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Christmas is a time of connection, and one of the most beloved traditions is sending cards and gifts to loved ones.
But with the festive rush affecting postal services across the UK and internationally, it’s vital to know when to send your mail to ensure it arrives before the big day.
Understanding the last posting dates helps you avoid disappointment and ensures your heartfelt messages and presents reach their destination in time for Christmas.
Why Posting Early Matters During the Festive Season?
During the Christmas period, millions of letters, cards, and parcels move through the UK postal network, making it the busiest time of the year for Royal Mail and courier companies.
Any disruptions such as adverse weather, staff shortages or delays in transit can severely impact delivery times.
Posting early ensures:
- More economical postage options
- Increased likelihood of on-time delivery
- Reduced stress and last-minute rushes
The earlier a sender posts Christmas cards or parcels, the more likely they are to benefit from a smoother service.
Leaving it too late may result in having to pay for expedited delivery services or risk the items arriving after Christmas.
Royal Mail Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025
Royal Mail remains the most popular postal service in the UK for sending cards and small gifts.
Each service tier has its own recommended last posting date to ensure items arrive before 25 December.
Standard and Tracked Services
The following services are frequently used by individuals sending Christmas cards within the UK:
- Royal Mail 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For
- Royal Mail 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For
- Royal Mail Tracked 48
- Royal Mail Tracked 24
- Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
Here is a breakdown of the last recommended posting dates for these services in 2025:
| Royal Mail Service | Last Recommended Posting Date |
| 2nd Class / 2nd Class Signed For | Wednesday 17 December |
| 1st Class / 1st Class Signed For | Saturday 20 December |
| Tracked 48 | Friday 19 December |
| Tracked 24 | Monday 22 December |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Tuesday 23 December |
Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed service provides peace of mind with a money-back guarantee if the delivery does not arrive on time. A Saturday guaranteed option is also available for an additional fee, depending on location.
It is important to check the service availability in specific regions, as delivery times may differ in remote areas or the Scottish Highlands.
Courier Services Last Posting Dates for 2025
Courier services like DPD, Evri and Parcelforce have become increasingly popular for their express delivery capabilities and real-time tracking. Their posting deadlines for Christmas also vary depending on location and service type.
DPD Services
DPD offers multiple delivery options including Next Day, Two Day and their premium Gold service. Last posting dates vary depending on postcode area.
DPD Next Day and Two Day Delivery Cut-Offs
| Service Type | Applicable Postcodes | Last Posting Date |
| DPD Next Day (Most UK Postcodes) | All except listed | Monday 22 December |
| DPD Next Day (Selected Areas) | AB36–AB38, FK17–FK21, IV1–IV62, KA27, KW1–KW14, PA20–PA38, PH19–PH50 | Saturday 20 December |
| DPD Next Day (Remote Islands) | IV63, KA28 | Friday 19 December |
| DPD Remote Locations | HS1–HS9, KW15–KW17, PA34, PA41–PA48, PA80, ZE1–ZE3 | Wednesday 17 December |
| DPD Gold (All UK Postcodes) | All | Tuesday 23 December |
| DPD Two Day | Remote UK Areas | Saturday 20 December |
Evri Services
Evri, formerly known as Hermes, provides cost-effective tracked delivery services ideal for smaller packages and gifts. Their services are especially useful for non-urgent items that still need reliable handling.
- Evri Standard Tracked: Friday 19 December
- Evri Next Day Tracked: Monday 22 December
Tracking is included with both services, and customers can drop off items at parcel shops or arrange home collection.
Parcelforce Worldwide
Parcelforce offers a range of guaranteed express delivery options tailored to different delivery windows. It is an ideal choice for sending larger parcels with timed delivery preferences.
Parcelforce UK Last Posting Dates 2025
| Service Type | Last Posting Date |
| express48 | Friday 19 December |
| express24, expressAM, express10 | Monday 22 December |
For deliveries to remote parts of the UK such as parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Parcelforce advises posting earlier due to longer transit times.
International Christmas Posting Deadlines
When sending cards or parcels abroad, the planning window must be longer due to customs clearance and variable international transit times.
While Royal Mail has not released its finalised 2025 international deadlines, here is an approximate schedule based on historical data and typical delivery estimates:
| Destination Region | Estimated Last Posting Date |
| Western Europe | Monday 9 December |
| Eastern Europe | Friday 6 December |
| USA and Canada | Friday 6 December |
| Australia and New Zealand | Wednesday 4 December |
| Asia and Africa | Monday 2 December |
| South America | Friday 29 November |
International delivery may be affected by the destination country’s own postal network, customs regulations, and public holidays.
Tracking and signed-for services are highly recommended for international items of value or importance.
Best Practices When Sending Christmas Cards and Gifts
Sending cards and gifts efficiently and securely involves more than just meeting deadlines. Following certain practices can increase the chance of your items arriving safely and in good condition.
Labelling and Packaging
- Clearly print both the recipient’s and sender’s addresses on the front of the item
- Use block capitals for legibility
- Apply correct postage based on weight and size
- Ensure fragile items are cushioned and securely taped
- Seal envelopes and packages properly to prevent damage in transit
Choosing the Right Postal Service
Deciding which service to use depends on several factors such as destination, item value, urgency, and size.
