Up to 50,000 people could eat a Meals-on-Wheels Christmas dinner alone this year, figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats suggested.
The party urged everyone to visit anyone they knew was spending the festive period on their own, after gathering the data from local councils.
Local government spokesman Andrew Stunell said: "Feeling isolated and lonely at this time of year can be particularly hard when everyone around you seems to be having fun.
"You could get in touch with an older friend, relative or neighbour who might be alone, go round for a mince pie and a chat, or invite them to Christmas dinner."
Meanwhile, Michelin star celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli failed to show up at the opening of a series of Christmas accommodation centres.
Organisers of the Open Christmas project learned that French-born Mr Novelli would not be helping cook for up to 300 people at the opening of a centre close to Liverpool Street tube station.
Phil Power, head of communications for homelessness charity Crisis, said it was "disappointing". "We were just informed that he was very sorry that he couldn't (come) due to personal reasons," she said.
Hundreds of homeless visitors flocked to the centre's opening were keen to make use of the services on offer under the scheme, now in its 35th year.
The scheme offers a warm bed and food as well as services such as internet access, medical care, TV, eye testing, haircuts, skills training and advice on housing and benefits.
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Up to 1,500 homeless people are expected to use the seven centres across London over the next week, with a record 6,000 volunteers offering their services.
