWe acknowledge that the “festive season”, and Christmas time, isn’t always the joyous occasion shared by the media. Therefore, we extend our understanding and support to those who may be finding this time of year challenging.
Whether you are on your own, or part of a large family with lots of social events, this time of year can be a stressful time for many reasons. We have written about this previously – and this article still holds great information: tips-for-beating-christmas-stress/
Importantly, remember to treat yourself to special meals and some nice gifts, and plan activities you love, like going for a walk or starting an activity you’ve always wanted to do.
We at ECH, also understand the importance of companionship during this time.
If you’re feeling lonely during the holiday season and are seeking a warm, festive atmosphere on Christmas Day, we have compiled a list of places hosting free or low-cost Christmas lunches below. Sharing a meal with others can be a wonderful way to find connection and celebrate the spirit of togetherness during the holidays.
The list has been compiled by our Community Engagement Team, with these services and events spanning the Adelaide Metropolitan area, as well as the South Australian regional areas across the festive season. Send us a message if we have missed one that you know of, to include in our list: E: communityengagement@ech.asn.au
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHES
ADELAIDE CITY
Baptist Care SA (WESTCARE)
Meals for people experiencing homelessness or low income earners. Drop in, no cost
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 11am – 1pm
Where: 11-13 Millers Court, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact: (08) 8118 5200
For more information visit: https://baptistcaresa.org.au/
Pilgrim Uniting Church
Free Christmas dinner for people who are vulnerable, isolated or want to share Christmas with others
Cost: No cost
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 4.30pm
Where: Pilgrim Uniting Church, 12 Flinders St Adelaide
For more information contact 8212 3295
ADELAIDE SUBURBS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Glen Osmond Baptist Church
Christmas Eve Carols on the Oval with FREE sausage sizzle, all welcome!
When: Sunday 24 December 2023, 5pm – 7:30pm
Glen Osmond Primary School Oval
gobaptist.org.au
The Salvation Army
Christmas events (including Christmas meals) for the community. The Salvation Army has a list of Christmas events including church services, carols and Christmas meals to select from on their website. Please call your local Salvos before visiting for updates to event details and to ensure the Christmas event listed is still taking place. Find an event: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/christmas/events/#event-search
The Salvation Army – Unley
Christmas Eve dinner for residents of Unley and Mitcham councils
When: Sunday 24 December 2023 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: 70 Marion St Unley SA 5061
No cost, RSVP/bookings by Friday 22 December 2023
Contact: (08) 8271 2839
Elizabeth Church of Christ
Christmas day lunch
No cost
When: Monday 25 December 2023 at 12pm
Contact: (08) 8255 2467 to register
Centacare – Aldinga
Christmas Day Lunch for the community
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 11am – 2pm
Where: Aldinga SA 5173 (address details given on booking)
No cost, RSVP/bookings required for catering
Contact: (08) 8215 6310
MarionLIFE
$5 Christmas Day Lunch for the community
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 12noon
Where: 887 Marion Rd, Mitchell Park SA 5043
Cost: $5 per person, RSVP/bookings required for catering by Thursday 14 December 2023
Contact: (08) 8277 0304 or by email info@marionlife.org.au
Come along for a main meal, dessert, tea/coffee, music and fun!
Families with children are most welcome.
Wakefield House Positive Ageing Centre, Morphett Vale
$5 Christmas Day Lunch for the community
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 12:30pm
Where: 65 Acre Ave, Morphett Vale SA 5162
Cost: $5 per person, RSVP/bookings required for catering before 15 December 2023
Contact: (08) 8384 6158
Visit: www.onkaparingacity.com/Community-facilities-support/Venues-facilities/Community-centres/Wakefield-House-Positive-Ageing-Centre
Campbelltown Christmas Dinner
Christmas Day Dinner for the community
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Campbelltown Function Centre, 172 Montacute Rd, Rostrevor SA 5063
No cost, RSVP/bookings for catering by Tuesday 19 December 2023
Contact: (08) 8366 9222
Provided by the North East Salvos and supported by Council.
COUNTRY
The Salvation Army – VICTOR HARBOR
Christmas dinner
No cost
When: Monday 25 December 2023
Where: 22 Bartel Boulevard, Encounter Bay
Register at 8552 7474 or https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/victorharbor/christmas-appeal/christmas-day-dinner/
Kadina Church of Christ
FREE BBQ
When: Saturday 23 December 2023
Traditional Carol singing at 7pm
MURRAY BRIDGE
Combined Christian Churches of Murray Bridge – Christmas Lunch
Christmas Day Lunch for residents of Murray Bridge
When: Monday 25 December 2023, 12pm
Where: Catholic Church Hall, Cnr Ind and Mannum Rd, Murray Bridge
No cost, RSVP/bookings required by 16 December 2023
Contact: Catholic Church 8531 1699, Uniting Church 8532 5150 or 0466 411 784 to register or for further enquiries.
A community Christmas lunch for people in the Murray Bridge area who are in need, experiencing homelessness or who are lonely or isolated this year.
If you are looking for an alternative way to support those in need:
Posted: December 8, 2023