Come Alone by Meet & Mint Events you can go to on your own

19 December 2026 – 6 January 2027 · 73 cities

The holidays, alone and not lonely.

Christmas markets, sing-alongs, winter walks, library game nights and New Year on the square — 123 things you can walk into on your own over the holidays, picked from city open data. Far from home this year? Host a small orphans’ Christmas dinner for other newcomers in one minute.

See the holiday picks Host an orphans’ Christmas dinner

The holiday picks

Festive things you can join solo

Check the official page before you go — times and prices can change.

Sat19Dec
Free
OutdoorsMondsee
18:00–23:59

Torchlight procession and Christmas-tree dive in the lake, Mondsee

Adventmarkt Mondsee (Marktplatz) and the lake bay

One of the odder Advent customs of the Salzkammergut: at six in the evening a torchlight procession with the St. Lorenz wind players leaves the Mondsee Advent market and walks down to the lake bay, where the divers of the water rescue team swim out with torches and sink a lit Christmas tree into the dark water. Meanwhile everyone else warms up with tea, Glühwein and a snack. Free, donations welcome. «Christbaumtauchen in Mondsee» Starts 18:00, ends about 23:59. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Sat19Dec
MusicRoa
19:00–20:30

B Vocal's 'A Cappella Christmas' in Roa

Centro Cívico Villa de Roa (Roa de Duero)

The a cappella group B Vocal mixes voices and humour in a Christmas show of gospel, carols, pop and film soundtracks, all sung without instruments. It lasts 80 minutes and tickets cost 10 €. A festive concert in a small-town civic centre is an easy evening out alone.

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Sat19Dec
CultureAldeamayor de San Martín
19:00–20:30

Trío Caracol's Christmas Musical Comedy in Aldeamayor

Teatro de la Casa de Cultura (Aldeamayor de San Martín)

Trío Caracol bring their Christmas special of music, laughter, surprises and audience interaction, with the running order chosen by the public through a draw. The show lasts 100 minutes and tickets cost 3 €. Shows built on audience participation make it easy to get chatting with your neighbours.

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Sat19Dec
Free
MusicSpital am Pyhrn
19:00–22:00

Open Christmas-song evening in a pastry café, Spital am Pyhrn

Café Konditorei Kemetmüller

Spital am Pyhrn is a mountain village at the foot of the Pyhrn pass in southern Upper Austria, and the Kemetmüller pastry café on its main square invites everyone to an Advent evening of songs: listen, or sing along with traditional Advent and Christmas songs over cake and something warm. Entry is free; you only pay for what you order. «Adventabend - Offenes Weihnachtsliedersingen» Starts 19:00, ends about 22:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Sun20Dec
Free
MusicBologna
11:30–13:00

Free New Year Concert by Concordanze at Goethe Zentrum

Goethe Zentrum Bologna

Concordanze's much-loved New Year concert, titled 'Balla, Ludovico, balla!', is held on Sunday late morning at the Goethe Zentrum. Entry is free, and booking is recommended by email to concordanze@gmail.com. A small venue and a festive mood make it an easy outing to enjoy alone.

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Sun20Dec
MusicPamplona
12:00–13:20

La Pamplonesa Band's Christmas Concert with Nora Vocal Trio

Teatro Gayarre

Pamplona's municipal band La Pamplonesa plays a special Christmas concert with Nora Vocal Trio, Irati Gutiérrez, Maialen Areta and Elena Vidal. The programme lasts 80 minutes and tickets cost 10 €. A Sunday-noon concert at the Teatro Gayarre is a pleasant solo outing.

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Sun20Dec
Free
MusicZalla
19:00–20:30

Free Christmas Concert by the Azkoaga Music Band in Zalla

Zalla Zine-Antzokia

The Azkoaga Music Band, conducted by Ander Diego, plays its traditional Christmas concert with a seasonal programme. Entry is free. A local band concert brings the whole town together and is easy to attend on your own.

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Mon21Dec
Free
OutdoorsWeyregg am Attersee
17:00–22:00

Winter-solstice bonfire on the hill above Weyregg am Attersee

Above Weyregg, by the Gasthof Schöberingerhof (exact fire site announced locally)

On the longest night of the year the Kulturvielfalt Weyregg team closes 2026 with a solstice fire on the slopes above the Attersee, with live music and food and drink. The listing names the Gasthof Schöberingerhof on Miglberg as the venue and says the exact fire site will be announced, so check the page or ask at the inn on the day. Free entry; dress for a cold hillside. «Kulturvielfalt Weyregg - Wintersonnenwende am Berg» Starts 17:00, ends about 22:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Mon21Dec
Free
CultureChicago
18:30–19:30

Book talk on Richard Osman's «We Solve Murders», Dunning, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Dunning

The Dunning branch on Chicago's far Northwest Side ends its year with a cosy mystery: librarian Jenny leads the monthly book discussion on We Solve Murders, the first of Richard Osman's new series after The Thursday Murder Club, with retired investigator Steve Wheeler and his daughter-in-law Amy. A gentle evening of talk on the solstice. Free, no registration. «Adult Book Discussion: We Solve Murders» Starts 18:30, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue22Dec
Free
CultureToronto
15:00–15:30

National Ballet at 75: free gallery tour, Toronto Reference Library

Toronto Reference Library – TD Gallery (1st floor)

A short, staff-led walk through the TD Gallery show A Legacy in Motion, which marks 75 years of The National Ballet of Canada with costume designs, photographs, show-worn costumes and archive material from the library's Special Collections and the ballet's own archives. A calm half hour in the city's biggest library during Christmas week. Free; registration is not required but encouraged. Turn right at the elevators on the first floor. «Exhibition Tour - A Legacy in Motion» Starts 15:00, ends about 15:30. Source: Toronto Public Library events.

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Tue22Dec
Free
SocialHelsinki
16:00–20:00

Bridge afternoon at the Oulunkylä community house, Helsinki

Community house Oulunkylän Seurahuone

The community house Oulunkylän Seurahuone in north Helsinki keeps its bridge tables going in Christmas week. Bridge is the classic four-player trick game played in two pairs facing each other, where partners bid a contract and then try to win the tricks, mixing logic, strategy and teamwork. The session runs through the afternoon into the evening, so you can drop in at any point. Free; expect the table talk to be in Finnish. «Bridge» Starts 16:00, ends about 20:00. Source: City of Helsinki / City of Espoo — LinkedEvents (CC BY 4.0).

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Tue22Dec
Free
SocialToronto
18:00–19:30

Drop-in Tuesday chess club at Eatonville library, Toronto

Toronto Public Library – Eatonville

The Eatonville branch in Etobicoke opens its tables for a friendly game of chess every Tuesday evening, Christmas week included. All skill levels are welcome and the library provides the sets, so you only need to turn up and find an opponent. Free, drop in. «Chess Club» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Toronto Public Library events.

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Wed23Dec
MusicKaohsiung
14:30–15:30

Explore the Organ: French Christmas Music at Weiwuying

Weiwuying Concert Hall

Weiwuying's 'Explore the Organ' series pairs live playing with friendly expert commentary on the concert-hall organ, which the centre calls the largest in Asia, and this edition is devoted to French Christmas repertoire. It is a one-hour afternoon session designed for newcomers as well as music lovers. OPENTIX lists tickets at NT$300.

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Wed23Dec
Free
SocialToronto
18:00–19:30

Drop-in chess club at Parliament Street library, Toronto

Toronto Public Library – Parliament Street

On the eve of Christmas Eve the Parliament Street branch near Cabbagetown hosts its drop-in chess club for players of all ages and levels. Bring your own board or use one of the library's, sit down and ask who wants a game. Free, no registration. «Drop In Chess Club» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Toronto Public Library events.

