Planning a smooth and stress-free Christmas celebration often begins with one key task: booking your grocery delivery slot early. With the festive season being one of the busiest times for supermarkets, and Waitrose being a preferred choice for high-quality food and seasonal treats, one of the most common questions UK households ask each year is, “When do Waitrose Christmas delivery slots open?”
In 2025, understanding how and when to book your delivery or Click & Collect slot with Waitrose is more important than ever. This guide explains the release schedule, booking process, spending requirements, key dates, and even what to do if you miss out. Whether you’re new to ordering Christmas groceries online or a seasoned planner, you’ll find all the insights you need here.
When Are Waitrose Christmas Delivery and Collection Slots Expected to Open in 2025?
Based on Waitrose’s recent Christmas delivery patterns, it’s expected that slots for the 2025 festive period will open in the first week of October. In 2024, the supermarket released its Christmas slots on Wednesday, 2 October, with delivery and collection options covering the period from 20 December to 24 December. This timing has become typical, with high demand pushing Waitrose to open bookings earlier each year.
Given this trend, it is likely that Waitrose will open its Christmas 2025 slots between 1 and 3 October. However, these dates can vary slightly depending on how Christmas falls in the calendar and internal scheduling decisions at Waitrose. Customers are usually notified in advance via email or app notifications, especially if they are registered with MyWaitrose or have the Waitrose & Partners app installed.
For customers who prefer home delivery or collection close to Christmas Eve, securing a slot within the first 48 hours of release is highly recommended. Waitrose’s delivery infrastructure, while efficient, faces immense seasonal pressure, and premium slots, especially those on the 23rd and 24th often disappear very quickly.
How Do You Book a Waitrose Christmas Delivery or Collection Slot?
Booking your Christmas groceries from Waitrose is a straightforward process, whether you’re using the website or the mobile app. Before you start, you must be registered with a MyWaitrose account, a free membership that gives you access to delivery and collection booking features.
Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to enter your postcode to check availability in your area. Waitrose will then display available delivery and Click & Collect slots between 20 December and 24 December. From there, you can choose your preferred date and time, add items to your basket, and proceed to checkout to secure your slot.
What makes Waitrose’s system user-friendly is the ability to amend your order even after securing your slot. This means you can reserve your delivery date in early October and return to finalise your order closer to Christmas. As long as you complete your changes by the cut-off time, typically 11:45 PM the night before delivery, your slot remains intact.
Why Should You Book Your Waitrose Christmas Slot as Early as Possible?
Booking early isn’t just about convenience; it’s a necessity if you want to avoid last-minute disappointment. Waitrose is a popular supermarket known for its premium festive range, and as a result, its Christmas slots sell out quickly, sometimes within hours of release.
When slots opened on 2 October in 2024, many customers reported that evening and weekend delivery slots were gone within the first two days. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 due to the growing number of online grocery shoppers and the limited number of Christmas delivery slots available.
By booking early, you also gain the flexibility to build your order gradually, ensuring you don’t miss out on in-demand seasonal products such as free-range turkeys, festive desserts, or party platters. Securing a slot early gives you control over the timing and content of your delivery and reduces your stress as Christmas approaches.
What Are the Requirements and Costs for Booking a Christmas Delivery Slot with Waitrose?
To book a Christmas delivery or Click & Collect slot, Waitrose requires a minimum spend of £40. This applies regardless of whether you’re opting for home delivery or collecting from your local store. While delivery charges can vary, many larger orders qualify for free delivery.
If you prefer not to meet delivery thresholds or want to save on fees, Click & Collect is often a better alternative. Many locations offer it free of charge, and customers benefit from the same wide product selection available for delivery orders.
It’s worth noting that even after booking your slot, your order must meet the minimum spend requirement by the time it is finalised. If your basket drops below £40 after editing, the order may not be fulfilled.
Can You Edit Your Waitrose Christmas Order After Booking It?
