Ways to Spend the Holidays Alone in PA, DE, & NC

Gentle, Low-Pressure Ideas for When You’re Celebrating Solo — By Choice or by Circumstance

Celebrating the holidays solo doesn’t have to mean doing nothing, unless that’s exactly what you need. Whether this year’s plans were intentional or simply how things worked out, this list is about giving you options that feel manageable, comforting, and flexible.

If you’re located in Sanare’s service areas — Pennsylvania, Delaware, or North Carolina, here are some easy, local ways to spend the holiday season on your own terms.

And remember: a quiet day at home is still a perfectly good holiday.

Skip to: Pennsylvania | Delaware | North Carolina

Pennsylvania (Exton & Philadelphia Suburbs)

Grounding activities helpful for holiday stress and anxiety: 

• Take a quiet winter walk at Marsh Creek State Park or Ridley Creek State Park
  
  • https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/marsh-creek-state-park
  • https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ridley-creek-state-park
• Visit Longwood Gardens for a peaceful solo outing -https://longwoodgardens.org/
  
  • Enjoy a Longwood Christmas now until January 11th
• Spend time at a Chester County or Main Line library
• Go to a matinee movie to be around others without social pressure
• Volunteer briefly at a local food pantry or community outreach center

Delaware (Wilmington & Northern DE)

Low-pressure options for movement, calm and connection:

• Walk the trails at Brandywine Creek State Park 
  
  • https://www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek/
• Take a calm beach walk at Cape Henlopen, Lewes, or Rehoboth
  
  • https://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/
  • https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/157/Beaches
  • https://www.rehobothbeachde.gov/
• Visit the outdoor grounds at Hagley Museum
  
  • https://www.hagley.org/calendar/holidays-hagley-november-28-through-january-1
  • Holidays at Hagley - November 28th - January 1st
• Sit in a cozy Wilmington coffee shop with a book or music
• Volunteer at a community kitchen or donation center

North Carolina (Raleigh & Wilmington)

Flexible activities to reset and get you out of the house: 

• Walk or reflect at Umstead State Park or along the Neuse River Greenway
  
  • https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park
  • https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/neuse-river-greenway-trail
• Explore the NC Museum of Art Park
  
  • https://ncartmuseum.org/
• Visit a public library in Wake or Mecklenburg County
• Go to a matinee or independent theater showing
• Spend time volunteering at an animal shelter or food bank

Mental Health Support During the Holidays

If holiday stress, loneliness, anxiety, or depression feels overwhelming, Sanare offers mental health support across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and North Carolina. Our therapists understand how complicated the holiday season can be and are here to help you navigate it at your own pace. We are here for you  https://sanaretoday.com/locations

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Related Reading

Sanare’s Holiday Survival Guide

Spending the Holidays Alone or With Family

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