Christmas Printing Deadlines: What to Order and When
It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas especially when it comes to print. Whether you’re planning seasonal campaigns, festive menus or client gifting, leaving it too late could mean missed opportunities and rushed designs.
Here’s a practical guide to what you should be ordering and exactly when to stay ahead of the Christmas rush.
Why Order Christmas Prints Early?
Printers across the UK see a surge in demand during October and November, and even standard turnaround times can stretch. Early planning means:
Your designs are printed without delays
You have time for last-minute edits
There’s room for shipping or delivery buffers
You avoid premium express fees
For example, print and delivery volumes typically rise by over 30%. Waiting too long may push you into peak backlog periods.
What to Order – and When
By Late September: Plan & Design
Use this time to finalise artwork, offers and campaign plans. If you're outsourcing design, book slots with your designer early.
Christmas campaign concepts
Menu layouts
Gifting strategies
By Early October: Flyers, Menus, Posters
Start production for key promotional items that will carry your seasonal messaging.
Popular items:
A5 or A4 Flyers – for festive offers or events
Folded Leaflets – perfect for seasonal service updates
Posters – to display offers or extended hours in-store
By Late October: Greeting Cards & Corporate Gifts
This is the sweet spot for custom Christmas cards and promotional merchandise to ensure you have time for mailing.
Popular items:
Personalised Christmas cards
Branded mugs, notebooks, or calendars
Custom gift boxes or thank-you packages
By Mid-November: Calendars & Event Invites
Order now to be safe especially if you're including personalised messaging, QR codes or bespoke finishes.
Popular items:
2026 Calendars – ideal for corporate gifting
Event Invitations – for seasonal parties or client events
Seasonal Stationery – letterheads, notepads or thank-you slips
By Early December: Last-Minute Top-Ups
Use express services for any extras — reprints, additional invites, or smaller promo items.
Popular items:
Extra menus or flyers
Top-up stock for gift packaging
Same-day business cards for holiday networking
Bonus Tip: Ask About Turnaround Before You Order
Always check lead times and delivery cut-offs with your print partner. At Brightside, we’ll let you know upfront and help prioritise urgent orders without compromising on quality.
In the world of print, timing is everything, especially at Christmas. By placing your orders early, you avoid stress, benefit from full customisation, and create room for tweaks or reprints if needed.
Whether you're a restaurant printing festive menus, a retailer planning promotions, or a business sending branded gifts, Brightside is here to make it simple. With reliable turnaround times and expert support, you can focus on what matters most — celebrating the season with style.
Need help prioritising your print orders? Get in touch or explore our full range of Christmas-ready print solutions.