Christmas shopping can be stressful, especially when trying to secure that perfect delivery slot before everything’s gone. I’ve found myself scrambling in past years, so this time, I made it my mission to track when every major UK supermarket opens their Christmas 2025 delivery slots.
Whether you’re planning a festive feast or just need groceries delivered before the rush, this guide will help you stay ahead, and avoid the holiday chaos altogether.
What is a Christmas Delivery Slot?
A Christmas delivery slot is a reserved time window when customers can have their festive groceries delivered to their doorstep or made available for collection from their chosen supermarket.
These slots are especially popular in the UK, as many shoppers plan their festive feasts well in advance to avoid the Christmas rush.
During the holidays, supermarkets experience a sharp rise in demand. Delivery slots become premium, and those who fail to book early might be left without the convenience of home delivery or Click & Collect services. That’s why most major UK supermarkets now offer delivery passes or priority booking windows for loyal customers.
In 2025, supermarkets such as Asda, Ocado, Tesco, and Morrisons are rolling out their delivery slot schedules earlier than ever.
For instance, M&S has already opened bookings for its Food to Order range, with collection slots starting from December 22. Meanwhile, Ocado Smart Pass customers who joined before 1st September 2025 can now start reserving their preferred dates.
Understanding what a Christmas delivery slot is, and why it’s essential, can help shoppers plan better, reduce last-minute stress, and secure their ideal delivery times before they run out.
Why Are Christmas Supermarket Slots So Important in 2025?
With online shopping continuing to dominate consumer behaviour in the UK, especially around peak periods, the battle to grab a Christmas delivery slot has never been fiercer. As early as September, millions of customers begin looking for information on when each supermarket will release their festive slots.
Increased Demand & Limited Slots
Every year, the demand for online grocery delivery skyrockets in December. Supermarkets only have a finite number of delivery vans and collection points, which means that the most convenient slots are often snapped up in hours.
Early Access for Loyalty Pass Holders
Retailers have introduced delivery pass systems that reward customers who sign up with early access to slots. For example:
- Asda allows pass holders to book from 14 October 2025
- Tesco Delivery Saver customers will get access from 4 November 2025
- Ocado Smart Pass holders already have access since 20 September 2025
These schemes not only offer convenience but also build loyalty and help manage customer expectations during the most competitive shopping period of the year.
Convenience and Planning
Having your groceries delivered during Christmas means less time in queues, fewer impulse purchases, and more control over your menu planning. With delivery slots, shoppers can:
- Select their delivery date between 20th and 24th December
- Reserve turkeys and other limited festive stock
- Update baskets until the night before delivery
Supermarket Christmas Delivery Slot Release Dates 2025
Let’s take a closer look at when each UK supermarket is expected to release their Christmas 2025 delivery slots. These are based on previous years and early announcements.
| Supermarket | Priority Access Date | General Release Date | Delivery Options |
| Asda | 14 Oct 2025 | 21 Oct 2025 | Delivery + Click & Collect |
| Tesco | 4 Nov 2025 | 11 Nov 2025 | Delivery + Click & Collect |
| Sainsbury’s | 15 Oct 2025 | Around 20 Oct 2025 | Delivery + Click & Collect |
| Morrisons | 1 Oct 2025 | 8 Oct 2025 | Delivery + Click & Collect |
| Waitrose | 23 Sep 2025 | Late Sep 2025 | Delivery + Click & Collect |
| Ocado | 20 Sep 2025 (Smart Pass) | First week of Dec | Delivery only |
| Aldi | N/A | 21 Nov 2025 | Click & Collect only |
| Iceland | 6 days before desired date | Ongoing | Delivery only |
This guide helps ensure you never miss your chance to book. Be sure to check each supermarket’s website regularly for updates, as dates can shift.
When Can You Book an Asda Christmas Delivery Slot?
Asda remains one of the UK’s most popular supermarkets and offers both home delivery and Click & Collect services for Christmas groceries.
Key Dates
- Delivery Pass Customers: Tuesday 14 October 2025
- General Public: Tuesday 21 October 2025
Delivery Pass Options
| Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Perks |
| Anytime Pass | £6.95 | £69.50 | Priority slots, unlimited delivery |
| Midweek Pass | £3.95 | £39.50 | Cheaper access Tue–Thu deliveries |
Other Notes
- Minimum spend: £40 (delivery), £25 (Click & Collect)
- Changes to basket allowed until 11pm before delivery
Asda is set to offer over one million slots during the Christmas week, making it one of the most accessible supermarkets. However, early booking is still essential.
How Do Tesco’s Christmas Grocery Delivery Slots Work?
Tesco’s Delivery Saver scheme remains one of the most used in the UK due to its simplicity and wide delivery network.
Predicted Booking Dates
- Delivery Saver Members: Tuesday 4 November 2025
- Non-Members: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Tesco also offers:
- Click & Collect: Available from most stores
- Flexible slot times: Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening
Delivery Saver Pass Pricing:
| Type | Monthly Cost | Delivery Days |
| Anytime Pass | £7.99 | All days |
| Midweek Pass | £4.99 | Tue–Thu only |
Customers who subscribe to the Delivery Saver often get access to exclusive slots and discounts, making it a smart option for regular Tesco shoppers during the festive rush.
