UK Christmas Dinner Costs Rise 6.5% as Vegetable Prices Surge

The price of a festive meal for four has climbed to £32.57, significantly outpacing overall grocery inflation, with turkey and vegetables seeing the steepest increases.

The cost of an average Christmas dinner has risen by 6.5% compared to last year, driven by sharp price hikes in potatoes (16.3%), carrots (15%), and turkey (8.5%).
The increase in Christmas dinner costs far exceeds the broader grocery inflation rate of 2.6% recorded in the four weeks leading to December 1, 2024.
Supermarket sales are projected to surpass £13 billion in December, with December 23 expected to be the busiest shopping day of the year.
Discounted items accounted for 30% of grocery sales in November, with loyalty card schemes playing a key role in helping shoppers save on festive treats like Champagne and wine.
Premium retailers like Marks & Spencer saw a 10.4% sales increase, while Lidl was the fastest-growing grocer among major chains, with a 6.6% rise in sales.