Get ready to dig deeper into your pockets this holiday season, because Christmas dinner is about to cost you more than ever before. For a family of four, the average price tag for this festive feast is now a staggering €32.28, according to recent data. But here's where it gets even more eye-opening: this is nearly €1 more than last year, thanks to grocery inflation hovering around 6%. And it’s not just your turkey that’s pricier—chocolate lovers, brace yourselves, as prices have soared by a whopping 13.5% compared to 2023. Is this the year we rethink our holiday indulgences, or will tradition trump the budget?
Let’s break it down. Market research firm Worldpanel reveals that the cost of a turkey in the four weeks leading up to November 30 averaged €5.13, a 14% jump from the previous year. Gravy granules followed closely with a 12% increase, now priced at €2.77. Interestingly, wine was the only item to see a slight dip, though just by -0.2%. Meanwhile, your side dishes aren’t getting any cheaper: carrots (€1.08), Brussels sprouts (€1.55), stuffing mix (€2.54), potatoes (€3.19), parsnips (€1.28), and biscuits (€6.49) all add up quickly. Are we paying too much for tradition, or is this the new normal?
Emer Healy, Business Director at Worldpanel, points out a curious trend: while prices for essentials like vegetables are easing, seasonal items like turkeys and biscuits are skyrocketing. Despite these hikes, shoppers are actually buying more groceries than ever, including premium brands. In November alone, consumers spent €56 million more on groceries and nearly €96 million on branded products compared to the same period last year. Healy notes, “Festive indulgence remains a priority for many. While promotions matter, this season is about more than discounts. People are willing to splurge, even amid cost-of-living pressures.”
And this is the part most people miss: branded products are seeing their highest value share since January 2025, with €2.1 million spent on seasonal chocolate alone. Does this reflect a shift in consumer priorities, or are we simply unwilling to let go of holiday luxuries?
When it comes to where we’re shopping, Dunnes Stores still leads the pack in Ireland, but Lidl is the real standout, boasting the fastest growth in market share at 13.5%. Tesco (24%), SuperValu (19.3%), and Aldi (10.9%) trail behind. But the bigger question is: As prices climb, are we shopping smarter, or just spending more?
As you plan your Christmas dinner, consider this: Are we overpaying for tradition, or is the holiday spirit worth every extra euro? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this year’s festive feast is a splurge too far or a necessary indulgence.
