Major UK supermarkets have issued a 'final warning' to shoppers, setting strict deadlines for ordering festive essentials like turkeys for Christmas Day. With millions of Brits set to begin their last-minute dash, retailers including Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Waitrose are urging customers to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Key Supermarket Deadlines for Christmas 2025
The crucial cut-off dates for adding 'Food to Order' items, such as fresh turkeys and trimmings, are now confirmed. These deadlines typically fall between December 14 and December 16, with final times often in the late evening. This allows for processing and distribution ahead of the Christmas week, when deliveries and collections are scheduled for December 20-24.
Specific retailer deadlines are as follows. Tesco requires shoppers to check out their Festive Food to Order items by December 14 at 11.45pm. Asda has set its final pre-order deadline for turkeys and other festive items at 10pm on December 15. Waitrose customers must finalise orders for Christmas delivery or collection by December 15.
For Ocado, orders can be amended until 11.30pm two days before a scheduled delivery. Morrisons has not yet announced its final 2025 deadlines. Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer have order slots available but have not specified a main 'Food to Order' cut-off; they advise finalising items by amending your order closer to the delivery date.
Aldi does not offer online ordering for Christmas food this year, meaning all turkeys must be bought in-store. Fresh turkeys will arrive in Aldi stores from Friday, December 19, while frozen turkeys are already available.
Why You Should Order Your Turkey Early
This year, there are heightened concerns over supply, particularly for frozen turkeys. A strike at a major frozen food storage and distribution centre has created unexpected pressure on the supply chain. Experts are advising shoppers who rely on frozen birds to purchase them much earlier in December than in previous years to avoid potential shortages.
While frozen turkeys will be widely available in stores throughout December, the supply chain issue makes early purchase a wise move. For fresh turkeys, which are always in shorter supply, securing your order before the supermarket deadlines is strongly recommended. Popular sizes and specific types, like organic or large crowns, often sell out well in advance of the cut-off.
Top Tips for Your Festive Shop
To ensure a stress-free Christmas dinner, consider these points. First, you must have already booked a delivery or collection slot for the Christmas period (December 20-24) to add 'Food to Order' items. While the festive cut-off is strict, you can usually modify regular grocery items in your order until about a day before delivery.
If you miss the online order deadlines, purchasing a fresh turkey in-store just before Christmas remains an option. However, supermarket experts suggest shopping on December 18th or 19th to beat the last-minute chaos, warning that popular sizes may be sold out and prices could be higher. The message from retailers is clear: act now to guarantee your perfect Christmas centrepiece.
