8 fun facts about Christmas shopping
Updated for 2025
We're counting down the days, Christmas is almost upon us and we'll be spending more over the next few weeks than we typically would without the festivities.
The average UK household spends more than £713 extra in December, including a 20% increase in spend on food and 40% on drinks. This makes December by far the biggest month of the year for the FMCG industry.
To get you into the spirit, here are 8 Fun Facts about Christmas Shopping:
1. Most UK shoppers start Christmas shopping in October or November.
Every year there are a few ultra-prepared shoppers who buy gifts throughout the year, and around 13% of people say they do exactly that to spread the cost and make the most of discounts.
For the rest of us, November is now the most common time to start Christmas shopping, with late November being the standout period for most shoppers. By one month before Christmas, around 78% have made a start, but there’s still a sizeable group who don’t get moving until much later.
If you’re feeling behind, you’re definitely not alone. One in six shoppers haven’t done the majority of their Christmas shopping by the final week before the big day, with time, money and waiting for the “festive feeling” all playing a part.
2. When it comes to presents, we spend the most on our kids.
Giving gifts remains a central part of Christmas for many families, even as budgets face more pressure. Recent research suggests that over half of parents plan to spend more than £90 per child, while around a quarter expect to spend under £50. This shows a broad range in spending approaches rather than one clear “average” behaviour.
Despite tighter budgets, children’s gifts remain a priority. Parents report being more selective, choosing fewer gifts or emphasising value for money, but less willing to cut back entirely when finances are squeezed.
3. The Cost of Christmas is stressful for many.
While Christmas remains an important time of year, a growing share of Brits are worried about the financial pressure that comes with it. Recent polling shows that 27% of UK adults expect to struggle to afford Christmas this year, rising to 31% among parents with children at home.
Many households are responding by actively managing budgets. Surveys suggest that over half of adults are planning ahead financially, and roughly one in four expect to spend less than they did last year.
4. Black Friday has been part of the UK festive period for 12 years and remains popular.
Black Friday was introduced to UK consumers by Amazon in 2010 but it wasn't until 2013 when ASDA took part that it really started to take off.
A recent study found that 83% of Black Friday deals were the same price or cheaper at other times, suggesting the savings are often overstated.
Despite this, Black Friday continues to be a popular time to buy big-ticket items.
Transaction volumes on Black Friday were significantly higher than a typical day, with one source suggesting they were 62% higher than average, highlighting strong engagement with the event.
Despite weaker footfall on the high street, forecasts suggest that overall spending on Black Friday remained high, with projections of £6.4 billion in total spend, and £262 per participating shopper.
5. Roast potatoes are non-negotiable for most of us on Christmas day.
Turkey is still the main event for most families. Tesco’s 2024 Christmas Trends report predicts that classic turkey will be on the table in around 61% of UK households, keeping it as the most popular main, even as more people add extra meats or meat-free options.
When it comes to the plate itself, roast potatoes are the real star. A 2025 nationwide survey found that 81% of Brits name roast potatoes as the most essential part of their Christmas dinner, ahead of gravy (79%), carrots (76%) and stuffing (70%).
Brussels sprouts are still a Christmas staple, even if they divide opinion. YouGov found they appear on 68% of Christmas dinners, and more recent estimates suggest around 750 million individual sprouts are sold in the UK in the run-up to Christmas, with about 25% of the year’s sprout sales happening in the final two weeks before 25 December.
6. You can cater for a family of eight for under £12.
Budget-focused supermarkets continue to compete aggressively on festive food. In 2025, Lidl promoted a Christmas dinner for eight people for £11.85, showcasing how cheaply the basics can be done when opting for private-label products.
Aldi has also reiterated its commitment to offering the lowest-priced Christmas dinner in the UK, signalling strong competition in the discount sector to keep festive meals affordable.
7. Online and in store are equally important during the Christmas period.
Online retail has become a major part of UK shopping habits, with around 28–30% of total retail sales now taking place online. At the same time, the majority of shoppers still make at least some purchases in physical stores, particularly for gifts, food and last-minute items.
This means Christmas shopping has become a hybrid experience, where many people browse online for ideas and convenience, but still head to stores to compare products, pick up fresh food, and make impulse festive purchases.
8. More recently, mobiles have changed how we shop at Christmas.
According to a 2025 forecast from Adobe Digital Insights, smartphones and tablets are expected to account for almost 57% of total online spending over the holiday season.
We're also using our mobiles when we're in physical stores to check prices, look up additional product information or even to order items we see from other retailers!
The Christmas period is a time when we're all willing to spend a little more on food, drinks and each other. It's vital that brands are offering relevant products and keeping up with the evolving shopping landscape to ensure they are maximising this moment.
How can these fun facts help you plan your Christmas activities?
Have a wonderful Christmas period and a very Happy New Year!
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December 2025