The four kinds of Christmas order
Almost every December order falls into one of four types, and each one wants a slightly different basket.
- The dinner table: wine first, a sparkling bottle for the toast, and one spirit for after.
- The party: volume, mixers and something easy — beer, coolers and one or two spirits.
- The gift: one good bottle, chosen for the person rather than the occasion.
- The top-up: the order you place at 9 pm because the cousins stayed longer than planned.
Stocking for a Christmas dinner
Plan on about half a bottle of wine per adult who drinks wine, and open the red earlier than you think — it needs time. Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy red that works with turkey, ham and most of the side dishes. Keep a white open for anyone who prefers it; Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc handles salads and seafood starters.
A bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut covers a toast for six to eight people. After dinner, one brown spirit is enough — Hennessy VS neat or with a splash of water is a classic way to close a holiday meal.
Stocking for a Christmas party
Parties need volume more than variety. A rough rule: one drink per guest per hour for the first two hours, then one every hour after that. The Christmas party drinks guide turns that into a full shopping list by guest count.
If one spirit is carrying the night — vodka for a punch, rye for highballs — the 750 mL vs 1.14 L bottle guide shows when the larger bottle saves you a second order.
Gifts that work for almost anyone
The safest Christmas bottle gifts are well-known, easy to enjoy and look good unwrapped. Crown Royal Deluxe for a rye drinker, a recognised champagne for a host, Hennessy VS for someone who enjoys a sipping spirit. The Christmas alcohol gift guide goes through options by recipient and budget band.
Browse the gift ideas collection for bottles that already suit gifting, and see the date night and dinner collections for pairings.
Planning around the busiest days
The days immediately before Christmas, especially the 23rd and 24th, are the busiest of the year for every store and delivery service in the city. Ordering the core of your dinner and party drinks a few days early means the last-minute order is only a top-up.
Hours and coverage can vary over the holidays. Check your own city's delivery page for current ordering hours before you plan around a specific time; we do not guarantee delivery times. The Christmas Eve alcohol delivery guide covers the 24th specifically.
Christmas 2026 ordering notes
For Christmas 2026, we recommend placing gift and dinner orders by the weekend of December 19-20, and keeping the 23rd and 24th for small top-ups. Holiday ordering hours for each city are posted on its delivery page.
Where we deliver
BottlesNow delivers across the GTA, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Hamilton, plus the surrounding Peel, York, Halton and Durham areas. Every delivery requires valid ID from someone 19 or older at the door.
Common questions
Can I get alcohol delivered on Christmas Day?
Holiday hours vary. Check your city's delivery page for current ordering hours over the holidays before you plan around a specific day or time.
How much wine do I need for Christmas dinner?
Plan on about half a bottle per adult wine drinker, plus a sparkling bottle for the toast if you want one.
Can I send a bottle as a gift?
Yes, as long as the person receiving it is 19 or older and can show valid ID at the door.
When should I order for Christmas?
Order the bulk of your drinks a few days before the 23rd and keep the busiest days for small top-ups.