Where and When Can You Reserve Sainsbury’s Christmas Delivery?
Sainsbury’s is expected to follow a similar pattern to 2024, with early access going to Delivery Pass members.
Key Dates
- Anytime Pass Customers: Wednesday 15 October 2025
- General Release: A few days later (likely around 20 October)
Sainsbury’s delivery system is known for its punctuality and flexibility, with time slots available from 20 to 24 December.
Delivery Pass Pricing
| Pass Type | Monthly Cost | Off-Peak Option | Benefits |
| Anytime Delivery | £7.50 | £4 (midweek) | Early access, free delivery options |
Sainsbury’s also supports free Click & Collect for orders over a certain threshold, making it a convenient choice for those on the move.
Who Gets Priority Access to Ocado’s Christmas Slots?
Ocado Christmas slots operates slightly differently from traditional supermarkets. Its services cater exclusively to delivery customers, with no Click & Collect option.
Important Dates
- Smart Pass Customers: Since Monday 20 September 2025
- General Public: First week of December 2025
However, it’s worth noting that Smart Pass benefits are suspended during Christmas week, and all customers must pay for their slot regardless of pass status.
Smart Pass Pricing
| Pass Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
| Anytime | £8.99 | No delivery fees outside festive week |
| Midweek | £4.99 | Tue–Thu delivery only |
Customers planning to use Ocado should act quickly, as slots typically fill within hours of release.
Which Dates Are Morrisons and Waitrose Opening Their Slots?
Morrisons and Waitrose both offer robust delivery systems, blending traditional customer service with online convenience.
Morrisons
- Delivery Pass Customers: Wednesday 1 October 2025
- General Public: Wednesday 8 October 2025
- Final Click & Collect date for turkey: Monday 16 December
Waitrose
- Pass Holders: Already open from Tuesday 23 September 2025
- General Customers: Late September
- Min spend: £40 for free Click & Collect
- Delivery cost: £4 per delivery
Waitrose Christmas slots provides premium festive offerings and allows pre-ordering for delivery between 20 and 24 December.
What Makes Iceland and Aldi’s Christmas Delivery Options Different?
Both Iceland and Aldi operate differently when it comes to festive bookings, offering limited but accessible services.
Iceland
- Delivery slots available 6 days before desired delivery
- No long-term pre-booking
- Free home delivery on orders over £40
Aldi
- Offers Click & Collect only
- Booking starts Friday 21 November 2025
- One-hour collection slots between 20 and 23 December
These options suit shoppers who prefer last-minute orders or budget-friendly services.
Should You Get a Delivery Pass for Christmas 2025?
A delivery pass is a subscription plan that gives customers priority access to slots and eliminates individual delivery fees.
Benefits of a Delivery Pass
- Early access to in-demand Christmas slots
- Cost-effective for frequent shoppers
- Fixed monthly or annual charges
- Access to exclusive discounts and time slots
Here’s a quick comparison of leading supermarket delivery passes:
| Supermarket | Anytime Monthly | Midweek Monthly | Key Perks |
| Ocado | £8.99 | £4.99 | Early access, no fees (non-peak) |
| Asda | £6.95 | £3.95 | Priority slots, free delivery |
| Morrisons | £8 | £5 | Unlimited delivery |
| Tesco | £7.99 | £4.99 | Reserved festive access |
| Sainsbury’s | £7.50 | £4 | Free delivery, flexible booking |
Getting a pass makes sense if you plan to do your Christmas food shopping online. However, if you only shop once or twice during the season, it may not be worth the cost.
Conclusion
Booking a Christmas delivery slot in 2025 is no longer just a matter of convenience—it’s a festive survival tactic.
With most major UK supermarkets now offering priority access to delivery pass holders and early releases happening as soon as September, being prepared is key.
Whether you’re stocking up on turkey, mince pies, or last-minute nibbles, getting your booking sorted early ensures peace of mind, less stress, and a smoother holiday season.
Make sure to keep an eye on your chosen supermarket’s updates and consider investing in a delivery pass if you’re planning more than one order. After all, nobody wants to be battling the crowds in-store the week before Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to book a Christmas delivery slot?
The best time is as soon as your supermarket opens bookings. Priority pass holders should act on their early access date, often in mid-October.
Can I still get a delivery slot if I don’t have a delivery pass?
Yes, but your access will be delayed, and slots may be limited. Early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
What’s the minimum spend for a supermarket Christmas delivery?
Most supermarkets require a minimum spend of £40 for home delivery and around £25 for Click & Collect.
Do delivery passes guarantee a slot?
No, but they offer early access, which significantly increases your chances of getting your preferred time and date.
Can I change my order after booking the slot?
Yes, most supermarkets allow edits until the night before delivery, typically up to 11pm.
Which supermarket is best for last-minute Christmas orders?
Iceland is ideal as it lets you book slots just six days in advance, perfect for spontaneous shoppers.
What happens if I miss my delivery slot?
You may be charged or lose your items depending on the supermarket’s policy. Always check the terms when booking.
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