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Wed23Dec
Free
SocialRiscle
20:00–23:30

Christmas board-game night with a festive dress code, Riscle

Médiathèque de Riscle

The board-game club of this small Gers town ends its year with a lit-up evening at the media library: a big choice of games for every taste, and you can bring your own favourite to teach the table. One rule for this last session: you only get in if you follow the Christmas dress code, so wear something Christmassy. Free and open to all; the library asks you to sign up (phone 05 62 69 75 43 or the online form). «Les Promeneurs-euses du DÉ fêtent Noël !» Starts 20:00, ends about 23:30. Source: OpenAgenda — mediariscle (open data).

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Thu24Dec
Free
OutdoorsBilbao
17:00–18:30

Christmas Eve folk-dance romería on Plaza Basarrate, Bilbao

Plaza Basarrate (Santutxu)

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve the Gaztedi dance group brings a romería, an open-air Basque folk-dance party, to the square of Santutxu. Dancers start, neighbours join the circles, and you can simply watch from the edge or take a hand in a line dance. A warm, local way to spend the hours before dinner. Free; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «Dantza Plazetan 2026: Gaztedi Dantzari Taldea» Starts 17:00, ends about 18:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Fri25Dec
MusicTaipei
19:30–21:30

Taipei Symphony Chamber Salon: Eight Violas

National Recital Hall

Eight violists of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra share the stage in a chamber salon devoted to their instrument, opening with Guido Papini's quartet for four violas. OPENTIX lists tickets from NT$200 to NT$500. A short chamber concert on Christmas evening is a calm, unhurried outing on your own.

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Sat26Dec
Free
OutdoorsHelsinki
12:00–16:00

Stephen's Day Sleigh Rides on Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island — Festival Ground (Juhlakenttä)

On Boxing Day, traditionally a holiday for horses in Finland, horse-drawn sleigh or carriage rides run from the Festival Ground on Seurasaari Island between noon and four. Admission is free and a ride costs 7 €, weather permitting and only down to -15 °C. The kiosk at the Festival Ground and Café Mieritz by the bridge are open, with barbecue spots, so it is easy to linger and chat with other walkers.

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Sat26Dec
Free
MusicSt. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut
14:00–19:00

AusKlang: free live music and food huts on the square, St. Wolfgang

Postplatz St. Wolfgang (alternating with the Uferplatz)

From St Stephen's Day to New Year's Eve the villages on the Wolfgangsee see the year out together: from 14:00 every day small food huts open and live bands play modern music, alternating between the Postplatz and the lakeside Uferplatz. A relaxed afternoon by the water with a hot drink in hand. Free entry; the detailed music programme is still to be announced, so check the page for which square is on. «AusKlang in St. Wolfgang» Starts 14:00, ends about 19:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Sat26Dec
MusicPamplona
18:30–20:00

Brecha Live at the SantasPascuas Festival

Txintxarri Aretoa

Pamplona band Brecha, formed in 2019, plays a set as part of the SantasPascuas holiday festival, known for genre-defying songs with voice, guitars, sax, keys, bass and percussion. Tickets are 10 €. An early-evening festival gig is an easy show to go to on your own.

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Sat26Dec
Free
OutdoorsBilbao
20:00–21:00

St Stephen's night folk-dance kalejira through Altamira, Bilbao

Barrio de Altamira (street procession)

On the evening of 26 December the Irutasun dance group takes a kalejira, a Basque street procession with dancers and music, through the hillside neighbourhood of Altamira, part of the city's year-round Dantza Plazetan folk-dance programme. Follow the music through the streets or watch from a doorway; nobody needs a ticket or a partner. Free; the end time is not published, about an hour is likely. «Dantza Plazetan 2026: Irutasun Dantzari Taldea» Starts 20:00, ends about 21:00. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Sun27Dec
Free
SocialEspoo
10:00–11:00

Open silent meditation group at Lippulaiva Library, Espoo

Lippulaiva Library (group room Kajuutta or the stage area)

A quiet start to the Sunday after Christmas: an open, non-sectarian group simply sits together in silence for 45 minutes, then stays a little to catch up. It is not therapy, discussion or teaching, and any style is fine; the library has chairs and some cushions, or bring your own. You meet right after opening in the group room Kajuutta or the stage area next to it, with the normal library life around you. Free. «An open meditation group» Starts 10:00, ends about 11:00. Source: City of Helsinki / City of Espoo — LinkedEvents (CC BY 4.0).

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Sun27Dec
Free
MusicBad Hall
15:00–16:00

Free Sunday afternoon concert in the Trinkhalle, Bad Hall

Gästezentrum (Trinkhalle)

Through the winter, ensembles of the Bad Hall spa orchestra play Sunday concerts in the guest centre's pump room, and on the Sunday after Christmas it is Barbara Garstenauer with friends. An easy hour of live music in a warm hall on the spa promenade, the kind of place where nobody minds if you come alone. Free entry. «Sonntagskonzert - Barbara Garstenauer mit Freunden» Starts 15:00, ends about 16:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Sun27Dec
MusicUrnieta
19:00–20:30

The Spolem Girls: 60s soul and gospel Christmas show, Urnieta

Centro de Artes Escénicas Sarobe

Four singers, Sara Grajal, Sibel Berra, Maider Biguri and Amaia Garriz, take the Sarobe stage back to the 1960s with their Christmas Show: soul classics, popular Christmas songs and gospel numbers in close vocal harmony, backed by a full band with drums, bass, guitar, sax and Iñaki Miguel at the piano. Tickets 7 euros; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «The Spolem Girls – Concierto gospel» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Mon28Dec
Free
CultureToronto
18:00–20:00

Screen Scaries: 'Black Christmas' (1974) with Introduction

Toronto Public Library – Lillian H. Smith

The library's monthly scary-movie night screens Bob Clark's Black Christmas, the Toronto-shot 1974 slasher prototype that influenced films like Halloween. A short introduction opens the evening, and the film is rated R and runs 97 minutes. It is free and drop-in, and a horror crowd always has plenty to talk about afterwards.

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Mon28Dec
Free
OutdoorsObertraun
18:00–21:00

Burning the old year: torch walk and wish fire by the lake, Obertraun

Festplatz bei den Traunauen

Between Christmas and New Year, Obertraun says goodbye to the old year with an old custom. At 18:00 a torch walk sets off through the winter forest by Lake Hallstatt and ends at a huge wish-and-worry fire: you symbolically burn the cares of the past year and throw your wishes for the next one into the flames, while a brass group of the village band plays. Free entry; sausages from a grill package are sold. The end is not published; allow until about 21:00. «Altjahrverbrennen am Hallstättersee» Starts 18:00, ends about 21:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Mon28Dec
Free
SocialChicago
18:00–19:30

Relaxed board-game night between the holidays, Austin library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Austin (Auditorium, 2nd floor)

Between Christmas and New Year the Austin branch on the West Side runs a relaxed evening of board games in its second-floor auditorium: play the classics, learn something new and meet other players. All experience levels are welcome; bring a favourite game or use one of the library's. Free, for adults, no registration. «Game Night» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed30Dec
Free
LearningChicago
18:00–19:00

Spanish Conversation Group for all levels, Blackstone library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Blackstone

At the Blackstone branch in Kenwood, a community-led group meets to speak Spanish for an hour, and everyone from beginners to native speakers is welcome. It is a friendly way to practise between Christmas and New Year and to meet neighbours on the South Side. Free, drop in. ¡Nos vemos! «Spanish Conversation Group» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:00. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Wed30Dec
MusicZarautz
20:00–21:30

Spirit sings Aretha Gospel at Sala Modelo, Zarautz

Sala Modelo

Three voices, Noa Egiguren, Lidia Insausti and Lide Hernando, lead Spirit through Aretha Gospel, a hand-picked set of songs that honour Aretha Franklin's gospel side and some of the best-known pieces of the genre. A warm concert full of soul roots at the Sala Modelo in this surf town, the night before New Year's Eve. Tickets 9 euros; sung in English; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «Spirit: "Aretha Gospel"» Starts 20:00, ends about 21:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Wed30Dec
MusicHernani
22:00–23:30

Bele: Basque Disco-Funk Concert at Biteri Kultur Etxea

Biteri Kultur Etxea

Lide Hernando's project Bele returns with its second album, moving from r&b and soul towards 1980s disco, funk and electronic dance. The four-piece band plays a late show at Biteri Kultur Etxea, made for dancing. Tickets cost 8.5 €, and a dance-floor crowd is easy to join on your own between Christmas and New Year.

