Christmas and New Year opening hours 2025-26

Offices close at 4.30pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 8.30am to 4.30 pm on Monday 29 December 2025. They close again at 4.30pm on Wednesday 31 December 2025 and reopen at 8.30am on Friday 2 January 2026.

• Adult Social Care web pages
• Housing Needs web pages 

If you are worried about a vulnerable adult and it is an emergency CONTACT THE POLICE BY DIALLING 999

Collections will return to normal from Monday 5 January 2026

We collect extra recycling if your bin or reusable sack is full. Put extra mixed recycling in clear or white bags next to your recycling bin/reusable sack and extra paper/card in a clear or white bag separate to the rest of your extra recycling

Bulky waste

No bulky waste or free reuse collections will be made on

• Thursday 25 December 2025
• Friday 26 December 2025
• Thursday 1 January 2026

Polystyrene collection

Excess polystyrene will be collected from households on general (black bin/black reusable sack) waste collection days from Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 16 January 2026.   

If you have extra polystyrene packaging that will not fit in your black bin or sack 

• place it within a clear or white plastic bag next to your black bin/black reusable sack on your general waste collection day
  
  
• It must be in a clear or white sack so that the collection crews can easily identify it. The clear bag must only hold polystyrene, or it will not be collected. 
  
  
• Any excess general waste or black sacks left to the side of your bin or gull sack will not be collected 

 After 17 January 2026 as polystyrene is not currently recyclable it must be placed in your black bin/black reusable sack or taken to Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh Household Waste Recycling Centre and put in the general rubbish skip. 

The opening and closing times for the Bereavement Service will be

• Christmas Day 25 December 2025 (closed)
• Boxing Day 26 December 2025 (closed)
• Monday 31 December 2025 (9am to 4.30pm)
• Tuesday 30 December 2025 (9am to 4.30pm)
• Wednesday 31 December 2025 (9am to 4.30pm)
• New Year’s Day (closed)
• Friday 2 January 2026 – normal opening hours

Building Control will continue to operate a Dangerous Structure out of hours service over the festive period.

If there is immediate danger and a threat to life, call 999. For all other situations call (01983) 821105

Surveyors will still be available for site inspections and enquiries during normal working hours (8.30am to 4.30pm) on 29, 30 and 31 December 2025 and 2 January 2026, although there may be a limited service, and full normal service will resume from Monday 5 January 2026.

Offices close at 4.00pm, Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen Monday 29 December 2025 at 9.00am.

If you are worried a child is, or at risk of, suffering, neglect or abuse contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Team

• Tel 01983 823435 (available 24 hours a day)

If you are concerned, it is important that you talk to someone about this.

You do not need to know everything about the child and what is happening before you contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Team

IN AN EMERGENCY CONTACT THE POLICE BY DIALLING 999

If you have an active Garden Waste Subscription, you can also dispose of real Christmas trees as part of the service.

The tree should be clear of all decorations and pots and can be left to the side of your garden bin on your collection day between Monday 5 January and Friday 16 January 2026. 

Cowes Pop-Up Community Pantry

The Apex Church Hall, St. Faith’s Road, Cowes, PO31 7HH

Christmas Opening hours (from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026)

Open: Tuesday 23 December, Sat 27 December, Tues 30 December 2025

Closed: Thursday 25 December 2025 and Thursday 1 January 2026

Reopening: Saturday 3 January 2026

East Cowes Community Pantry

Community Spirited, Vectis Road, East Cowes, PO32 6HN

Closed for the two-week period.

Last session: Thursday 18 December 2025

Reopening: Tuesday 6 January 2026

Newport Community Pantry

Christmas Opening hours (from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026)

Closed for the two-week period.

Last session: Wednesday 17 December 2025

Reopening: Wednesday 7 January 2026

Ventnor Community Pantry

Baby Box, Victoria Street, Ventnor, PO38 1EJ

Christmas Opening hours (22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026)

Last session: Tuesday 23 December 2025 from 1pm to 5pm

Reopening: Tuesday 6 January 2026

Ryde Community Pantry

Oakfield CE Primary School, Appley Road, Ryde, PO33 1NE

Christmas Opening hours (from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026)

Open: Monday 22 December and Monday 29 December from 10am to 2pm

Reopening: Monday 5 January 2026

Pan Community Larder

Downside Community Centre, Furrlongs, Newport, PO30 2AX

Christmas Opening hours (from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026)

Last session: Tues 23 December 2025 from 10am to 2pm

Reopening: Tues 6 January 2026

Sandown Pop-up Community Pantry

Lighthouse Church, Lake, Isle of Wight, PO36 8BA

Christmas Opening hours (from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026)

Last session: Friday 19 December 2025

Reopening: Wednesday 31 December 2025

These services will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025.  Services will be open on Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 December 2025 between 8:30am and 4.30pm.

