As Christmas arrives in the city, it’s easy to get swept up by the lights, trees, and decorations everywhere. And the capitalistic haze of the ‘buy, buy, buy’ side of the holiday can cause us to lose sight of what Christmas is really about. But over in Wimbledon, one community pub is stepping up to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. They’re opening up their doors and extending a welcoming arm to those who might spend the special day alone, with a free Christmas celebration.
The Alexandra, in Wimbledon, will be open to anyone and everyone on Christmas Day as part of an annual tradition that stretches back 15 years. Proprietors Mick and Sarah Dore took over the pub 17 years ago (!), and almost every year since, they’ve been welcoming people in for Christmas. What started as free pints for anyone spending Christmas alone has snowballed into a full Christmas meal – absolutely for free.
Christmas at The Alexandra
There’s no catch, and there are no hoops to jump through. It’s an offer made purely out of the love, open-heartedness, and hospitality of the Dores. If you’ll be on your own this Christmas, they invite you to pop down any time between 12-3pm on Christmas Day. They’ve saved a seat just for you.
In a post to Instagram, they request that people engage with the free Christmas celebration in the true spirit of the day. In a post on Instagram, they explain:
“Swing by any time from midday to 3pm on the 25th of December. No need to book.
To keep it special for those who need company the most, this event is only for people attending solo. Families and groups, we adore you, just not for this.”
All are welcome at The Alexandra
Dozens of people gather at the Alexandra for the free Christmas celebration each year. Among the guests are older people, newcomers to London, and people who can’t get home for the holidays. And as they sit together, on mismatched chairs, they realise that they’re not alone. And what could be a difficult day becomes a “proper, warm-hug-around-the-soul kind of celebration (with crackers and plenty of pudding seconds).”
Take a look at what you can expect on the day here. But be sure to have some tissues at the ready:
In previous years, the local community has joined in and gone all out as they get involved in the event. The day has often found shops and neighbouring residents donating gifts and food. The waiters and waitresses are volunteers, offering up their time to bring joy and festivity to the punters.
If you’d like to support The Alexandra in brightening people’s day this Christmas, there are charity boxes on the bar. Visitors can also donate via card when they visit.
Thank you to Mick, Sarah, and the rest of the team at The Alexandra. The world needs more people like you.
📍 You can find The Alexandra at 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7NE. The nearest station is Wimbledon. Read more about the Community Christmas here.