Royal Mail has confirmed its last posting dates for Christmas 2026, urging customers to "post as early as possible" to ensure letters and parcels arrive in good time.
The postal service said: "Last posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. It's always advisable to post as early as possible to ensure that your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time."
Key Dates for 2026
The confirmed deadlines are as follows:
- 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For - Friday, December 18
- Royal Mail Tracked 48 - Saturday, December 19
- 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For - Monday, December 21
- Royal Mail Tracked 24 - Wednesday, December 23
- Special Delivery Guaranteed - Tuesday, December 23
Saturday, December 19, is the last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 to arrive back with the sender before Christmas.
Service Suspensions and Resumption
Royal Mail will not make any collections or deliveries on Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day), Saturday, December 26 (Boxing Day), or Monday, December 28 (substitute bank holiday for Boxing Day).
As a result, the last postal service before Christmas will take place on Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), with services resuming on Tuesday, December 29.
