Planning Christmas dinner can feel like a puzzle of dates and options, but M&S’s 2025 food‑to‑order service opened on 23 September, giving you a head start on booking a collection slot between 22 and 24 December. This guide covers confirmed dates, offerings, and how the range compares to other supermarkets.
Pre‑order start date: 23 September 2025 ·
Collection window: 22–24 December 2025 ·
Catalogue release: September 2025 ·
Ready meal size: Serves 4 ·
Over 60s discount: 10% off on Tuesdays
Quick snapshot
- Pre‑order opened 23 Sep 2025 (The Independent)
- Collection 22–24 Dec 2025 (The Independent)
- Christmas dinner ready meal available for 4 (YouTube review)
- No home delivery for food‑to‑order (The Independent)
- Exact menu items for 2025 not fully detailed
- Pricing for the 2025 range not yet announced
- Last order deadline still unconfirmed by M&S
- Catalogue release date unconfirmed
- TV advert air date unconfirmed
- Over 60s discount terms for 2025 not officially confirmed
- Orders now closed on M&S site (M&S Christmas Food To Order)
- Service will return later in 2025 (M&S)
- Northern Ireland collection only on 23 Dec (The Independent)
- Keep an eye on the official M&S food‑to‑order page for reopening
- Compare with Waitrose and Sainsbury’s festive ranges
- Look for the M&S Christmas TV advert expected 3 Nov 2025
Five key dates and measures, one pattern: the ordering window is tight but well‑defined, and the deposit system helps M&S manage stock for a three‑day collection sprint.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Pre‑order opens | 23 September 2025 |
| Collection dates | 22–24 December 2025 |
| Ready meal | Christmas dinner for 4 |
| Over 60s discount | 10% off Tuesdays |
| Top trend | Nostalgia and plant‑based |
When can I order M&S Christmas food 2025?
Pre‑order start date
According to The Independent’s Christmas food guide, pre‑order slots for M&S Christmas food‑to‑order opened on 23 September 2025. Shoppers can book a collection date and time immediately, though the last order deadline has not yet been confirmed by M&S. The official M&S Christmas food‑to‑order website currently states that the service “will be back later this year with more wow‑worthy festive food” (M&S Christmas Food To Order).
Collection window
All orders are collected from M&S stores on 22, 23, or 24 December 2025. For shoppers in Northern Ireland, collection is available only on 23 December, as reported by The Independent. The service does not offer home delivery; you must pick up your order in person.
With no home delivery option, London families without a car face a logistics puzzle: the three‑day window demands a clear plan for transport and timing.
How to order
- Visit the M&S Christmas Food To Order page at christmasfood.marksandspencer.com.
- Choose your collection date (22–24 Dec) and time slot.
- A deposit of around £50 is typically required to secure the order (according to a Discounts for Teachers guide).
- Any remaining balance is paid at collection. Bring your confirmation email and arrive only at your chosen time (per M&S Ireland instructions).
The implication: the deposit‑and‑collect model shifts risk to the customer, so missing the slot means losing the deposit. Set a reminder.
Do M&S do a ready meal Christmas dinner?
M&S ready meal Christmas dinner options
Yes, M&S offers a Christmas dinner ready meal designed to serve four people. A YouTube review of M&S Christmas food 2025 shows turkey joints and turkey crowns in stock (full‑sized turkeys were absent), alongside sides such as roast potatoes and trimmings. The ready meal is part of the food‑to‑order range, not a standard in‑store item.
Price and servings
Exact pricing for 2025 has not been disclosed. Based on past years, the Christmas dinner for four typically costs between £40 and £60. The 2025 catalogue, expected in September, will confirm prices.
How to order a ready meal
Order the ready meal through the same food‑to‑order system: add the Christmas dinner bundle to your basket on the M&S website during the pre‑order period.
For busy households, a £50‑ish ready‑to‑heat dinner saves hours of prep. The catch: the £50 deposit locks you in early, so only commit if your Christmas plans are solid.
The pattern: the ready meal is a convenient option for those with confirmed Christmas plans.
What is the Christmas food trend in 2025?
Key flavour trends
According to Food‑maker.co.uk’s ‘Christmas 2025 Flavour Trends’ report, the dominant themes are nostalgic flavours, plant‑based options, and global influences. Expect retro desserts (bread‑and‑butter pudding, trifle) sitting alongside Korean‑style glazed meats and vegan centrepieces.
Popular dishes
- Nostalgia: M&S’s lemon and mascarpone panettone gateau (The Independent) and Christmas sausage roll garland.
- Plant‑based: Vegan nut roasts and mushroom wellingtons are growing in market share.
- Global: Spiced honey‑glazed ham with harissa, and miso‑butter roasted vegetables.
Sustainability trends
More shoppers are prioritising locally sourced ingredients and reduced plastic packaging. M&S’s “Plan A” sustainability programme continues to push for fully recyclable festive packaging by 2025.
The pattern: 2025 is not a revolution but a refinement. M&S is doubling down on comfort and curiosity, betting that households want both.
Which supermarket has the best Christmas food?
M&S Christmas food offerings
M&S is consistently rated high for quality and presentation. Its food‑to‑order range includes premium items such as the panettone gateau and a slow‑cooked Oakham turkey joint (£34, serves four) (The Independent). The brand leans on trusted suppliers and a “M&S Select Farms” label for meat.
Waitrose Christmas food 2025
Waitrose competes directly with M&S on premium festive fare. Its 2025 range is expected to feature a similar tier of ready meals and party food, often priced slightly lower. Waitrose offers home delivery through Ocado, a key advantage over M&S’s collection‑only model.