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Thu31Dec
Free
CultureBilbao
11:30–13:00

New Year's Eve Giants Parade in Deusto

Calle Luzarra (Deusto)

As part of Bilbao's Dantza Plazetan street-dance programme, the Ondalan giants troupe parades its towering figures through Calle Luzarra in Deusto on the morning of 31 December. It is a free open-air street event, so you can simply turn up and walk along with the crowd. Neighbourhood parades like this are a friendly way to feel part of the city's end-of-year mood.

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Thu31Dec
OutdoorsMauthausen
17:00–19:00

New Year's Eve walk with the night watchman, Mauthausen

Schloss Pragstein meeting point, Heindlkai

On New Year's Eve the night watchman of Mauthausen takes one last round of the year, lantern in hand, through the lanes, old stairways and little squares of this thousand-year-old trading town on the Danube, telling its stories as he goes. A calm, atmospheric way to spend the early evening before the celebrations. Meet at Schloss Pragstein; adults 6 euros. The organisers ask you to register by phone (07238 29363) or email if you can. «Vollmondroas mit dem Nachtwächter – Silvester-Roas» Starts 17:00, ends about 19:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Thu31Dec
MusicKaohsiung
19:30–21:30

New Year's Eve Double Bass Recital at Weiwuying

Weiwuying Recital Hall

Young double bassist Chen Pin-Ren, a Tainan-born music student, gives a solo recital in the Recital Hall of the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts on the last evening of 2026. It is a small, intimate concert that is easy to attend alone before heading out for the countdown. OPENTIX lists tickets at NT$300.

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Thu31Dec
Free
SocialVorderstoder
22:00–23:59

Village New Year's Eve party with shared fireworks, Vorderstoder

Dorfliebe, village centre

The mountain village of Vorderstoder in the Stodertal sees the year out together at Dorfliebe in the village centre: music, a drink with the neighbours and, as the highlight, one shared fireworks display at the turn of the year. Easy to join on your own. Free entry. The party carries on past midnight; the listing below stops at 23:59 only for the calendar. «Bergsilvester 2027» Starts 22:00, ends about 23:59. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Fri1Jan
Free
OutdoorsBad Goisern am Hallstättersee
11:00–13:00

New Year's Day swim in Lake Hallstatt, Bad Goisern

Strandbad Untersee (Lake Hallstatt lido)

Start the year with a jump into the crystal-clear, very cold water of Lake Hallstatt, or simply watch the brave ones from the shore. At the Untersee lido the local mobile sauna team and the water rescue host the New Year swim while the radio plays the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert. No timing, no sign-up: anyone can take part free of charge, at their own risk and only if fit for it. Drinks, music and a mobile sauna to warm up afterwards. «Neujahrsschwimmen» Starts 11:00, ends about 13:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Sat2Jan
Free
LearningHelsinki
12:00–14:00

Free Mandarin Chinese class for adults at Itäkeskus Library, Helsinki

Itäkeskus Library

A non-profit Mandarin course at the Itäkeskus library in east Helsinki, open to any adult curious about Chinese language and culture, with no prior knowledge needed. Certified teacher Ning Li works through pronunciation, tones, grammar and cultural heritage, teaching in Finnish, English and Mandarin. The first Saturday of the new year is a good moment to begin. Free; sign up by email to ningli.edu@outlook.com. «Tutkitaan yhdessä kiinan kielen maailmaa!» Starts 12:00, ends about 14:00. Source: City of Helsinki / City of Espoo — LinkedEvents (CC BY 4.0).

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Sat2Jan
MusicLeioa
19:00–20:30

Leioa Music Band New Year Concert

Kultur Leioa

Leioa's municipal music band welcomes 2027 with its New Year concert in the Kultur Leioa auditorium, which also opens the band's 30th-anniversary celebrations. A community band concert draws a warm local audience and is easy to enjoy on your own. Tickets cost 6.90 €.

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Day by day

Not into tinsel? Plenty else on.

Clubs, talks, walks and concerts that keep running between the holidays — these are the places people still meet when the city goes quiet.

Saturday 19 Dec15 events

Sat19Dec
Free
CultureRouen
10:00–12:00

Rouen Libraries' Book Club 'Cannibales lecteurs'

Bibliothèque Aretha-Franklin

The Rouen libraries' book club meets to share favourites and critiques, and December's theme is photography as a character in fiction. It is free, with registration on the libraries' website. Book clubs give everyone something to talk about from the start, which suits people coming alone.

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Sat19Dec
Free
SocialTourcoing
10:30–12:00

Dutch Language Café at Médiathèque Andrée Chedid

Médiathèque Andrée Chedid

Once a month a Dutch host leads relaxed conversations in Dutch about the language and culture, whatever your level. It is free, for adults and teens from 14, and booking is recommended. Language cafés are built around talking with strangers, so coming alone is the norm.

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Sat19Dec
Free
CultureSaint-Aignan-Grandlieu
10:30–12:00

'Causons livres' Book Chat on Crime Novels

Médiathèque Le jardin de Lecture

The media library's book chat for keen readers and newcomers alike focuses on crime fiction this time: share your favourite thrillers or just listen and pick up ideas over tea or coffee. It is free, for teens and adults, with booking recommended. The relaxed format makes it easy to join alone.

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Sat19Dec
Free
MusicAuch
11:00–12:00

Free Saturday Jazz by the Martin Joey Dine Quartet in Auch

Médiathèque Grand Auch Coeur de Gascogne

Martin Joey Dine on piano, Lise Fabbro on vocals, Jean-Lou Escalle on drums and Akim Bournane on bass play smooth, warm jazz to end the year. Entry is free. A late-morning library concert is a gentle way to spend Saturday on your own.

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Sat19Dec
Free
CultureParis
11:30–12:30

Saturday Literary Café at Bibliothèque Benoîte Groult

Bibliothèque Benoîte Groult

The library's monthly literary café invites you to share what you are reading or loving at the moment — novels, essays, comics, manga, crime, sci-fi or films — over tea, coffee or juice. You can present a favourite or simply listen. Entry is free, limited to 15 participants, and the small circle makes it easy to join in alone.

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Sat19Dec
Free
LearningVantaa
12:00–15:00

Textile Repair Workshop at Mosaiikki Library, Kivistö

Mosaiikki Library

Bring clothes, soft toys or other textiles that need mending and fix them together with volunteers, who guide and advise rather than doing it for you. The library's maker space has sergers, a sewing machine, an industrial sewing machine, an ironing station and basic supplies. It is free and open to everyone, and working side by side makes conversation easy.

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Sat19Dec
LearningNew Taipei
13:30–15:00

Cloud Gate Talk: Lin Hwai-min Looks Back at the 1970s

Cloud Gate Theater, Tamsui

In this postponed session of the 'Come Learn at Cloud Gate' talks, Cloud Gate founder Lin Hwai-min and writer and broadcaster Ma Shih-fang look back at the 1970s, a decade of words, songs and dance asking who we are. Tickets are sold through OPENTIX; the price is not shown on the listing. A talk at the theatre in Tamsui is a calm solo afternoon with a thoughtful crowd.

