Last order dates for Christmas food shops from Asda, Waitrose, Aldi and more
With dozens of mince pies to choose from and busier crowds roaming the aisles than usual, we don’t blame you for wanting to do your Christmas supermarket food shop from the comfort of your sofa.
What’s more, you can easily compare the prices of everything from turkeys to festive fizz.
But, you unfortunately can’t also leave your festive food order until the eleventh hour.
Many UK supermarkets have cut-off dates to guarantee they’ll have your delivery to your doorstep by 25 December – and they're earlier than you might think, so don't get caught out.
What’s more, there aren’t an unlimited number of delivery spots and many of the best time slots will get booked up fast.
Once you’ve decided to commit to the convenience of online delivery, nothing will dampen your Christmas sprits more than leaving the warmth of home – Miracle On 34th Street at the ready – to scout out Brussels sprouts. So be prepared.
As an early festive gift, we’ve done the legwork for you so you can get ordering in plenty of time.
Marks & Spencer | order now
Although there's no specific cut-off on Marks & Spencer's website, its Christmas food collection is already open, and when those spaces are gone, they're gone.
Shoppers can pre-order Christmas food for between 22-24 December and because of this small window, it can get very busy, so come prepared. And, all food will last until at least Boxing Day, so never fear.
Our top pick: Collection Handmade Chocolate Pine Cones | £15
Waitrose | order now
Waitrose delivery slots are disappearing quickly, and like Marks & Spencer, when they're gone, they're gone. Be sure to get your slot confirmed by 15 December, because that's when Waitrose will stop accepting new Christmas orders.
There's a minimum spend of £40 on deliveries and click and collect. Collections are free, but deliveries vary in price (average: £3) for between 20-24 December.
Our top pick: No.1 Whisky Smoked Salmon | £6.25
Asda | order now
The supermarket opened its slots for Christmas delivery on 18 October – and all orders must be in before 15 December to get it in time for the big day.
Slots are available from 20-23 December for both delivery and click and collect, and you can amend orders until the night before delivery.
Our top pick: Extra Special Slow-Cooked Beef Shin | £30
Sainsbury’s | order now
While there's no final date advertised, delivery slots for Sainsbury's are available now and click and collect opens on 27 November. This is for orders between 18-24 December.
If you are lucky enough to bag yourself a slot, you can then make changes up to 11pm on the night before your delivery.
Our top pick: British Ultimate Christmas Turkey Crown | £37.60 - £49.35
Fortnum & Mason | order now
If you’re planning to go extra-special this Christmas, you can have an assortment of luxury items delivered to your door with Fortnum & Mason.
Standard deliveries from the royal-approved brand have to be made by 16 December, but if you're running late, named day deliveries can be made until 21 December.
Our top pick: Ultimate French Cheese Selection | £70
Iceland | order now
Your one-stop shop for navigating party season – and impromptu guests – with nibbles and last-minute desserts in the freezer.
Delivery slots are now open, but they close early this year on 4 December. Don't worry, you don't need to have your plans finalised until 6 days before your reserved delivery slot, when Iceland will email you to remind you to place your order and check out. You can book deliveries right up until 24 December.
Our top pick: Iceland 26 Vegetable Samosas | £2.50
Morrisons | order now
You can order from the supermarket, for deliveries between 20-23 December, right up until 19 December, but the earlier you order, the more likely your essentials will be in stock.
If you're not sure when your cut-off time is to make changes, Morrisons will handily put it in your confirmation email for you.
Our top pick: Morrisons Plant Revolution Roast No-Turkey Crown 497g | £6
Ocado | order now
Shoppers will need to book their delivery slot well ahead of time, however once you've made it you can make changes up until two days before. These slots start on 14 December and go all the way through to 4 January.
As Marks & Spencer is doing its Christmas shop as collection only, many people are turning to Ocado to get their M&S fix delivered, so be aware of that when booking a slot.
Our top pick: M&S Chocolate & Hazelnut Gateau | £15
Tesco | order now
Slots for Delivery Saver members opened on 15 November with all other customers able to get their Christmas feasts from 22 November.
Christmas slots are open for delivery from 20-23 December, with some selected click and collect options opening on 24 December, too.
Our top pick: Tesco Finest Garnish Pack | £12
Aldi | order now
You'll be able to grab your Christmas slots from 18 November – 14 December this year. It doesn't offer home deliveries but you can click and collect from 20-23 December.
You'll simply pull up to Aldi's designated bays and staff will bring your shopping out to you. It might get busy, though, some come prepared.
Our top pick: Specially Selected Vegan Festive Wreath | £3.99
Watch: John Lewis' Christmas ad
