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Book your Xmas supermarket delivery slots now with spots at Asda, Sainsbury's and Waitrose all still available - here's when and how to do it

Supermarket delivery slots for Christmas are now open. And while Ocado is by and large already booked up, Asda, Sainsbury's and Waitrose all have availability for the festive period. We have compiled a full breakdown of your options to make Christmas easier.

But, before we begin, here are a few quick points to bear in mind first: 

  • The time and date of when you can place bookings varies considerably. 
  • When orders for Christmas will be delivered also varies, although most supermarkets will deliver up to and including Christmas Eve. 
  • Not all shops release specific Christmas dates for orders: some will just run their usual delivery services.
  • Click and collect will invariably be cheaper than choosing a delivery but fees may also apply for click and collect.

For help on cutting the cost of your grocery bill, see our Supermarket Shopping Tips

Christmas Delivery Slots 

The majority of Britain's supermarkets offer Christmas food deliveries up until Christmas Eve but the timeframes at which they accept bookings vary.

The table below shows the policies for each supermarket chain and when you can book slots. Be sure to act quickly, however, as slots often get snapped up quickly. 

Which supermarkets have opened Christmas delivery slots?

Supermarket Are Christmas slots open to book now? When Christmas orders will be delivered
Aldi Waiting to hear
Asda Open now Up to and incl 24 Dec
Co-op Open to bookings 5 days before delivery Up to and incl 24 Dec
Iceland Open to bookings 6 days before delivery Up to and incl 24 Dec
Lidl Does not offer a food home delivery service
Morrisons Open now 20-24 Dec
Ocado Open, but fully booked up in most regions (1) 20-24 Dec
Sainsbury's From 23 Nov for Delivery Pass customers and on 30 Nov for non-Delivery Pass customers 20-23 Dec
Tesco Open now for Delivery Saver customers (2) and 23 Nov for non-Delivery Saver customers Up to and incl 24 Dec
Waitrose Open now 20-24 Dec

Correct as of 16 November 2021. (1) Ocado will let members know as soon as more slots become available. (2) Tesco temporarily limited the number of Delivery Saver customers using its website on the morning slots launched (16 November). But it says this virtual queue has since been turned off and that slots are still available.

What to watch out for when booking delivery slots

  • Get in quickly. Ocado has largely sold out of Christmas delivery slots already. 
  • Watch out if booking close to delivery date. Co-op and Iceland, for example, could be riskier options as you'll be waiting until nearer the big day to get your slot as they don't have specific Christmas delivery dates. This may leave you with fewer options if you miss out but it could be a good back-up plan if you miss out on slots elsewhere.
  • Check if you can edit orders. Many shops, including Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose, let you make an unlimited number of changes to your order by certain deadlines. So, even if you're not sure what your final shopping list will be, it could be worth getting your order in with just a few items and making edits later.
  • Beware of delivery fees. Also remember to factor in food costs, as these will vary by supermarket.

Remember that customers who pay for a delivery pass often get early access. For example, Ocado customers were given priority when booking a Christmas delivery slot.

Click and Collect Slots

Consider click and collect. If you do miss out on a delivery slot with your favourite supermarket, stores are generally offering click-and-collect slots, which may have more availability (See the table below).

Many supermarkets also offer free click and collect, so you could save on delivery costs too. 

Which supermarkets have opened Christmas click and collect slots?

Supermarket Are click and collect bookings open now? Christmas collection dates
M&S Food
Open now
22-23 Dec
Morrisons Open now 21-24 Dec
Sainsbury's Open now 22-24 Dec
Tesco

Open now for Delivery Saver customers and

23 Nov for non-Delivery Saver customers

Up to and incl 24 Dec
Waitrose Entertaining Range / Food Made to Order is open now 20-24 Dec

Correct as of 16 November 2021. 

See our 44 Christmas MoneySaving Tips guide for more on how to reduce financial stress over the festive season, including banning unnecessary presents and free (or very cheap) ways to create Christmas magic for kids.

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