These services will be closed on Thursday 1 January 2026 and will be open as normal from Friday 2 January 2026.

The Coroner’s Office will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025. It will be open on Monday 29 until Wednesday 31 December 2025 between 8:30am and 4.30pm.

The office will be closed on Thursday 1 January 2026 and will be open as normal from Friday 2 January 2026.

 The Book of Remembrance will be closed on 24 (from 3.30pm) 25, 26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026.

• Up to 23 December 2025 – open 8am to 4.30pm
• 24 December 2025 – open 8am to 4.30pm
• 25 to 26 December 2025 - closed
• 27 December 2025 – open 10am- 12 noon
• 28 December 2025 – CLOSED
• 29 to 31 December 2025 – open 8am to 4.30pm
• 1 January 2026 - closed.
• 2 January 2026 - normal opening hours

Office hours are as above for weekdays, except for bank holidays, when the office is closed.

All cremation documentation, burial forms and music should be delivered at least three clear office working days prior to each service, especially over this period.

Currently closed for building works

• Christmas Eve - 0500 to 0030
• Christmas Day - 0700 to 0030 (Service suspended between 1320 and 2000 – launch service NOT IN OPERATION)
• Boxing Day - 0700 to 0030 
• 27 December 2025 - 0500 to 0030
• 28 December 2025 - 0500 to 0030
• 29 December 2025 - 0630 to 0030
• 30 December 2025 - 0500 to 0030
• New Years’ Eve - 0500 to 0130**
• New Years’ Day- 0700 to 0030
• 2 January 2026 - 0500 to 0030
• 3 January 2026 - 0500 to 0030

**Last crossing from East Cowes 0110
Last crossing from West Cowes 0120

Check the Floating Bridge website for live status before travel as the above timetable may change due to any potential adverse weather

• www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk  
  

The Contact Centre will close at 5pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen 9am until 5pm on Monday 29 until Wednesday 31 December 2025. Closed on Thursday 1 January and re-open at 9am on Friday 2 January 2026.

The Help Centre, at Ryde Library will close at 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 and will reopen at 9am on Friday 2 January 2026.

Newport Help Centre will close at 5pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025. It will reopen at 8.30am until 5pm on Monday 29 until Wednesday 31 December 2025. Closed on Thursday 1 January and re-open at 8.30am on Friday 2 January 2026.

Flooding, fallen trees, highway obstruction, traffic lights not working etc - contact Island Roads on 01983 822440

Non-emergency highway issues can also be reported online at fms.islandroads.com

General information is available via the website www.islandroads.com

Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh Household Waste and Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day. Other than this, normal opening hours apply. 

Book your visit in advance or choose a same day booking using the link below or call (01983) 823777

• Book a trip to the recycling centre

The Learning and Development Resource Centre will be closed from Monday 22 December 2025 and will re-open on Tuesday 6 January 2026.

The Heights

• Up to 23 December 2025 - 6am to 9pm
• 24 December 2025 - 6am to 2pm
• 25 and 26 December 2025 - closed
• 27 and 28 December 2025 - 6am to 5pm
• 29 December 2025 - 6am to 6:30pm
• 30 December 2025 - 6am to 6.30pm
• 31 December 2025 - 6am to 2pm
• 01 January 2026 - closed     
• 02 January 2026 – normal opening hours

Medina

• Up to 23 December 2025 - 6am to 9pm
• 24 December 2025 - 6am to 2pm
• 25 and 26 December 2025 - closed
• 27 and 28 December 2025 - 8am to 5pm
• 29 December 2025 - 6am to 6:30pm
• 31 December 2025 - 6am to 2pm
• 01 January 2026 - closed        
• 02 January 2026 - 6am to 9pm

Medina Theatre

• 23 December 2025 – 12.30pm to 5pm
• 24 December 2025 –11.30am to 4pm
• 25 and 26 December 2025 - closed
• 27 to 30 December 2025 – 12.30pm to 10pm
• 30 December 2025 - 1 January 2026 - closed     

Westridge

• Up to 23 December 2025 - 6am to 9pm
• 24 December 2025 - 6am to 2pm
• 25 and 26 December 2025 - closed
• 27 December 2025 -  8am to 2pm
• 28 December 2025 - closed
• 29 December 2025 – 6am - 6:30pm
• 30 December 2025 - 6am to 6.30pm
• 31 December 2025 - 6am to 2pm
• 01 January 2026 – closed
• 02 January 2026 – 6am to 9pm

Theatre Pantomime times

www.medinatheatre.co.uk

• 20 December 2025 - 2pm
• 21 December 2025 - 2pm
• 22 December 2025 - 2pm
• 24 December 2025 - 1pm
• 27 December 2025 - 2pm and 7pm grown-ups panto
• 28 December 2025 - 2pm and 7pm grown-ups panto
  

• 29 December 2025 - 2pm and 7pm grown-ups panto

• 30 December 2025 - 2pm and 7pm grown-ups panto

Libraries

The Museum of Island History will be closed from 1pm Thursday 27 November 2025 and will open again on Thursday 3 February 2026 - 10am to 1pm

Newport Roman Villa is closed for the winter period

Parking services close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025. They next open, Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 December 2025 with the hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm. Closed 1 January 2026 and reopen as normal on Friday 2 January 2026.

