Royal Mail announces Christmas 2026 posting deadlines

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Royal Mail has set its last posting dates for Christmas 2026, with Second Class cards due by 18 December.

Royal Mail has revealed its deadlines for Christmas 2026 post. Christmas cards sent Second Class should be posted by 18 December, the last recommended date for Second Class and Second Class Signed For items to arrive within the UK in time for Christmas. First Class senders have until Monday 21 December, whilst Special Delivery Guaranteed has a deadline of Wednesday 23 December.

For Parcelforce Worldwide UK services, the last posting date is 21 December for express48 and express48large, with 22 December for express10, expressAM and express24. Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 must be posted by 19 December to arrive back before Christmas.

The Post Office advises that parcels must be received before a branch's final acceptance time, which varies between locations. Those sending items overseas are advised to post as early as possible, with Royal Mail directing customers to its country guides for international delivery aims. Separate deadlines apply to mail sent to British Forces Post Office addresses, with 17 November the final date for Operations and HM Ships from the UK.

Royal Mail announces Christmas 2026 posting deadlines — Image: Oxford Mail

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How it is being reported

Royal Mail sets Christmas 2026 posting dates for UK parcels, cards and giftsRoyal Mail's Christmas 2026 last posting dates for UK services, Parcelforce and BFPO, plus advice for sending items abroad.Oxford Mail · 27 Oct, 11:41
Royal Mail sets Christmas 2026 posting dates for UK parcels, cards and giftsRoyal Mail's Christmas 2026 last posting dates for UK services, Parcelforce and BFPO, plus advice for sending items abroad.Oxfordshire Guardian · 27 Oct, 11:41

In this story: Royal Mail · Parcelforce · Post Office · British Forces Post Office · UK

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