Sainsbury’s Christmas food 2025
Sainsbury’s targets value‑conscious families. Its Taste the Difference range provides mid‑price alternatives, and the supermarket offers wider delivery slots. For budget‑focused shoppers, Sainsbury’s can be £10‑£20 cheaper on a full Christmas dinner shop.
Comparison criteria
- Quality: M&S and Waitrose lead; Sainsbury’s is good value.
- Delivery: Waitrose (via Ocado) and Sainsbury’s deliver; M&S is collection only.
- Price: M&S is premium; Sainsbury’s offers the best price per item.
- Convenience: M&S’s three‑day window is less flexible than rivals’ multi‑week availability.
The trade‑off: if you value quality above all and have a car, M&S is hard to beat. If you need delivery or a wider collection window, go with Waitrose or Sainsbury’s.
Do over 60s get 10% off at M&S?
M&S over 60s discount policy
M&S has a long‑standing policy of offering a 10% discount on Tuesdays to customers aged 60 and over. The discount applies to food purchases, though specific terms for 2025 (minimum spend, in‑store only) have not been officially confirmed for the festive period.
Terms and conditions
Typically, the discount is limited to in‑store shopping and excludes certain items such as alcohol and gift cards. It cannot be combined with other promotions. For Christmas food‑to‑order, which is pre‑paid online, the Tuesday discount may not apply.
How to get the discount
Show valid ID at the till on a Tuesday. The discount is automatically applied to eligible items. For the food‑to‑order collection, any additional in‑store purchases made on the collection day might qualify if that day falls on a Tuesday.
The 10% Tuesday discount is a real saving, but it won’t cut the cost of the pre‑order deposit. Shoppers hoping to use it on the big Christmas shop should plan to collect on a Tuesday.
Overall, the Tuesday discount is worth considering for in-store purchases on the collection day.
How to order M&S Christmas food step by step
- Check availability: Visit the M&S Christmas Food To Order page once the service reopens (likely late summer 2025).
- Browse the catalogue: The 2025 catalogue appears in September. Choose your items – add the Christmas dinner for four if you want a ready‑to‑heat meal.
- Select a collection slot: Pick 22, 23, or 24 December (23 December only in Northern Ireland).
- Pay the deposit: Expect around £50 to secure the order (Discounts for Teachers guide).
- Receive confirmation: M&S sends an order confirmation and reminder before collection.
- Collect your order: Drive or walk to the store at your chosen time. Bring the confirmation email. You can also browse the Food Hall before or after (M&S Ireland).
- Pay the balance: Any remaining amount is settled at the counter.
Why this matters: missing the deposit deadline or the collection slot means losing both the deposit and the food. Set multiple calendar reminders.
Timeline signal
- 23 September 2025 – Pre‑order slots open (The Independent).
- 22–24 December 2025 – Collection dates for pre‑orders (The Independent).
The pattern: the timeline is front‑loaded – order in September, forget about it until December. The TV advert in November serves as a reminder for anyone who missed early booking.
What’s confirmed vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Pre‑order opens 23 Sep 2025 (The Independent)
- Collection 22–24 Dec 2025 (The Independent)
- Christmas dinner ready meal for 4 available (YouTube review)
What’s unclear
- Exact menu items for 2025
- Pricing for 2025 range
- Last order deadline for pre‑orders
- Catalogue release date
- TV advert air date
- Over 60s discount terms for 2025
The confirmed facts provide a solid foundation for planning, while the unclear areas require vigilance.
What people are saying
“Pre‑order slots opened as of 23 September. So you can book a collection date and time (between 22–24 December 2025) right now.”
The Independent’s Christmas food guide
“M&S Christmas Food to Order will be back later this year with more wow‑worthy festive food.”
M&S official site
“Typically customers pay a £50 deposit to secure the order, choose a collection day and time, then pay any remaining balance at collection.”
For the typical British household planning a low‑fuss Christmas, the choice is clear: order from M&S before the slots fill, or face a last‑minute scramble at the supermarket. The deposit‑and‑collect model is a commitment, but the quality payoff makes it a smart bet for those who plan ahead.
Shoppers looking to plan their festive menu can also explore the M&S party food platters for additional ideas on buffets and catering options.
Frequently asked questions
What time can I collect my M&S Christmas food order?
Collection slots are typically available throughout the day on 22, 23, or 24 December. When you book, you choose a specific time window. Arrive only during that window to avoid queues.
Can I change or cancel my M&S Christmas food order?
Changes may be possible up to a certain date before collection. M&S’s terms for 2025 have not been published yet. Check your confirmation email for cancellation policies.
Is there a minimum order for M&S Christmas food?
There is no published minimum order for food‑to‑order, but a deposit of around £50 is required, which effectively sets a lower spending threshold.
Does M&S offer free delivery for Christmas food orders?
No. M&S Christmas food‑to‑order is collection only; there is no home delivery option for the festive range.
What is the most popular item in the M&S Christmas food range?
The lemon and mascarpone panettone gateau and the Christmas sausage roll garland have been highlighted as standout items for 2025 (The Independent).
Are there vegan options in the M&S Christmas food range?
Yes. M&S typically includes plant‑based centrepieces and sides. The 2025 catalogue will list specific vegan items.
Can I order M&S Christmas food for a specific delivery date?
No delivery is available. You choose a collection date (22, 23, or 24 Dec) when ordering.
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at WordPatch.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the submissions workflow.