Christmas is just under 100 days away, and the clock is already ticking on the holiday food ordering services that UK supermarkets roll out each year. This season, major retailers have opened their digital storefronts earlier than usual, and the response has been swift: customers are snapping up Click & Collect slots as soon as they appear. If you’re still on the fence, the numbers don’t lie – waiting could mean missing out on the turkey, the trimmings, and the show‑stopping desserts that define a stress‑free festive table.
Marks & Spencer Leads the Pack with an Expanded Click & Collect Service
Marks & Spencer (M&S) kicked off its Christmas food ordering on Monday, 23 September 2025. The retailer boasts a catalogue of more than 90 "magical masterpieces" ranging from classic roast turkey and honey‑glazed ham to plant‑based mains, inventive flavor mash‑ups, and party platters designed for small gatherings or large feasts. Unlike previous years, M&S is leaning heavily on Click & Collect to sidestep the delivery‑slot crunch that has plagued other retailers.
Customers must place a £50 deposit when they lock in their order, with the balance payable at the time of collection. Collection dates are limited to three days – 22, 23 or 24 December – and are free of charge at most M&S stores across the UK. Home delivery is not on the menu, a deliberate move that helps keep the supply chain lean and the pick‑up points manageable.
- Traditional mains: roast turkey, honey‑glazed ham, prime rib.
- Vegan & vegetarian: nut‑based nut roast, mushroom Wellington, lentil pâté.
- New twists: spiced orange‑glazed pork belly, cranberry‑infused goose.
- Party platters: cheese‑and‑charcuterie boards, smoked salmon spreads, mini beef wellington bites.
- Desserts: brandy‑spiked plum pudding, chocolate‑orange Yule log, almond‑kissed mince pies.
The early launch has already filled many of the most popular time slots, especially in densely populated regions such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. M&S stressed there’s no hard cutoff date, but their internal data shows that the majority of orders are placed within the first six weeks. Retail experts suggest treating the service like a concert ticket – you get what you book, and you don’t get a refund if you wait too long.
Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and The Co‑op Jump In – What’s on Their Menus?
Just a day after M&S, Waitrose opened its Christmas food ordering portal on 24 September. Known for its premium positioning, Waitrose is pushing culinary creativity with items such as a "turkey bauble" – a small, hand‑crafted turkey-shaped garnish – and limoncello‑infused mince pies. Their range also includes a selection of artisan cheeses, truffle‑enhanced mash, and a curated list of boutique wines to pair with the feast.
Meanwhile, Tesco, Asda and The Co‑op have announced that their ordering windows will roll out over the next few weeks. Tesco’s teaser menu includes novelty treats like chocolate‑and‑gingerbread S’mores tarts, and a decadent burrata finished with hot maple glaze and pistachios – a nod to the growing demand for gourmet side dishes. Asda is focusing on value‑driven bundles, offering family‑size roast packs and ready‑to‑heat gravies priced competitively for budget‑conscious shoppers. The Co‑op, staying true to its ethical brand, is highlighting locally sourced produce, free‑range birds, and a line of vegan desserts made with coconut cream.
All four retailers are mirroring M&S’s Click & Collect emphasis, with delivery slots set to appear in late October and November. However, each is also experimenting with hybrid options: Tesco will offer a limited number of home‑delivery windows for customers living within a 5‑mile radius of a distribution hub, while Asda plans to partner with third‑party couriers for last‑minute rush orders.
Christmas food ordering is no longer a last‑minute scramble but a strategic part of the holiday plan for many British families. By securing a slot early, shoppers lock in pricing, guarantee product availability, and free up precious time for decorating, gift‑wrapping, and spending quality moments with loved ones. Retail analysts point out that the early‑bird approach also helps supermarkets manage inventory more accurately, reducing waste and ensuring a smoother supply chain.
In addition to the food itself, many supermarkets are extending store hours as the festive week approaches. While exact timings vary by location, most chains will keep doors open later on the 22nd‑24th December to accommodate the influx of collectors. Some flagship stores are even offering on‑site hot beverage stations, letting customers warm up while they pick up their meals.
The takeaway for shoppers is clear: treat the ordering window as you would a flight reservation – decide early, pay the deposit, and lock in the date. Those who delay risk not only missing out on the most coveted items but also being forced into the chaotic rush of generic supermarket aisles on Christmas Eve. With the holiday season looming, the best‑prepared tables will belong to the ones who booked first.
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