Every year the same thing happens. It's a quiet Tuesday in December, you open a supermarket app, and every delivery slot between the 21st and the 24th is greyed out. The fix is simple but annoyingly early: book before you think you need to.
Supermarkets are now releasing their Christmas slots, and this year there's a new wrinkle: Morrisons has just started trialling temperature-controlled collection lockers, a sign that collection is getting more flexible. Here's how the booking race usually works, how to improve your chances, and how to stop the festive shop from ballooning.
When do Christmas delivery slots open?
Retailers release slots in waves, and paying members of delivery schemes almost always get in first. Last year's pattern, reported by Which? in 2025, gives a useful guide: Ocado and Waitrose opened to pass holders in late September, Morrisons, Asda and Sainsbury's followed through October, and Tesco was the last of the big names, opening to its members in early November.
For 2026, one third-party tracker reports Morrisons and Waitrose slots opening to pass holders on 30 September and Tesco following on 3 November for members. We couldn't confirm those dates directly with the retailers, and the same page mixes in some 2025 dates, so treat them as a guide and check each supermarket's own app or website. We'll update this guide as retailers confirm.
What stays consistent year to year:
- Members first, public later. The general public usually gets access roughly a week after pass holders, sometimes longer.
- Slots are released in batches. A full-looking calendar can show new availability a few days later.
- The 22nd to 24th go fastest. Earlier slots in the week of 14 December are far easier to get.
Is a delivery pass worth it just for Christmas?
It can be, but only if the maths works. Delivery passes typically cost a monthly or annual fee in return for cheaper or free delivery and early slot access. Before you sign up, check three things:
- The minimum basket. Many supermarkets set a minimum spend, and it can be higher for the busiest delivery days.
- Whether benefits pause in Christmas week. Some schemes limit perks at peak times, so read the terms rather than assuming.
- The cancellation rules. If you only want it for December, look for a flexible monthly option and set a reminder to cancel.
If you're only placing one big Christmas order, a pass fee may cost more than the delivery charges you'd save. Compare the pass fee with a single standard delivery charge before committing.
Click & Collect: the underrated alternative
Collection slots are often easier to find than delivery slots and the fee is usually lower or free, depending on the retailer and basket size. If you can drive to a store, it's a strong fallback. A few tips:
- Choose an early-morning collection slot, when queues are shorter.
- Check substitution settings, so a missing item isn't swapped for something you won't use.
- Inspect fresh items before you leave, especially the turkey and the veg.
Morrisons' new locker system, launched at its Skipton store on 2 October 2026 as a pilot, stores chilled, frozen and ambient orders at different temperatures and releases them with a six-digit code. It's one store for now, so don't plan your Christmas around it, but it shows where collection is heading.
How to book without the stress
- Book a slot first, fill the basket later. Most supermarkets let you amend the order until a cut-off, often the night before delivery. Check the cut-off in your retailer's terms.
- Pick a less obvious day. A Friday or Saturday earlier in the week often beats the 23rd.
- Split the shop. Order non-perishables, drinks and frozen items for an early delivery, then top up fresh items closer to the day.
- Have a backup. Reserve a collection slot as well if you can, and cancel the one you don't need.
- Don't forget other retailers' cut-offs. Gifts and groceries run to different deadlines. Our Christmas delivery deadlines guide covers parcel cut-offs.
Why more households are shopping online for Christmas
According to NielsenIQ data released in January 2026, 29% of households shopped for groceries online over the four weeks to 27 December 2025, and online accounted for 13.5% of grocery sales, up from 12.6% the year before. Shoppers spent £19.6 billion in that period. More people ordering online means more competition for slots, which is the strongest argument for booking early.
Keep the festive food bill in check
A booked slot solves delivery, not cost. Some practical ways to spend less:
Set a per-head budget before you start
Decide what you can spend and work backwards. Online baskets make it easy to add "just one more thing". Use the running total at checkout as your guide.
Buy non-perishables now
Tins, drinks, crackers and sweets keep. Spreading the cost across October and November is gentler on a monthly budget than one enormous December shop. Our guide to cutting your grocery bill has more ideas.
Use loyalty prices and points
Supermarket loyalty schemes often unlock lower prices on selected items, and points can be converted into vouchers. These offers change and often need an app or card, so check the terms.
Check for codes and cashback
Some grocery retailers and specialist food shops offer new-customer codes or cashback. Browse all stores on PrimeVoucher for current offers, and read how to combine codes and cashback where the rules allow.
Consider a Christmas savings scheme carefully
Prepaid savings cards and schemes can help you spread the cost, but check whether your money is protected and whether there are fees or restrictions on where you can spend it.
Be flexible in the last week
Fresh items are often reduced close to Christmas. That's a reason to book a top-up slot or collection for fresh veg rather than buying everything in one early order. Reductions aren't guaranteed, so don't rely on them for essentials.
Frequently asked questions
When do supermarket Christmas delivery slots open?
It varies by retailer. In 2025 the first slots opened for pass holders in late September and the last major supermarket opened in early November. Check each retailer's website for 2026 confirmation.
Do I need a delivery pass to book Christmas slots?
No, but pass holders usually get access first. Non-members typically get access a week or so later.
Can I change my order after booking?
Usually yes, until a cut-off, which is often the evening before delivery. The exact time depends on the retailer.
What if I can't get a delivery slot?
Try Click & Collect, check again at different times as slots are released in batches, or choose a day earlier in the week.
Is it cheaper to collect than to have food delivered?
Often, as collection fees are lower or free, but it depends on the retailer and your basket size.
The bottom line
Book a slot now, even a provisional one, and fine-tune the basket later. Then spread the spending over the coming weeks so December isn't a financial pile-up.
Sources: Which? (2025 slot release dates), NielsenIQ (January 2026), Retail Gazette (Morrisons lockers, October 2026). Dates and terms change; confirm with each retailer.