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Sat19Dec
CultureKaohsiung
14:30–15:40

Staged Reading of Ho Wen-chin Stories, Kaohsiung Literature Museum

Kaohsiung Literature Museum

A staged reading adapting two short stories by award-winning writer Ho Wen-chin, the first step towards a full production planned for 2027. Three actors perform with music design, in a 70-minute afternoon session at the literature museum. Tickets are sold through OPENTIX; the price is not shown on the listing.

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Sat19Dec
Free
MusicChâteauneuf-Grasse
18:00–19:00

Free Concert-Show 'Musicaterra' in Châteauneuf-Grasse

Terrasse des Arts

Singer and storyteller Christine Giraud and lyric tenor B. Gunalons, with multi-instrumentalist A. Lamia, travel from Nordic folk songs to songs of the South in a poetic musical journey between the two hemispheres. Entry is free. A village concert is an easy evening out on your own.

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Sat19Dec
Free
MusicBaños de Ebro
18:30–20:00

Four choirs in concert in the Rioja Alavesa: Baños de Ebro

Centro Multiusos de Baños de Ebro

Baños de Ebro is a wine village of a few hundred people on the Ebro, among the vineyards of the Rioja Alavesa. The province's touring choral cycle stops at its multi-purpose hall with four choirs: San Prudenzio Egunsentia from Oyón, Auzo Ahotsak from Laguardia, and Arantzabela Abesbatza and Coral Gurasoak from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Free entry until the hall is full; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «Recorriendo Álava 2026: San Prudenzio Egunsentia + Coro Auzo Ahotsak + Arantzabela Abesbatza + Coral Gurasoak» Starts 18:30, ends about 20:00. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Sat19Dec
MusicTaipei
19:00–21:00

Waseda Alumni Big Band Jazz Concert at Zhongshan Hall

Taipei Zhongshan Hall — Guangfu Hall

A special alumni big band from Waseda University's High Society Orchestra, with players aged from their twenties to their eighties, visits Taipei at the invitation of the Taipei Jazz Orchestra. The programme leans on danceable swing and Latin numbers alongside demanding big-band pieces. Tickets are sold through OPENTIX; the price is not shown on the listing.

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Sat19Dec
CultureEl Tiemblo
19:00–20:30

Improv Comedy 'Impro Impar Show' in El Tiemblo

Auditorio Villa de El Tiemblo

Everything in this 75-minute comedy show is improvised on the spot, adapting theme and format to the audience. Tickets are 2 €. Improv relies on audience suggestions, so it is an easy and sociable night out alone.

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Sat19Dec
MusicTaichung
19:30–21:00

Saxophone, Sheng and Electronics Sound Playground in Taichung

National Taichung Theater — Playhouse

Five new works by Taiwanese and French composers bring together the ancient Chinese sheng, the saxophone and live electronics in an immersive 'sound playground' with light and theatre elements. A free pre-show talk by composer Luis Quintana is held at 15:00 on the same day with registration. Tickets are sold through OPENTIX; the price is not shown on the listing.

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Sat19Dec
MusicErrenteria
20:00–21:30

Neomak: Basque Folk Meets Electronics at Lekuona Fabrika

Lekuona Fabrika

Neomak, a group of four women combining Basque folklore with electronic music, present their latest album 'Lazturak Orbain', with trikitixa, tambourines, drums and keyboards. Tickets are 10 €. A concert in a converted factory is a lively Saturday night out alone.

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Sat19Dec
MusicAmorebieta-Etxano
20:00–21:30

Town wind band and local group Seiren, Zornotza Aretoa, Amorebieta

Zornotza Aretoa

Amorebieta-Etxano, a market town between Bilbao and Durango, has its own symphonic wind band, and for its December concert «Traces of the roots» it shares the stage of the municipal theatre with Seiren, a band from the same town: voices and band sound together in a programme that mixes tradition and the present. Tickets €3.30; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «Zornotzako Musika Banda: «Sustraien aztarnak»» Starts 20:00, ends about 21:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Sunday 20 Dec5 events

Sun20Dec
MusicTaipei
11:20–11:50

Winter Organ and Clarinet Concert at the National Concert Hall

National Concert Hall, Taipei

A 30-minute late-morning concert in the organ promotion series, with organist Hsu Chia-yu and clarinettist Lo Ta-chun playing winter and festive music by Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Bach, Tchaikovsky and 'Winter Wonderland'. Tickets are sold through OPENTIX; the price is not shown on the listing. A short Sunday concert is an easy solo outing in central Taipei.

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Sun20Dec
CultureZaragoza
12:00–13:30

Contemporary Circus 'Frágiles' at Centro Cívico Delicias

Centro Cívico Delicias

Three acrobats and object manipulators from D'Click present the Aragon premiere of 'Frágiles', a piece of raw circus celebrating useless but precise gestures, in the 'A ras de escena' cycle performed without a raised stage. It is suitable for all ages and tickets cost 5 €. Sitting close to the performers makes it easy to share reactions with your neighbours.

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Sun20Dec
MusicTainan
14:30–16:00

Viola Afternoon 'Scheherazade' at Wansha Arts Center, Tainan

Wansha Arts Center — Art Hall A

Violist Hsu Tzu-wu and fellow violists and pianist Chen Kuan-ling play Saint-Saëns' Danse macabre for viola quartet, Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade arranged for six violas, and two works by York Bowen. Tickets are sold through OPENTIX; the price is not shown on the listing. A compact Sunday chamber concert is a relaxed thing to do on your own.

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Sun20Dec
MusicAranguren
19:00–20:30

Demode Quartet's Musical Comedy 'A Kupela' in Aranguren

Casa de Cultura del Valle de Aranguren

The four singers of Demode Quartet perform mostly a cappella versions of songs from country to Bollywood, Sephardic and French chanson, Gaelic songs and a Maori haka, mixed with their trademark humour. Tickets are 7 €. Laughing along with an audience is an easy evening out alone.

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Sun20Dec
Free
CultureVitoria-Gasteiz
19:00–20:15

«El milagro de Helen Keller»: free play at Zabalgana, Vitoria-Gasteiz

Centro cívico Zabalgana

Vitoria-Gasteiz's neighbourhood stage festival ends its autumn season in the civic centre of Zabalgana, a new district on the west side of the city. The company Towanda performs The Miracle Worker story: the teacher Anne Sullivan, marked by her own past, and the untamed child Helen Keller, locked in silence and darkness, in an intimate struggle where patience and stubborn love open a way to the world. In Spanish; free entry until seats run out. «Auzo Eszena 2026 (otoño): «El milagro de Helen Keller»» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:15. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Monday 21 Dec2 events

Mon21Dec
Free
MusicVantaa
13:00–18:00

Open Karaoke Group at Tikkurila Library

Tikkurila Library

Tikkurila Library opens its music room for an afternoon karaoke group that anyone can join. It runs from one until six, so you can drop by whenever suits you and sing a song or simply listen. Free, informal and built around taking turns at the microphone, it is an easy place to turn up alone.

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Mon21Dec
Free
SocialChicago
18:00–19:30

Budlong Woods Library Game Night

Chicago Public Library – Budlong Woods

An evening of quick board and card games such as Flip 7, Rummikub, Scrabble, chess and Azul, and you are welcome to bring a favourite game to teach. The library says solo players are welcome and encourages you to make new friends. It is free with no registration.