The planning department will be operating within office hours of 8.30am to 4pm on 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 December 2025 and 2 January 2026 with pre-booked appointments only. 

The drop-in facility will not be available Wednesday 24 December or Wednesday 31 December 2025. The Office will be closed on 25 and 26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026 and will operate as normal from Monday 5 January 2026.

Reporting any alleged Planning Enforcement breaches, including any alleged illegal works to protected trees, and a range of other online Planning actions can continue to be made anytime on our Planning pages.

The Record Office at Hillside, Newport is currently open by appointment only (823820)

• 23 December 2025 – 9.30am to 4.30pm

• 24 December 2025 – closed (normal Wednesday closure)
  

• 25 to 28 December 2025 - closed
  

• 29 December 2025 - closed
  

• 30 December 2025 – closed

• 31 December 2025 – closed

• 1 January 2026 - closed

• 2 January 2026 – 9.30am to 4.30pm

The Register Office closes at 4pm, Wednesday 24 December 2025. An appointment only service will run on Monday 29 December, Tuesday 30 December and Wednesday 31 December 2025 from 9.00am to 4pm.

The office at Seaclose will open as normal on 2 January 2026.

To register a death between 24 December 2025 and 1 January 2026 call (01983) 823233. For the out of hours emergency service call Wightcare on (01983) 821105

Online applications remain available for council tax, local council tax support, housing benefit and Blue Badges.

Christmas housing benefit payment arrangements - Those expecting a Housing Benefit payment on 24 and 29 December 2025 and 5 January 2026 should receive this payment on those days as normal. 

To use the Citizens Access Portal to view your council tax account online visit Council Tax

To use the Citizens Access Benefits Portal to apply and notify a change of circumstances visit Housing Benefit and support

Samaritans

Tel: 116123 24 hours a day confidential service.
Support for people who have feelings of distress or despair

Isle Help

Tel: 01983 823898
Email: enquiries@iwcab.org.uk
Or leave a voicemail for a call back on 01983 309309 
Help through crisis. Advice and information on benefits, money issues, rent concerns, referrals to Isle of Wight Foodbank.

Community Mental Health Support Hub (NHS)

Tel: 111
Online self-help and signposting to support your mental health and wellbeing.

Community Mental Health Safe Heaven (for adults)

Tel: 01983 520168
Email: safehaven@twosaints.org.uk
Monday to Friday, 5 to 10pm Weekends and bank holidays, 12 to 10pm Trained professionals can discuss your mental health concerns and provide you with some help.

Space 4 U safehaven (for young people aged 11 to 17)

Tel: 07741 665182

Monday, 5 to 8pm
Wednesday, 5 to 8pm
Thursday, 5 to 8pm
Saturday, 10am to 1.30pm

An emotional crisis support service for young people

Citizens Advice - Help Through Hardship

Tel: 0808 2082138 for free Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Talk confidentially with a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They can

• provide support to maximise your income
• help you navigate the benefits system
• identify eligibility for other additional grants
• provide a voucher for an emergency food parcel from the Foodbank in an emergency

Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111

Electricity emergency – 0800 072 7282

Emergency services – 999

Environment Agency – 0800 807 060

Floodline – 0345 988 118

Hovertravel – 0345 222 0461

Island Roads (24hrs) – 01983 822440

Isle of Wight Council – 01983 821000

Non-emergency ambulance, fire or police – 101

Non-emergency NHS – 111

Rail Enquiries – 03457 484950

Red Funnel Ferries – 02380 019192

Social Services (Adult) – 01983 814980

Social Services (Children) – 0300 300 0117

St Mary’s Hospital – 01983 822099

Wightlink – 0333 999 7333

Members of Parliament

Richard Quigley (West Wight) richard.quigley.mp@parliament.uk

Joe Robertson (East Wight) joe.robertson.mp@parliament.uk

Wednesday 24 December 2025 normal Wednesday closure and reopens 10am Friday 2 January 2026

The Archaeology and Historic Environment Service will be available until 4.30pm on Friday 19 December 2025. The Service will re-open on Friday 2 January 2026.

For emergencies involving council-owned buildings, please contact Wightcare on (01983) 821105