One of the most meaningful ways to spend your holidays is by volunteering, and Newcastle has several organisations that welcome extra help during the festive period. The West End Foodbank often needs volunteers to sort donations and pack food parcels, while FoodCycle Newcastle offers opportunities to cook and serve community meals made from surplus food, helping fight food poverty in the North East. If you’d prefer a more social role, Good Neighbours Newcastle pairs volunteers with isolated, older and disabled residents for friendly check-ins or light practical support. These activities not only support vulnerable people across the city but also give you the chance to feel connected and purposeful at a time when being away from home can feel particularly tough and uncommunicative.
For students seeking a quieter or more reflective experience, attending a church service can be comforting. St Thomas’ Church, located right opposite the University near Haymarket, is particularly welcoming to students and hosts a variety of seasonal services throughout December. Even if you’re not religious, these gatherings offer a sense of togetherness, familiar holiday music, and a peaceful break from the hustle of the season. You can calmly connect with the city’s festive spirit and spend time among others who are also enjoying the holidays.
If you’re looking for a cosy way to spend a few hours, Christmas at Tyneside Cinema is perfect for solo outings. This festive program offers a mix of classic and modern holiday films, allowing you to get lost in seasonal stories while enjoying the charm of one of Newcastle’s most unique cinemas. They are showcasing Christmas classics such as The Holiday, It's a Wonderful Life and Elf. On Monday's they offer £5 tickets on selected films, making it the ideal budget-friendly celebration.
For those who want to commemorate the oncoming New Year, Newcastle’s Quayside offers a spectacular way to mark the occasion. Watching the city’s fireworks display over the Tyne Bridge and the Millennium Bridge is a thrilling experience and a chance to be part of a shared celebration as the city congregates by the blissful river. You could even take a journal with you to make it more interactive, letting go of all your feelings from the past year and evaluating what changes you wish to implement.
During the holiday season, there are many different activities to do by yourself. Making cookies, taking a crisp winter stroll across Jesmond Dene, going to local craft classes, or exploring Christmas markets are all ways to bring life and joy to the city, fostering peaceful moments. Remember that spending time alone can be empowering and even healing. Learning to enjoy your own presence and recognising that you are genuinely good company can make the lonesome holidays feel less like something to “get through” and more like a chance to reconnect with yourself and discover new passions.