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Tuesday 22 Dec7 events

Tue22Dec
Free
MusicToronto
14:00–15:00

Little Black Dress Saxophone Quartet at Mount Pleasant Library

Toronto Public Library – Mount Pleasant

A quartet of women saxophonists plays four-part harmony on four different saxophones, from classics and swing to show tunes and seasonal holiday music. They also explain each instrument and demonstrate how it sounds. It is free, registration is required, and the event is aimed at adults and older adults.

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Tue22Dec
Free
CultureHelsinki
17:00–18:00

Free open guided tour of the Helsinki exhibition, City Museum

Helsinki City Museum

The City Museum on Senate Square corner runs an open guided walk through its main exhibition, a journey through Helsinki's history full of small discoveries. Tuesday tours are in Finnish (the English one is on Thursdays at the same hour), so this is a good one for Finnish learners or anyone happy to follow the objects. Entry to the museum is free; just join the group in the lobby. «Opastettu kierros Helsinki-näyttelyssä» Starts 17:00, ends about 18:00. Source: City of Helsinki / City of Espoo — LinkedEvents (CC BY 4.0).

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Tue22Dec
Free
SocialChicago
17:30–19:45

Tabletop game night with staff who teach the rules, Northtown, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Northtown (Community Meeting Room)

Northtown's Tuesday game night is built for people who come alone: library staff teach the games and connect you with other players. The shelf runs from Catan, Carcassonne and Codenames to Sagrada, Jaipur, King of Tokyo and a Chicago transit game. Bring a game to share if you like. Free, drop in. «Tabletop Game Night» Starts 17:30, ends about 19:45. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tue22Dec
Free
LearningEspoo
18:00–19:00

Chinese Language Café at Lippulaiva Library

Lippulaiva library

A volunteer leads an hour of Mandarin conversation around a theme and material prepared for each session. It suits people who already speak some Chinese, and more advanced speakers are welcome too. Language cafés are made for chatting with new people, and this one is free.

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Tue22Dec
Free
SocialToronto
18:00–20:00

Board Games for Adults at North York Central Library

Toronto Public Library – North York Central Library

Drop in for an evening of modern and classic board games such as Codenames, Bananagrams, Scrabble, Set, Sushi Go and Uno. The library invites you to come with friends or make new ones. It is free and needs no registration.

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Tue22Dec
Free
MusicSan Sebastián
19:30–21:00

Free Piano Recital on Scriabin and Today's Composers

Teatro Victoria Eugenia

Pianist Miguel Ángel Acebo pairs two late works by Scriabin, including 'Vers la flamme', with pieces by contemporary composers such as Gabriel Erkoreka, Jon Esnaola and Jesús Torres that respond to Scriabin's world. It is free with registration at the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. A recital is an easy evening out on your own.

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Tue22Dec
MusicAlicante
19:30–20:40

Spanish Brass 'Essentials' at Teatre Arniches

Teatre Arniches

National Music Prize winners Spanish Brass celebrate their career with a 70-minute programme drawn from the most memorable pieces on their 35 albums. The listing does not show a price. A brass quintet concert is a bright, easy evening out alone.

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Wednesday 23 Dec7 events

Wed23Dec
Free
LearningRouen
15:00–17:00

Drop-In Knitting and Fabric Workshop at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Join members of the Citémômes association to knit and sew pieces that will feed into their future exhibitions. The workshop is free and open to drop in between 3 and 5 pm, though registration is suggested. Working side by side on a shared project makes conversation come easily.

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Wed23Dec
Free
LearningTourcoing
16:00–18:00

Sewing, Embroidery and Crochet Circle at Tourcoing Library

Tourcoing/Médiathèque André Malraux

Experienced library regulars lead a weekly needlework circle where beginners and confirmed crafters work on shared projects in sewing, embroidery or crochet. It is free and open to everyone from age 8, with booking recommended. Busy hands and a group project make it easy to chat with people you have never met.

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Wed23Dec
Free
SocialHelsinki
17:30–19:30

Shanghai Card Game Circle at Malminkartano Library

Malminkartano Library

A weekly card circle at Malminkartano Library plays Shanghai, a rummy-style game that starts easy and gets gradually harder. One game takes about an hour and a half, but you can join for a shorter time, and no previous experience is needed. A card table is one of the simplest ways to sit down with strangers, and it is free.

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Wed23Dec
Free
LearningPointe-à-Pitre
17:30–19:00

Talk on the Indo-Guadeloupean Community by Laurent de Bompuis

Musée Saint-John Perse — Pavillon de la Ville

Photographer Laurent de Bompuis gives a talk on the Indo-Guadeloupean community, alongside an exhibition of his work on the subject. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian workers in Guadeloupe on 24 December 1854. Entry is free with room for 100, and a talk followed by an exhibition gives you an easy reason to chat.

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Wed23Dec
Free
MusicLezo
19:30–21:00

Burutik: free accordion pop-rock concert in Lezo

Basílica de la Santa Cruz (Santo Cristo)

Burutik, a young band formed in the Pamplona area in 2020, plays pop-rock with two guitars, bass, drums and an accordion that gives their sound its own colour, with three- and four-part vocal harmonies and lyrics full of metaphor and irony. They bring songs from their latest album Ipuinak to the old basilica of Lezo, a small town by the Pasaia bay. Free; sung in Basque; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «BURUTIK» Starts 19:30, ends about 21:00. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Wed23Dec
CultureSoria
20:00–21:30

Musical Theatre 'Alicia en el barco de las maravillas' in Soria

Teatro Palacio de la Audiencia

This musical interweaves two journeys: a grandfather recalling how he left Cuba for Europe in the 1960s, and his granddaughter Alicia's imaginary voyage through 'Alice in Wonderland'. It is billed for a family audience and tickets cost 8 €. An evening show in the theatre on the Plaza Mayor is an easy way to enjoy the holidays alone.

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Wed23Dec
MusicBilbao
21:00–22:30

Divas of Soul: Classic Soul Night at Kafe Antzokia

Bilboko Kafe Antzokia

An eleven-piece band revives the golden age of soul with songs associated with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Etta James and Nina Simone. Doors open at 8:30 pm and tickets are listed at 13 € or 15 €. A dance-friendly soul night in a busy café-theatre is easy to enjoy alone.

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Saturday 26 Dec7 events

Sat26Dec
Free
MusicPasaia
19:00–20:30

Free Concert by Inés Osinaga and Sisters in Pasaia

Juanba Berasategi Aretoa

Musician Inés Osinaga brings her most personal project, mixing batá drums, tambourines, Cuban influences, electronic beats, irrintzi calls, Latin jazz and Afro rhythms. Entry is free. A lively, rhythm-driven concert is a sociable night out alone.

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Sat26Dec
MusicAzkoitia
19:00–20:30

Olatz Salvador Presents 'Zainak eman' in Azkoitia

Baztartxo Udal Antzokia

Basque singer-songwriter Olatz Salvador presents her third album, 'Zainak eman', recorded at Olivera studios in Catalonia. Tickets are 12 €. A seated concert at the municipal theatre is a comfortable evening out alone.

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Sat26Dec
CultureAltsasu
19:00–20:30

Musical Comedy 'Bon Voyage!' at Iortia Cultural Centre

Centro Cultural Iortia

An international orchestra is stranded in an airport lounge for 24 hours, and the wait turns into comic, absurd and surreal scenes told through music, humour and dance. The show is for all audiences and tickets are 12 €. A musical comedy is a light-hearted solo night out with plenty to laugh about together.

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Sat26Dec
MusicTaichung
19:30–21:00

Year-End String Orchestra Concert at the Taichung Opera House

National Taichung Theater — Black Box

Conducted by Kim Jin, the St. Cecilia String Orchestra plays a year-end programme of string favourites, opening with a Carmen suite and including serenades and a holiday suite. OPENTIX lists tickets from NT$300 to NT$800. An evening concert at the opera house is an easy night out alone.

