How to plan your Christmas food shop

Read our ultimate guide to planning your big Christmas shop, and see all the key dates you need to know this year. Get set to make it your most stress-free festive season yet.

Senior Food Editor

Heather Taylor

The planning starts here!

Grab a coffee, warm up a mince pie, and make a list of all the main eating occasions around Christmas week – from the day itself to the guests you might have for Boxing Day, plus what you’ll eat on Christmas Eve, and the extra bits you’ll need for those cosy ‘Betwixtmas’ meals. Check out our Christmas recipe collection for lots of inspiration, and jot down the ingredients you’ll need. Then browse our digital food catalogue to see our entire range in store. You can check what's in stock at your nearest store, search for specific products, browse Christmas food, and create your own digital shopping list on the M&S app.

September

October

November

  • Don't miss our must-see Christmas food TV ad.

  • Pick up irresistible limited-edition treats in our in-store bakery (did someone say Pistachio Sticky Buns?) from 5 November

  • Even more party food will arrive from 12 November – don't miss our Collection Maple Bacon Pancake Stacks.

  • Look out for Tom Kerridge's exclusive new homeware range in store and online – just in time for your Christmas cooking.

  • Serve up a cracking Christmas cheeseboard – our expertly sourced, special-edition festive cheeses land in store from 26 November.

  • Planning a Thanksgiving celebration or early friends-mas get-together? Our slow-cooked turkeys arrive in the Foodhall from 26 November.

December

  • Get party-season ready with must-try new additions to our deli aisle, arriving from 3 December. Don't miss our iconic Build Your Own Christmas Charcuter-tree.

  • From 18 December, shop showstopping Christmas desserts in store, like our Panettone Gateau, profiteroles, and more.

  • From 18-20 December, our M&S Select Farms fresh turkeys are arriving, so bag your Christmas centrepiece.

  • From 20 December, our Fresh Market Specials festive veg will arrive – shop all the seasonal veggies you need for the big day, sourced from trusted M&S Select Farms for quality.

  • From 22-24 December, collect your Christmas Food to Order feast in store.

  • 22 December is the last day to order Christmas hampers, and 23 December is the last day to order festive flowers.

  • From 27 December, pop into the Foodhall to stock up on New Year's Eve picky bits and fizz, or cosy up with our Gastropub Dine In deal.

Published 11.11.2025