For anyone who doesn’t have a large feast to attend this year, there are plenty of free Christmas dinners happening in our area.

One of the longest running is the Ponoka Community Christmas Dinner, which goes on the 25th at the Ponoka legion from 10 until 2.

Head cook and organizer Bob Hepp says they already have plenty of food donations from local community groups for the day, but if you want to volunteer you are always welcome.

“Everybody is welcome to come, some can come and volunteer. Part of volunteering might be sitting down and having a meal with a person or a snack or a coffee, and just visiting for Christmas Day.”

Hepp says the Ponoka Dinner will even let you take home a doggy bag if supplies allow.

“If we have food available, they’re allowed to take a meal and treats home with them. So they can have another turkey dinner later on that evening, complete with stuffing, dressing, cranberries, everything.”

The Lacombe Community Christmas Dinner is also on the 25th down at the LMC.

Doors open at noon, it's free, and all are invited.

And if you are in Red Deer, the Mustard Seed is hosting a roast turkey dinner from 4 until 6 pm, and the Salvation Army will be hosting their free Christmas dinner from noon until 1:30.