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Sat26Dec
CultureGetxo
20:00–21:30

Yllana and Primital Brothers' A Cappella Comedy 'Madness'

Muxikebarri

From the creators of 'The Primitals', Yllana and the Primital Brothers return with a musical comedy about life on the margins, from rubbing shoulders with the elite to sleeping under a bridge, sung a cappella. Tickets are 12 €. A comedy night at the arts centre is an easy and sociable way to spend an evening alone.

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Sat26Dec
Free
CulturePiedrahíta
20:30–22:00

Free Stand-Up by Alberto Cabrillas in Piedrahíta

Teatro 'Somoza'

Comedian Alberto Cabrillas, winner of the Helios national stand-up contest in 2018 and a Got Talent finalist, performs his monologues at the Somoza theatre. Entry is free and the show is billed for a family audience. A comedy night in a small-town theatre is an easy holiday outing alone.

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Sat26Dec
Free
MusicRouen
21:00–23:59

Free Rock DJ Night Reviving the Exo 7 Club

Fury Défendu

Remy, a former resident DJ of Rouen's legendary Exo 7 club, which closed in 2010, plays a rock set spanning the 1980s to the 2000s. Doors open at 9 pm, food is served on site and entry is free. A nostalgic dance night with a shared musical memory gives you plenty to talk about with strangers.

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Sunday 27 Dec6 events

Sun27Dec
Free
MusicUrretxu
12:00–13:30

Free Noon Concert: Gori Gori in Urretxu

Aizpurunea Kultur Etxea

The monthly Keixpe series ends the year with Gori Gori, a music and performance trio of Ainara Gurrutxaga, Ander Fernandez and percussionist Manu Gaign known for psychedelic, electronic live rituals. In good weather it takes place in the garden of the Aizpurunea cultural centre, otherwise under the town hall arcade. It is free, and a Sunday noon concert is an easy way to mix with locals.

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Sun27Dec
Free
LearningChicago
13:00–15:00

Free Community Repair Session at Portage-Cragin Library

Chicago Public Library – Portage-Cragin

Volunteer fixers repair furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics and most other portable items for free. You can browse the library while you wait, leave your item and come back, or sit with a volunteer to see how it is done. Items must be easy to carry and dropped off by 2 pm.

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Sun27Dec
MusicTaipei
14:30–15:30

TCO Youth Chinese Orchestra Concert at Zhongshan Hall

Taipei Zhongshan Hall — Zhongzheng Hall

The Taipei Chinese Orchestra's youth ensemble, conducted by Lin En-hsu, presents four selected soloists on dizi, pipa, liuqin and erhu. The programme includes the world premiere of a new piece commissioned from composer Liu Wen-hsiang. OPENTIX lists tickets from NT$300 to NT$500.

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Sun27Dec
MusicKaohsiung
14:30–16:26

Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra: Conductor Kuo Che-cheng's Farewell

Weiwuying Concert Hall

The Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra traces Taiwanese Chinese-orchestra music and its memories across the decades. It is also the last concert before the retirement of resident conductor Kuo Che-cheng, who has been with the orchestra since 1984. OPENTIX lists tickets from NT$300 to NT$1,200, so the cheapest seats are the affordable option.

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Sun27Dec
Free
MusicRennes
15:00–16:00

Free Indoor 'Street Ball' with World Music in Rennes

Le Liberté — L'Étage

Four travelling musicians and two dancers lead a street-style ball played indoors, with dances collected from local residents and rhythms from around the world. The steps are designed to be accessible to everyone, and the event is free with booking. A ball where everyone learns the dances together is one of the easiest ways to join in alone.

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Sun27Dec
Free
MusicBeasain
19:00–20:30

Free Brass and Piano Concert at Igartza Palace

Palacio de Igartza

The Igartza Musika series ends with the Kambrass Quintet, named an emerging group at FestClásica 2026, and pianist Paula Belzunegui. Their programme 'Pianissimo' includes 'Oxímoron' by Garazi Zabaleta. Entry is free, and a concert in a historic palace is a relaxed outing alone.

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Monday 28 Dec3 events

Mon28Dec
Free
SocialHelsinki
17:00–19:30

Board Game Evening at Vuosaari Library

Vuosaari Library

Vuosaari Library hosts a relaxed board game evening in its Siimes meeting room, open to beginners and seasoned players, young people and adults alike. The games are chosen in advance and a host explains the rules, so nobody needs to know them beforehand. No registration is needed and it is free, which makes it an easy way to share a table with new people between the holidays.

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Mon28Dec
Free
MusicChicago
18:00–19:30

Monday Night Open Mic at Rogers Park Library

Chicago Public Library – Rogers Park

On the last Monday of the month, Rogers Park Library turns on its new sound system for an open mic. Sign up for a five- to seven-minute slot to read your own work or a favourite author, sing, try out jokes or tell a story, or just come and listen. It is free, and performers and audience mingle easily in a small room.

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Mon28Dec
Free
LearningChicago
18:15–19:30

Creative writing circle with prompts, Manning library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Manning

A gentle way to close the year on paper: the Manning branch on the Near West Side gathers adults of any skill level to stretch their creative-writing muscles in a supportive group. A warm-up and prompts are provided, or bring your own work in progress. Bring a notebook or laptop and a reusable mug. Free, no registration. «Writing Circle» Starts 18:15, ends about 19:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Tuesday 29 Dec6 events

Tue29Dec
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French conversation hour for learners at a city library, Rouen

Bibliothèque Émilie-du-Châtelet

Learning French and new in Rouen? Even in the week between the holidays the Émilie-du-Châtelet library keeps its conversation hour: a small table, a cup of tea or coffee and an hour of relaxed talk with other learners. All levels are welcome, from shy beginners to confident speakers. Free; the library asks you to sign up through its online agenda (bibliotheques.rouen.fr). «Ateliers de conversation en français» Starts 10:00, ends about 11:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Rouen Bibliothèques (open data).

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Tue29Dec
Free
CultureHelsinki
16:00–20:00

Free Evening at the Architecture & Design Museum

Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki

On the last Tuesday of the month the Architecture & Design Museum opens its exhibitions free of charge from four to eight, with an evening programme listed on the museum's website. This is the final Free Evening of 2026. Wandering the galleries with a crowd of other visitors is a low-pressure way to spend a dark December evening and strike up a conversation.

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Tue29Dec
Free
SocialChicago
17:30–19:45

Tabletop Game Night at Northtown Library

Chicago Public Library – Northtown

Northtown Library's Tuesday game night offers a shelf of titles such as Catan, Codenames, Carcassonne and King of Tokyo, or you can bring your own. Library staff teach the games and help connect you with other players. It is free and drop-in, and the library explicitly invites you to bring a friend or meet a new one.

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Tue29Dec
Free
LearningToronto
18:00–19:30

English Conversation Circle with CultureLink, Forest Hill, Toronto

Toronto Public Library – Forest Hill (Program Room)

A weekly small-group English practice for newcomers, run with mentors from the settlement agency CultureLink, and it keeps going in holiday week. The aim is simple: speak with more confidence, make new friends, share experiences and learn a little more about life in Canada. Free; please register both on the library page and through CultureLink's form. «English Conversation Circle with CultureLink» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Toronto Public Library events.

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Tue29Dec
MusicEibar
19:00–20:30

UR: Funk and Soul Audiovisual Show at Teatro Coliseo

Teatro Coliseo

UR is an audiovisual project combining live music and projections, mixing funk, soul and rock with electronic touches. Its danceable, high-energy songs are sung in Basque and English. Tickets cost 5 €, a small price for a lively evening in the town's historic theatre among a local crowd.

