Asda, Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are among the supermarket retailers to release the final dates shoppers will need to book a delivery slot for in time for Christmas.
With the festive season fast approaching, many have already started to order food and drinks for the big day.
This year, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the second national lockdown taking us right up to the beginning of December, some companies and retail bodies are predicting a huge surge in present buying as shops reopen, which is why they are advising public to think ahead and order their Christmas shopping in advance as a means of keeping everyone safe.
But what about the festive food shop? What is the final cut off date for ordering the Christmas feast ahead of the big day?
A number of major UK supermarket retailers have already released their last chance order dates, along with publishing advice for shoppers hoping to stock up for Christmas in a COVID-safe manner.
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Here’s everything you need to know.
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Asda
In order to prepare in advance, Asda has already opened its Christmas Delivery Slots a little earlier than usual this year, so you’ll need to act quick if you want to get yours booked in as unsurprisingly, some time slots on 20th – 24th December are already fully booked.
Those who are unable to secure a home delivery slot for the date they want can still order online to Click & Collect in store for their chosen dates.
Delivery costs £3 for orders less than £40, and £3 for Click & Collect orders under £25.
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For customers with a Asda Delivery Pass however, delivery is priced between £3 and £5.50 depending on the day and time of the slot.
You can find more information via the Asda website here.
Aldi
Aldi has confirmed its newly-launched home delivery service will include Christmas slots, however those hoping to stock up on festive essentials won’t be able to place a food order until nearer the big day itself.
Shoppers can place food orders from 19th December.
The last date for a standard Christmas delivery is 16th December, but Aldi does also offer a Next Day Delivery option available right up until 21st December.
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You can find more information via the Aldi website here.
Sainsbury’s
While the Sainsbury’s delivery service is closed between 24th – 26th December, the supermarket retailer has already released the cut-off dates for Christmas slots:
Book your slot from 29th November (for delivery on 20th December)
Book your slot from 30th November (for delivery on 21st December)
Book your slot from 1st December (for delivery on 22nd December)
Book your slot from 2nd December (for delivery on 23rd December)
There’s a minimum order value of £25.
Sainsbury’s charges £7 for delivery orders under £40, and between 50p and £7 for orders worth more, depending on the time slot you choose, and delivery is free for orders over £100 booked between Monday – Thursday after 2pm.
You can find more information via the Sainsbury’s website here.
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Tesco
In order to prepare for the festive season, Tesco has increased the number of its delivery slots from 600,000 to 1.5 million a week – which is more than double what was available at the start of lockdown – and those who are signed up to the chain’s Delivery Saver Scheme are now already able to book their Christmas delivery slot.
For regular customers, festive slots will be available at 7am on 20th November.
If home delivery isn’t an option for you, then Tesco also offers a Click & Collect service for those who want to avoid the store crowds.
You can find more information via the Tesco website here.
Morrisons
Morrisons has released information on its website for shoppers ahead of the Christmas period.
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Christmas orders at Morrisons must be placed before 5pm on 15th December for delivery on 22nd, 23rd and 24th December, and those who opt for Click & Collect can pick up their items in store between 22nd – 24th December, but orders need to be placed by 10pm on 15th December.
You can find more information via the Morrisons website here.
Iceland
Iceland has also opened Christmas Delivery Slots for any date up to 24th December.
The leading frozen foods supermarket chain is offering customers free delivery for all orders over £35, and it also offers an in-store Same Day delivery service – which is free when you spend £25 or more – available until Christmas eve.
You can find more information via the Iceland website here.
Trending
Wigan Warriors make history with first-ever Women’s Challenge Cup win
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have done it: they’ve officially lifted the 2025 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup for the first time in their history following an emphatic victory over serial champions, St Helens.
The Greater Manchester club managed not only to finally win the tournament but also to put a stop to St Helens’ hugely successful streak and what would have been five consecutive wins.
Spurred on by some smart tactics from club legend and boss, Dennis Betts – who won the competition seven times with Wigan as a player himself – the Warriors put in an imperious performance, leading by 18 at half time. Now that’s how you start a match.
Here’s the moment they finally got their hands on it:
Not only was the first-ever Challenge Cup win for Wigan Warriors Women, but it also ended a fairly significant silverware drought that has felt even longer for the supporters.
The last time a female Wigan Warriors squad won a major trophy was in the Super League back in 2018, when they also managed to win a maiden Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos by just 18-16.
Cut to this weekend, and the team fielded was much more impressive, not just when it comes to taking an early lead but by stretching and consolidating it to continue controlling the game.
In fact, Wigan were up by 24 before the opposition coaching duo Derek Hardman and Craig Richards’ side even got points on the board.
Full-back Grace Banks pipped her teammates to the Player of the Match award, but there were star showings all over the pitch, including a prolific Isabel Rowe and a wonderful run from Eva Hunter.
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 7, 2025
Truth be told, it was a bit of a thrashing and one of their best scorelines of the season – kind of them to save it for an epic conclusion at Wembley Stadium.
As for Salford-born Betts, who was once a prospect at Manchester United, playing with the B team alongside the likes of Mark Robins and Clayton Blackmore, this was his first trophy in charge of the women’s team in what has already been a remarkable career.
What a success story his sporting switch turned out to be
Congratulations to a local club with a very bright future ahead.
Featured Images — BBC Sport/Wigan Warriors (screenshots via X/IG)
Trending
Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary
Danny Jones
One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.
The Manc -
13th November 2020 