Yes, one of the advantages of ordering with Waitrose is the ability to edit your order multiple times until the final deadline, which is typically the day before your delivery or collection date. This feature is particularly useful during Christmas, when plans often change or additional items are needed.
Customers are advised to finalise their orders by 11:45 PM the evening before their selected slot. After this point, no further changes can be made. This flexibility means that you can secure your ideal delivery date in early October and gradually build or tweak your order until just before Christmas.
Is Click & Collect a Good Alternative to Home Delivery at Christmas?
If home delivery slots are unavailable or if you’re looking to save on delivery fees, Click & Collect is a reliable and convenient option. Available at most Waitrose branches, this service allows you to select your groceries online and collect them in-store during your chosen time window.
Click & Collect slots also typically have more availability than delivery, especially during the peak days before Christmas. In 2024, customers were able to collect their orders up until the afternoon of 24 December, giving last-minute shoppers some much-needed flexibility.
For customers who live near a Waitrose store, Click & Collect not only saves time but also provides an additional layer of control. You can check the quality of your order in person and resolve any issues on the spot if needed.
What Are the Key Dates to Remember for Waitrose Christmas 2025 Orders?
Understanding the timeline for Christmas orders can make all the difference in planning your holiday. Based on trends from previous years, the following dates are expected for 2025:
| Key Event | Expected Date | Notes |
| Christmas slot release date | 1–3 October 2025 | Confirmed via email or app notifications |
| First delivery and collection date | 20 December 2025 | Applies to both home delivery and Click & Collect |
| Final delivery/collection date | 24 December 2025 (AM only) | Final day for order fulfilment |
| Last day to book a slot | Around 20 December 2025 | Subject to local availability |
| Order edit deadline | Day before your slot | Until 11:45 PM |
Customers are encouraged to mark these dates in their calendars and subscribe to Waitrose updates to stay informed about any changes.
What Happens If You Miss Out on a Christmas Slot with Waitrose?
If you don’t manage to secure a delivery or Click & Collect slot with Waitrose, there are still a few options to consider. First, it’s worth checking the app or website regularly. Cancellations do occur, especially in the days leading up to Christmas, and new slots may open up unexpectedly.
If delivery remains unavailable, Click & Collect often has more flexibility and can be booked closer to Christmas. Alternatively, visiting a Waitrose store in person during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) can be a viable last resort.
It’s also worth considering other UK supermarkets that offer festive deliveries, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, and Morrisons. However, like Waitrose, their Christmas slots also fill quickly, so having a backup plan is essential.
Why Do So Many People Choose Waitrose for Christmas Shopping?
Waitrose has built a strong reputation for quality, especially during the festive season. From responsibly sourced turkeys and handcrafted desserts to exclusive ranges like Heston from Waitrose, the supermarket offers an elevated grocery experience that appeals to customers looking for something special.
Its commitment to sustainable sourcing, customer service, and innovative food offerings make it a reliable and attractive choice for the holidays. Whether you’re planning a traditional roast dinner or a plant-based Christmas spread, Waitrose delivers both in terms of variety and quality.
FAQs
When are Waitrose Christmas delivery slots expected to open in 2025?
They are expected to open between 1–3 October 2025, based on previous years’ schedules.
Can I use both delivery and Click & Collect during the Christmas period?
Yes, Waitrose offers both options. If delivery is unavailable, Click & Collect is a convenient alternative.
Is there a minimum spend for Christmas orders?
Yes, a minimum spend of £40 applies to both delivery and Click & Collect orders.
Can I change my order after booking?
Yes, you can edit your order until 11:45 PM the night before your scheduled delivery or collection.
What happens if no slots are available?
Keep checking the site for cancellations, opt for Click & Collect, or shop in-store early.
When is the last date to book a Christmas slot?
Typically around 20 December, although this may vary by location and availability.
Do I need a MyWaitrose account to book?
Yes, creating a free MyWaitrose account is required to access the booking system.
