Last posting dates for Christmas 2026

For cards and parcels sent within the UK.

Royal Mail

Last posting dateService
Friday 18 December2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For
Saturday 19 DecemberRoyal Mail Tracked 48
Monday 21 December1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 24
Wednesday 23 DecemberSpecial Delivery Guaranteed

Parcelforce Worldwide

Last posting dateService
Monday 21 Decemberexpress48 and express48large
Tuesday 22 Decemberexpress24, expressAM and express10

Source: Royal Mail's published Christmas 2026 last posting dates (read on 28 October 2026). Dates can change, so check royalmail.com before posting anything important. Overseas post needs to go much earlier: see Royal Mail's international dates.

Tips for getting cards there in time

  • Aim a week early. The last dates are the last recommended days. Post a few days before to be safe.
  • Write the postcode clearly. It's what the sorting machines read.
  • Large cards cost more. Anything bigger than a standard letter needs a Large Letter stamp.
  • Keep a list. Tick off who you've sent to, and who sent to you, ready for next year.

Your card list, sorted

The Chrimbo app imports your contacts, prints the address labels and remembers who sent you a card. The printable kit has a 30-name card list and these dates built in.


The Chrimbo app · £5.99 The printable kit · £4.50