Did you know the first online Christmas deliveries from UK supermarkets happened in the late 1990s? Back then, you’d order via dial-up, and a slot meant maybe three days before the big day. Now, Tesco delivers to over 10 million customers during the festive season—and those slots vanish faster than a box of Heroes at an office party. In fact, in 2026, Tesco’s Christmas delivery slots were fully booked within 90 minutes of general release. That’s faster than a mince pie disappearing from a plate.
It’s also worth noting that Tesco isn’t alone in this ritual. Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Ocado all have their own slot-release dates, usually staggered between late October and early December. But Tesco, with its £60 minimum spend and free delivery for Saver members, remains the holy grail for many families. Think of it as the Ryanair of groceries—basic, reliable, and with a lot of hidden rules, but you know exactly what you’re getting.
