Yes, Amazon does deliver on Christmas Eve in the UK — but with a few conditions. Delivery availability on 24 December depends on your location, the item, the time of your order, and the delivery service you choose. In the run-up to Christmas, Amazon extends delivery hours and adds extra delivery slots to handle the last-minute rush. However, not every item or area will qualify, so planning is still essential if you’re relying on a delivery arriving on the day before Christmas.
What Are the Cut-Off Times for Christmas Eve Delivery
Amazon typically publishes official cut-off dates each December for pre-Christmas delivery. These vary by delivery method. For example, standard delivery might have a cut-off several days earlier, while Prime members often have until 23 December to place orders with next-day delivery. In some urban areas, same-day delivery or Amazon Fresh deliveries may be available as late as the afternoon of 24 December, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Delivery cut-offs can also depend on the seller. Items sold directly by Amazon are more likely to be available for last-minute dispatch, whereas third-party sellers may have earlier deadlines or different delivery windows.
Does Amazon Prime Guarantee Delivery on Christmas Eve
Amazon Prime gives you access to faster delivery, including same-day and one-day delivery on millions of items, but it doesn’t guarantee Christmas Eve arrival for every product. The availability of delivery on 24 December still depends on stock, courier capacity, and your delivery postcode. When you check out, Amazon will show the earliest delivery date for each item, and you can choose a delivery window if available.
For Prime members in major cities, Amazon sometimes offers ultra-fast deliveries via Amazon Fresh or Prime Now, which can be scheduled right up to the evening of Christmas Eve — depending on courier availability.
Can You Get Groceries and Last-Minute Gifts Delivered
Yes, Amazon offers same-day grocery delivery in select areas through Amazon Fresh. If you’re running out of time and need essentials or last-minute gifts, you may still be able to place an order early on 24 December and receive it later that day. Availability will be limited as delivery slots fill quickly, so it’s a good idea to check early in the day and place your order as soon as possible.
Gift cards, Kindle books, and other digital items are another option if you’ve left things too late. These can be sent instantly via email or scheduled for delivery on Christmas morning.
What If Amazon Misses the Delivery Window
If Amazon confirms Christmas Eve delivery but fails to meet the promised timeframe, you may be eligible for a refund of delivery charges or compensation. This usually applies to orders that were placed well before the cut-off and qualified for guaranteed delivery. You can contact Amazon customer service to report a missed delivery, and they’ll usually respond quickly around the holidays.
Keep in mind that extreme weather or unexpected courier issues may impact deliveries, so even if your order qualifies, there’s always a small chance of disruption.
Which Amazon Services Operate on Christmas Eve
Amazon’s standard delivery network remains active on Christmas Eve, though it winds down earlier than usual. The core services that may still operate include Amazon Prime One-Day Delivery, Amazon Fresh in eligible postcodes, and Amazon Same-Day in select areas. Delivery cut-off times are earlier than normal, and drivers are often on tighter routes due to increased volume and shorter working hours.
It’s also worth noting that some third-party sellers using Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) may have different delivery guarantees than those dispatching items independently. Always check who is fulfilling the order before assuming a specific delivery time applies.
Can You Select a Time Slot for Christmas Eve Delivery
In some locations, Amazon offers timed delivery slots — particularly for groceries through Amazon Fresh or items delivered via Amazon Logistics. During checkout, you may see options like “Arriving between 6pm – 10pm on 24 December” if the item and postcode qualify. However, these slots are limited and disappear quickly, so it’s best to complete your order as soon as they become available.
If a product is available with same-day delivery on 24 December, you’ll often need to complete the checkout before noon to secure an evening slot.
What Time Do Deliveries Stop on Christmas Eve
Deliveries on 24 December usually continue into the early evening but tend to stop earlier than a standard weekday. In most areas, final deliveries are completed by 6pm to 8pm, depending on driver availability and route completion. This means that even if your parcel is out for delivery, there’s a cut-off point when couriers are instructed to return to the depot — especially with the upcoming bank holiday on Christmas Day.
For time-sensitive deliveries, it’s smart to choose the earliest slot available and avoid relying on late-night deliveries, which are much less reliable on Christmas Eve.
What About Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Amazon does not deliver on Christmas Day. Couriers and fulfilment centres pause operations for the holiday. Most deliveries resume on Boxing Day or 27 December, depending on location, courier service, and the category of goods ordered. If you place an order late on 24 December or on Christmas Day itself, expect delivery delays of one to two days compared to normal turnaround times.
Best Backup Options for Last-Minute Shoppers
If Christmas Eve delivery isn’t available for what you want, Amazon still offers great digital fallback options. Email gift cards, Kindle books, and Audible subscriptions can all be sent instantly — even at the last minute. Some of these can also be scheduled for delivery first thing on Christmas morning, allowing you to save face if you've left gifting a bit too late.
Summary
Amazon does deliver on Christmas Eve in the UK, especially for Prime members and those in major cities. However, delivery depends on your location, item availability, and how early you order. While Amazon does everything possible to accommodate last-minute shoppers, it’s wise to place orders before the final cut-off and consider digital gifts if you’re short on time. For the best chance of a successful 24 December delivery, check availability early, choose eligible items, and select the fastest delivery option offered at checkout.