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Tue29Dec
CultureGaldakao
19:00–20:30

The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at Torrezabal Kultur Etxea

Torrezabal Kultur Etxea

Torrezabal Kultur Etxea presents the Royal Ballet & Opera production of The Nutcracker, with Peter Wright's choreography, Tchaikovsky's score and designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman. The listing describes it as a festive show for audiences of all ages. Tickets are 7 €, and a holiday ballet evening is an easy outing to make on your own.

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Wednesday 30 Dec5 events

Wed30Dec
Free
MusicHelsinki
13:00–15:00

Afternoon dance with a live duo at Kinapori, Helsinki

Kinapori Service Centre

Finnish afternoon dances, päivätanssit, are a lovely old habit: a live band, a wooden floor and couples who switch partners from song to song. At Kinapori in Kallio the Ilona Rasa & Antti Vähäniitty duo plays two hours of classic Finnish dance music between the holidays. Come to dance or just to listen with a coffee; the crowd leans older and very friendly. Free. «Kinaporin päivätanssit» Starts 13:00, ends about 15:00. Source: City of Helsinki / City of Espoo — LinkedEvents (CC BY 4.0).

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Wed30Dec
Free
SocialToronto
14:00–15:30

Adult Crafternoon Social: Collage at College/Shaw Library

Toronto Public Library – College/Shaw

College/Shaw Library's monthly crafternoon offers coffee, light music and a simple art project, which this time is collage. Materials are provided, or you can bring something you are already working on. The library describes it as a relaxed chance to socialise, and it is free with no registration.

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Wed30Dec
Free
SocialMarseille
14:00–17:00

Board Game Afternoon at Salim-Hatubou Library

Médiathèque Salim-Hatubou

The Salim-Hatubou library in northern Marseille brings out a selection of board games for a convivial afternoon of play, open to everyone. Drop in any time between two and five and join a table. The library gives a phone number for information, and sharing a game is an easy icebreaker during the school holidays.

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Wed30Dec
Free
LearningEspoo
18:00–19:30

Finnish-Language Book Club at Lippulaiva Library

Lippulaiva library

Lippulaiva Library's book club meets to talk about the title chosen for the session, and this time it is the Finnish translation of Deborah Levy's novel Hot Milk. You are welcome whether you finished it or simply meant to read it. The discussion is in Finnish and free, and a shared book gives strangers an instant topic of conversation.

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Wed30Dec
CultureErmua
20:30–22:00

Madness: A Cappella Musical Comedy by Yllana and Primital Brothers

Ermua Antzokia

Comedy company Yllana and the a cappella group Primital Brothers join forces for Madness, a musical comedy about life on the margins of the system, mixing physical humour with close-harmony singing. It is performed in Spanish at the municipal theatre. Tickets cost 12 €, and a laugh-out-loud show is a relaxed thing to attend solo.

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Saturday 2 Jan3 events

Sat2Jan
CultureAmiens
15:00–16:30

Guided Tour: 'Eternal Egypt' Photographs at Musée de Picardie

Musée de Picardie

A professional guide leads a tour of the exhibition of photographs of Egypt by the artist Flore at the Musée de Picardie. Booking is through the link on the event page, and the price is not shown in the listing. A guided group visit lets you share impressions with fellow visitors as you go.

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Sat2Jan
CultureCintruénigo
18:00–19:30

«Operetta»: opera sung with no orchestra by Cor de Teatre, Cintruénigo

Centro de Artes Avenida

A porter unloads a piano on an abandoned stage and out of it step stagehands, tailors, directors and actors, who act out sketches to the most famous arias, overtures and choruses: an impossible film shoot of the Traviata toast, a Tour de France pedalled to the Barber of Seville. There is no orchestra at all, just the excellent voices of the Catalan company Cor de Teatre, which also carry the harmony. Funny and easy to follow without Spanish. Tickets 12 euros; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «"Operetta"» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Sat2Jan
MusicTaipei
19:30–21:30

Young Pianist Lin Ping-Kuan in Recital at the National Concert Hall

National Concert Hall — Recital Hall

Han Guang Art Studio's series for rising young pianists presents a solo recital by Lin Ping-Kuan in the Recital Hall of Taipei's National Concert Hall. The studio runs the series to introduce promising young talent to a wider audience, and a recital is easy to enjoy on your own. OPENTIX lists tickets from NT$100 to NT$500.

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Sunday 3 Jan9 events

Sun3Jan
Free
CultureToulouse
10:00–18:00

Free First Sunday at the Musée des Augustins

Musée des Augustins

On the first Sunday of the month the Musée des Augustins, set in a former medieval convent, opens free from ten to six. The programme includes a drop-in art workshop, guides available to talk about the works throughout the day, and a 2:30 pm themed tour on still lifes and genre scenes. Talking with the mediators and other visitors in the cloister is an easy way to start the year.

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Sun3Jan
MusicBordeaux
11:00–12:15

Sunday Concert: Classic Jazz at the Auditorium de Bordeaux

Auditorium de Bordeaux

Opéra National de Bordeaux's Sunday-morning chamber concert shakes up songs by Fauré, Schumann, Ravel and Schubert with a touch of swing, in arrangements for a classic vocal-jazz line-up. The concert lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. The opera's website lists tickets at 10 € (5 € under 28), an easy late-morning outing alone.

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Sun3Jan
Free
CultureBordeaux
11:00–18:00

Free first Sunday at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Bordeaux

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux

Like every first Sunday of the month, the fine-arts museum by the city hall gardens opens for free all day. It is also one of the last chances to see «Passions Collections», a show of ten years of acquisitions (2015–2025), alongside the permanent collections of European painting. A good quiet outing on your own for the first Sunday of the year. Free, no booking. «[Janvier] Premier dimanche du mois» Starts 11:00, ends about 18:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Musée des Beaux-Arts Bordeaux (open data).

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Sun3Jan
Free
CultureRoubaix
13:00–18:00

Free first Sunday at La Piscine art museum, Roubaix

La Piscine – Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent

La Piscine is one of France's most beautiful museums: a 1930s Art Deco swimming pool turned into an art gallery, with sculptures lined up along the water under a great stained-glass sun. On the first Sunday of the month the permanent collections are free for everyone, and so is the Révolution Denim display shown among them; the big temporary exhibition on art and anarchism is at a reduced rate. Free entry to the collections. «1er dimanche du mois» Starts 13:00, ends about 18:00. Source: OpenAgenda — La Piscine - Roubaix (open data).

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Sun3Jan
Free
SocialChicago
13:30–15:30

Sunday chess meetup for all levels, Sulzer Regional library, Chicago

Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Regional (Small Meeting Room)

A friendly chess meetup in Lincoln Square's big regional library: play a few games and meet new people, whatever your level. Bring your own set if you have one. The room is small, so the organisers ask you to RSVP through their Meetup group (meetup.com/ChicagoChess), where any updates are posted. Free. «Sulzer Chess Meetup» Starts 13:30, ends about 15:30. Source: Chicago Public Library events.

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Sun3Jan
Free
CultureGenève
14:30–16:00

«What is the future?»: free participatory tour at the MEG, Geneva

MEG – Musée d'ethnographie de Genève

What does «the future» mean to you? On the first Sunday of the year, the ethnography museum invites visitors on a participatory guided tour of its temporary exhibition, thinking together about the many ways societies imagine what is coming, from tarot cards to robots and art installations. A thoughtful, chatty hour and a half in French, ideal for meeting curious people. Free (CHF 0). «Visite commentée: Le futur, c'est quoi ?» Starts 14:30, ends about 16:00. Source: OpenAgenda — Ville de Genève - Musée d'ethnographie de Genève (open data).

