How long do Christmas leftovers last?

Two to three days in the fridge, depending on where you live. Christmas Day 2026 is a Friday, so in the UK that means eating or freezing the leftovers by Sunday 27 December.

The advice where you live

Each country's food safety body gives slightly different advice. Go by your own country's.

In New Zealand, South Africa or anywhere else, check your national food safety body. If you're unsure, the strictest advice above is to eat leftovers within 2 days.

Storing the turkey and ham

• Cool it quickly. Take the legs off and cut the meat into smaller pieces so it cools faster, then put it in the fridge.
• Don't put it away hot. Let food cool first, so it doesn't warm up everything else in the fridge, but don't leave it out for more than 2 hours.
• Cover it. Keep leftovers in clean, airtight containers.

Freezing leftovers

Freeze anything you won't eat in time as soon as it has cooled. In Ireland, safefood says cooked meat keeps in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Defrost leftovers in the fridge, never at room temperature. The UK's Food Standards Agency says to eat them within 24 hours once defrosted.

Reheating safely

• Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, not just warm. In Australia, the Food Safety Information Council says at least 75°C in the centre.
• Only reheat once. Take out what you'll eat now and leave the rest in the fridge.
• Bring leftover gravy to a rolling boil.

Get a reminder before they're due

Add your leftovers to SnapLarder on Christmas night and set the date your country's advice gives. It reminds you in time, so the last of the turkey gets eaten or frozen instead of forgotten.

Sources: Food Standards Agency, guide to food safety and hygiene; safefood, Christmas dinner leftovers; Food Safety Information Council, Leftovers; Food Safety Information Council, Christmas tips. Checked October 2026. See also use by vs best before.