- Use 2nd Class for low-cost domestic cards with non-urgent delivery
- Choose 1st Class for quicker delivery within the UK
- Opt for Tracked 24 or Tracked 48 for small parcels or gifts that require tracking
- Select Special Delivery Guaranteed for high-value items or time-sensitive parcels
Drop-off and Collection
- Use local post boxes or post offices for standard mail
- Consider courier drop-off points for convenience
- Schedule parcel collections if sending multiple items
- Verify collection times to avoid missing daily cut-offs
Christmas Posting by Region: What to Consider
The UK includes regions where postal delivery times differ from the standard, particularly in rural or island areas.
Services to Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and certain remote parts of Wales may require an earlier dispatch date than listed for urban centres.
Check for specific cut-off dates using your postcode on Royal Mail’s or the courier’s online checker. Some examples of postcode areas with adjusted cut-offs include:
- IV (Inverness area)
- KW (Kirkwall and surrounding islands)
- ZE (Shetland)
- HS (Outer Hebrides)
Many couriers provide postcode lookup tools for regional-specific recommendations, which are worth checking even if sending standard cards.
Holiday Surcharges and Service Changes
Around the Christmas period, some postal services and couriers introduce temporary surcharges or modify their delivery guarantees. This is particularly relevant for:
- Weekend deliveries
- Oversized parcels
- Remote area deliveries
- Time-slot guarantees (e.g. AM delivery)
These additional costs or limitations are often outlined in the courier’s Christmas schedule and should be reviewed before choosing a service.
Comparing Postal Services for Cards and Parcels
With several options available, choosing the right service can depend on cost, speed, and value-added features.
The following comparison offers a quick look at what different providers typically offer for Christmas postage.
| Provider | Suitable For | Tracking | Speed | Price Range | Drop-Off Options |
| Royal Mail | Letters, small parcels | Optional | 1-3 days | £0.75–£8+ | Post Office, Box |
| DPD | Parcels, time-specific | Yes | 1-2 days | £5–£15+ | Shop, Collection |
| Evri | Budget parcels | Yes | 1-3 days | £2.50–£10+ | Shop, Collection |
| Parcelforce | Large parcels, UK-wide | Yes | Next day | £6–£25+ | Post Office, Depot |
Each courier offers various delivery windows, insurance options, and drop-off locations. Business senders may also benefit from volume-based discounts.
What Are the Tips for Managing Christmas Post Efficiently?
Efficient posting doesn’t just depend on knowing the right dates. Here are a few practical tips to make the process smoother and more effective:
- Purchase stamps and packaging early to avoid stock issues
- Set calendar reminders for posting deadlines
- Group cards and gifts by delivery method (UK, international, tracked)
- Consider digital cards as a backup for international contacts
- Use postal tools like Click & Drop to prepare postage at home
Planning a week or two ahead of the cut-off dates allows more flexibility in case anything goes wrong or items require repacking or correcting.
Technology and Christmas Posting
Royal Mail and other services now offer mobile apps and online tools that help manage Christmas postage more effectively.
Features may include:
- Real-time tracking updates
- In-app postage purchasing
- Barcode scanning for collections
- Delivery alerts via SMS or email
These tools can help individuals and businesses alike streamline their holiday postage without unnecessary trips to the post office.
Conclusion
Planning your Christmas card and gift sending in advance helps avoid the last-minute panic and ensures your seasonal wishes arrive on time.
The last posting dates vary depending on service level and destination, but the general rule is simple: post early and choose the right service for your needs.
Whether sending cards to loved ones across the UK or parcels to friends abroad, staying informed about the 2025 deadlines will ensure a joyful festive season without delivery hiccups.
FAQs About Posting Christmas Cards in the UK
When Should I Send Christmas Cards in the Uk to Arrive on Time?
To ensure cards arrive by Christmas Day, send 2nd Class by 17 December and 1st Class by 20 December. For extra reliability, consider Tracked 24 or Special Delivery Guaranteed.
Is There a Deadline for Posting Cards Internationally?
Yes, international posting dates are earlier due to transit times. For most countries, it’s recommended to send by early December, but dates vary by region.
What Happens if I Miss the Last Posting Date?
Your mail may still arrive, but it’s not guaranteed. Consider using Special Delivery or courier express services if you’re late.
Does Royal Mail Deliver on Christmas Eve?
Royal Mail typically delivers on Christmas Eve unless it falls on a Sunday. However, it’s best not to rely on this day for timely deliveries.
Which is the cheapest postal service for Christmas cards?
Royal Mail 2nd Class is the most affordable, but it has the earliest cut-off. Balance cost and reliability based on your needs.
Are There Sunday Collections in December?
Some areas may offer Sunday collections in December, but this isn’t guaranteed across the UK. Check with your local branch.
Can I Track My Christmas Card Delivery?
Tracking is not available for standard 1st or 2nd Class, but Tracked 24, Tracked 48, and Special Delivery services include tracking.