Christmas 2026

Christmas last posting dates 2026

The last days to post cards and presents in the UK so they arrive before Christmas Day, from Royal Mail and Parcelforce. You've got 50 days until the 2nd Class deadline.

Royal Mail (UK)

2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed ForFriday 18 December50 days left
Royal Mail Tracked 48Saturday 19 December51 days left
1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Tracked 24Monday 21 December53 days left
Special Delivery GuaranteedLast chance, guaranteed next working dayWednesday 23 December55 days left

Parcelforce Worldwide (UK)

express48 and express48largeMonday 21 December53 days left
express10, expressAM and express24Tuesday 22 December54 days left

Dates from Royal Mail's Christmas page, checked 28 October 2026. Royal Mail says they can change, so check there before a last-minute post. For overseas post, see Royal Mail's international dates.

Ordering online?

Shops set their own Christmas cut-offs, usually a few days before Royal Mail's, because they have to pick and pack first. Check the delivery page of the shop you buy from. Ordering by mid-December is the safe bet.

Still need presents?

Gift ideas at their cheapest price across 300+ trusted UK shops, cheapest first.

Secret Santa under £10 →Stocking fillers under £10 →Gifts for him under £25 →Gifts for her under £25 →Gifts for kids under £25 →Gifts for mum under £50 →Gifts for dad under £50 →Gifts for gamers under £50 →

All gift ideas by person and budget →

Questions

What is the last posting date for Christmas 2026 in the UK?

With Royal Mail it's Friday 18 December for 2nd Class, Monday 21 December for 1st Class and Tracked 24, and Wednesday 23 December for Special Delivery Guaranteed.

What's the last day to post 1st Class for Christmas 2026?

Monday 21 December 2026, according to Royal Mail. That also covers 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 24.

What's the last day to post 2nd Class for Christmas 2026?

Friday 18 December 2026, according to Royal Mail.

When should I order presents online to arrive before Christmas?

Each shop sets its own Christmas cut-off, usually a few days before Royal Mail's dates because they have to pick and pack first. Check the shop's delivery page before you buy, and order by mid-December to be safe.

Get the real deals before Christmas

One email a week: only price drops we've checked against real price history. Unsubscribe in one click.

We only use your email for this. Privacy