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Sun3Jan
Free
OutdoorsSt. Gilgen
16:00–19:00

Glöckler run with glowing caps through Abersee on the Wolfgangsee

Gasthof Zinkenbachmühle, Abersee

One of the loveliest midwinter customs of the Salzkammergut: the Glöckler, dressed in white with bells at the waist and huge, delicately cut caps lit from inside, walk from house to house through the dark and dance their circles, spirals and figures of eight in perfect step. In Abersee on the Wolfgangsee they set off from the Gasthof Zinkenbachmühle at 16:00 and return there. Watch from the roadside; free. The end is not published, allow about three hours; the next day's run depends on the weather. «Glöcklerlauf in Abersee» Starts 16:00, ends about 19:00. Daten: Österreich Werbung / tourdata.at (CC BY 4.0).

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Sun3Jan
MusicTafalla
19:00–20:30

Sarasate Flamenco Sinfónico: Zorongo with Orquesta Sinfonía Navarra

Centro Cultural Tafalla Kulturgunea

The ensemble Zorongo and the Orquesta Sinfonía Navarra explore the flamenco and Navarrese roots of Pablo Sarasate's music, with jota, fandango and malagueña rhythms and flamenco and bolero dancers on stage. It blends symphonic and popular music in one evening. Tickets cost 12 €, good value for a concert you can easily attend alone.

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Sun3Jan
CultureRibaforada
19:00–20:30

«Perdido en los 80»: 1980s nostalgia comedy monologue, Ribaforada

Casa de Cultura de Ribaforada

A stand-up show of humour and nostalgia about life before mobiles, internet and social media: street games, VHS tapes, the TV series everyone watched, gangs of friends, discos and first loves of the 1980s. A light Sunday-evening laugh in the culture house of this small Navarrese town on the Ebro, best if your Spanish is comfortable. Tickets 10 euros; the end time is not published, about an hour and a half is likely. «Diego Sánchez: "Perdido en los 80"» Starts 19:00, ends about 20:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Monday 4 Jan3 events

Mon4Jan
Free
LearningHelsinki
17:00–20:00

Let's Read Together: Finnish for learners at Alppila community house

Community house Alppila

The volunteer-run Let's Read Together groups help adults learn Finnish at their own pace, and they are suitable for every level from first words to fluent. This one meets on Monday evenings at the Alppila community house near Kallio and is back in the first week of January. You can start any time and no registration is needed. Free. «Let's read together-group» Starts 17:00, ends about 20:00. Source: City of Helsinki / City of Espoo — LinkedEvents (CC BY 4.0).

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Mon4Jan
Free
SocialChicago
18:00–19:30

Knit Together: Beginner-Friendly Knitting at Harold Washington

Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center

Experienced needleworker Adriana Reyneri leads a beginner-friendly knitting and crochet group at the central library. Bring your own project or start something new with materials the library provides. Busy hands make conversation easy, even with complete strangers.

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Mon4Jan
MusicTolosa
18:00–19:30

EGO, the Basque youth orchestra, in concert at Leidor, Tolosa

Leidor Aretoa

EGO, Euskal Herriko Gazte Orkestra, is the youth orchestra of the Basque Country, and on the first Monday of the year it brings a full orchestra of young musicians to the Leidor theatre in Tolosa. A symphonic evening at a very low price, easy to enjoy on your own. Tickets 11.09 euros, reduced 5.59; the programme and end time are not on the listing, about an hour and a half is likely. «EGO - Joven Orquesta de Euskal Herria (Tolosa)» Starts 18:00, ends about 19:30. Source: Kulturklik — Basque Government / Open Data Euskadi (CC BY 4.0).

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Tuesday 5 Jan5 events

Tue5Jan
Free
LearningRouen
10:00–11:00

French Conversation Workshop at a Rouen Library

Bibliothèque Madeleine-Riffaud

Learners of French meet at the Madeleine-Riffaud library to chat over tea or coffee, and every level is welcome. The session is free but registration is requested. Everyone is there to practise talking, so newcomers fit straight in.

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Tue5Jan
Free
LearningEspoo
11:00–13:00

Finnish-Language Book Club at Tapiola Library: Coetzee

Tapiola Library

Tapiola Library's monthly book club meets to discuss one chosen novel, and January's title is the Finnish translation of J. M. Coetzee's The Childhood of Jesus. The conversation is held in Finnish and is free to join. A book club gives you a ready-made topic, which makes the first conversation with new people easy.

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Tue5Jan
Free
LearningHelsinki
17:00–20:00

Let's Read Together: Finnish Practice Group for Adults in Alppila

Community house Alppila

This reading group helps adults practise Finnish by reading and talking through texts together, whatever their level. You can join at any point in the season without registering, and it is free. Everyone arrives to learn, so it is an easy room to walk into on your own.

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Tue5Jan
Free
SocialToronto
19:00–20:00

Silent Book Club at Highland Creek Library

Toronto Public Library – Highland Creek

Bring your own book or pick one from the shelves, read quietly alongside others for a while, then everyone talks about what they have been reading. It meets on the first Tuesday of the month as a drop-in, with no registration. It is ideal for introverts who still want company.

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Tue5Jan
CultureParis
19:30–21:00

Short-Film Evening on the Theme of Lies at the Carreau du Temple

Le Carreau du Temple

The Carreau du Temple screens a programme of recent short films built around the theme of lying, put together by Cinécaro, with films by Alexey Evstigneev, Pauline Broulis, Zoé Labasse and others. Tickets are listed at 5 to 10 euros. Short films mean natural breaks, and a mixed crowd of film fans makes it easy to swap opinions afterwards.

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Wednesday 6 Jan3 events

Wed6Jan
Free
CultureL'Horme
17:00–17:30

Free Short Vaudeville "Le Corbeau" at La Buire

Espace Culturel La Buire

Cie Les 3812 presents a short modern vaudeville about a couple preparing to announce their bid for the town hall live on regional television from their living room. The company explores family themes through comedy, and the performance is free. A half-hour show is a light, easy outing on your own.

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Wed6Jan
Free
CultureFleury-les-Aubrais
18:45–20:15

La Petite Scène: Free Pre-Show Performance at La Passerelle

Centre Culturel La Passerelle

La Passerelle launches a new format in its foyer, a short artistic set linked to the evening's main show, which might be song, stand-up or a workshop. Entry is free and the venue invites people to come with family, with friends or on their own. The foyer bar and artisan food make it easy to linger and chat.

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Wed6Jan
Free
MusicLyon
20:00–23:00

Free Modern Jazz Jam at Kraspek Myzik in Lyon

Kraspek Myzik

This is the first edition of a new jam session led by Lazzman, focused on modern jazz, improvisation and effects-heavy grooves. Musicians are invited to join the house players on stage, and listeners are just as welcome. Entry is free, and jams are friendly places to talk to the players between tunes.

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How it works

Three small moves for a good night out alone

  1. Pick one event a day with a clear start time and a host — a sing-along or a game night is easier than a crowded bar, and it gives each holiday day a shape.
  2. Get ten phrases in the local language for that exact evening with Phrases for tonight, and practise the first one on the way.
  3. Open Meet & Mint to see who else is going, say hi in the group chat, and meet at the door. Spending 24 or 25 December alone? Create a free invite with the dinner or new-in-town template and gather other newcomers.

Questions people ask

What can I do if I spend Christmas alone in a new city?

Pick one event a day with a clear start time, or host a small orphans’ Christmas dinner for other newcomers. Many people are alone over the holidays; these events are the easiest places to meet them.

Is anything open on 25 December and 1 January?

Fewer events run on those days. Check the list for 24, 26 and 31 December and plan the day before.

Are these events free?

Most are free or under €15. Each card shows it; always confirm on the official page.

Meet & Mint

See who's going, then go together

Meet & Mint shows events and people near you on one map. Join an event alone, chat with the group, meet at the event. Free on iPhone and Android.

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