Planning a Christmas food shop? Here’s how to get ahead before the delivery chaos begins. If you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and have your Christmas groceries delivered straight to your door, the clock is ticking.
Delivery slots are vanishing fast, and knowing when and how to book with supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s can make all the difference.
How to Secure Your Christmas Grocery Slot Before They’re Gone
Whether you’re hosting a full Christmas feast or just want to avoid the supermarket queues, early planning is key. Here’s everything you need to know to secure a slot and make the most of delivery schemes this festive season.
Christmas supermarket delivery slots are now open across major UK stores. Discover how to beat the rush, when to book, and the insider tricks to unlock early access at Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Don’t get caught out, plan your festive food shop now.
Why You Need to Act Fast
Each year, Christmas grocery slots are snapped up within days, sometimes hours, of becoming available.
If you leave it too late, you’ll likely miss out on prime delivery times or be forced into inconvenient slots. Here’s what you can do right now:
- Book ASAP: Most delivery slots for major supermarkets are now live.
- Get a delivery pass: They’re not just for regular shoppers; they’re your golden ticket to early booking access.
- Set reminders: Especially if you’re waiting for bookings to open next week.
Early Access: The Delivery Pass Advantage
Want to get in before the rush? Supermarkets reward loyalty. Buying a delivery pass doesn’t just save on fees throughout the year; it gives you a head start on booking key seasonal slots.
“If you sign up for a delivery pass by 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday 21 October), you can still secure a priority slot.”
That’s the kind of window you’ll need to move fast on. Here’s a quick look at what Tesco and Sainsbury’s are offering for early birds.
Tesco
- Priority Booking Starts: Tuesday 4 November, 6am – for Anytime Delivery Saver and Click+Collect subscribers
- General Release: Tuesday 11 November, 6am
- Delivery Dates: Saturday 20 – Wednesday 24 December
Cut-offs:
- Festive Food to Order – by 11.45pm, 14 December
- All other items – by 11.45pm the night before delivery
Minimum Spend: £50 for free delivery; £25 for free collection (plan holders only). Otherwise, delivery charges range from £1.50 to £7.
Subscription Options:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime Saver | £6.99–£7.99 | Free same-day delivery, early slot access |
| Off-Peak Saver | £3.99–£4.99 | Free delivery after 3pm |
| Click+Collect | £2.49 | Same-day collection, priority slots |
Sainsbury’s
- Priority Booking Opened: Thursday 16 October – for Delivery Pass holders. Still time to sign up and book if done by 11.59pm, Tuesday 21 October
- General Release: Thursday 23 October
- Delivery Dates: Thursday 18 – Wednesday 24 December
Minimum Spend: Free delivery on orders over £40 for pass holders. Non-pass holders pay £7 if under £40; otherwise, delivery fees vary from £1–£5.50.
Subscription Options:
| Plan | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime Pass | £7.50/month, £43/6 months, £80/year | Free daily delivery, priority access |
| Midweek Pass | £4/month or £40/year | Free delivery Tues–Thurs, priority slots |
What About Other Supermarkets?
Not just Tesco and Sainsbury’s, major retailers like Asda, Morrisons, M&S, Ocado, Waitrose, Co-op, and Iceland are in on the action. Each has its own booking timelines and delivery rules. Here’s a fast breakdown:
| Supermarket | Booking Open | Delivery Dates | Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asda | Now | 21–23 Dec | Yes |
| Morrisons | Now | 20–24 Dec | Yes |
| M&S | Open | 21–24 Dec (Collection Only) | No |
| Ocado | Phased | 20–24 Dec | Yes |
| Waitrose | Now | 20–24 Dec | Yes |
| Co-op | 5 Days Prior | Varies | No |
| Iceland | 5 Days Prior | Varies | No |
Hidden Fees & Order Minimums: Watch Out
Before you hit confirm, double-check:
- Minimum spend to qualify for free delivery
- Delivery fees if you’re not on a plan
- Cut-off times for making changes
For example, Ocado shoppers need to hit £90 minimum for Christmas delivery, and M&S requires £50 upfront to lock in a collection slot.
Final Tips to Make Your Christmas Shop Smoother
- Don’t panic buy. Just to secure a slot? Not worth it.
- Be flexible with times. Early morning or late evening slots are less popular.
- Use multiple supermarkets. Can’t find what you need in one? Try another for specific items.
And if you’re after more ways to save this season, don’t miss our 47 Christmas MoneySaving Tips packed with ideas from cheap advent calendars to eco-friendly wrapping.
Christmas delivery slots are a hot commodity. Whether you’re team Tesco or swear by Sainsbury’s, get your pass, mark the dates, and book early. Or risk battling the in-store madness just days before the big day.
