Royal Mail has revealed their deadlines for Christmas post.
Christmas cards sent Second Class should be posted by December 18.
That is Royal Mail's last recommended date for Second Class and Second Class Signed For items travelling within the UK in time for Christmas 2026.
First Class senders have until Monday, December 21, while the last recommended date for Special Delivery Guaranteed is Wednesday, December 23.
Royal Mail advises posting as early as possible and says its published dates are subject to change.
Royal Mail's UK Christmas posting dates
The company's last posting dates for UK inland services are:
- Friday, December 18: Second Class and Second Class Signed For.
- Saturday, December 19: Royal Mail Tracked 48.
- Monday, December 21: First Class, First Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 24.
- Wednesday, December 23: Special Delivery Guaranteed.
Saturday, December 19 is also the last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 to arrive back with the sender before Christmas.
The Post Office says parcels must be received before a branch's final acceptance time, which varies between branches, and advises customers to check before posting.
Parcelforce and international post
For Parcelforce Worldwide UK services, the last posting date is Monday, December 21 for express48 and express48large.
The deadline for express10, expressAM and express24 is Tuesday, December 22.
People sending cards and parcels overseas are advised by Royal Mail to post as early as possible, particularly for international deliveries.
Its Christmas page directs customers to its country guides for published international delivery aims rather than listing individual Christmas deadlines for each destination.
Separate dates apply to mail sent from the UK to British Forces Post Office addresses around the world.
For Operations and HM Ships, the last posting date from the UK is November 17, with November 24 the last arrival date at BFPO.
The last UK posting date for Static Firm Base/PJOBs was October 24, with October 30 listed as the last arrival date at BFPO.
For mail returning to the UK from BFPO locations, including HM Ships, Royal Mail says the target deadline is Wednesday, December 16, to allow time for delivery before Christmas.
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