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Gifts
Christmas 2026 last posting dates UK: Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DPD and Evri
All the last recommended Christmas 2026 posting dates for Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DPD and Evri in one place, plus a posting plan and your rights if an order is late.
By Daily Offer Deals editorial team6 min read
On this page 10 sections
Quick answer
For UK delivery before Christmas Day 2026, the last recommended posting dates listed by the Post Office are Friday 18 December for Royal Mail 2nd Class, Saturday 19 December for Tracked 48, Monday 21 December for 1st Class and Tracked 24, and Wednesday 23 December for Special Delivery. Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year. These are recommended dates, not guarantees, so post earlier if you can, and much earlier for anything going abroad.
The Post Office has published its last posting dates for 2026, covering Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide, DPD and Evri. Here’s the full list in one place, plus what to do if something doesn’t turn up.
Christmas 2026 last posting dates: Royal Mail
These are the last recommended dates for delivery within the UK in time for Christmas, as listed on the Post Office’s last posting dates page.
| Royal Mail service | Last recommended posting date |
|---|---|
| 2nd Class | Friday 18 December |
| Tracked 48 | Saturday 19 December |
| 1st Class | Monday 21 December |
| Tracked 24 | Monday 21 December |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Wednesday 23 December |
If your local Post Office or postbox doesn’t have a Saturday collection, treat Friday 18 December as your practical last day for Tracked 48.
Parcelforce, DPD and Evri dates
The same Post Office page also lists these UK dates.
| Courier and service | Last recommended posting date |
|---|---|
| Parcelforce Worldwide express48 | Monday 21 December |
| Parcelforce Worldwide express24 | Tuesday 22 December |
| DPD 2 Day | Saturday 19 December |
| DPD Next Day | Monday 21 December |
| DPD Gold | Wednesday 23 December |
| Evri Standard Tracked | Saturday 19 December |
| Evri Next Day Tracked | Monday 21 December |
The Post Office notes that the DPD and Evri dates are subject to change and that remote postcodes should be sent earlier. That matters if you’re posting to the Scottish Highlands and islands, parts of Northern Ireland or other remote areas, so check the service page for your parcel.
The important small print
- These are recommendations, not guarantees. The Post Office describes them as last recommended dates. Only a guaranteed service gives you a set delivery promise, and even then check the terms.
- Branch cut-off times apply. The Post Office says parcels must be received before each branch’s final acceptance time, and these times vary. Check your local branch before you go, especially on the last posting days.
- International mail needs much longer. At the time of writing, the Post Office page says international last posting dates for DPD and Evri will be published when available, and advises sending abroad as early as possible. Its guide adds that international dates usually vary by destination and some fall earlier than people expect. Check Royal Mail’s country guidance for your destination and don’t leave overseas gifts until December.
A simple Christmas posting plan
Working back from the dates above, here’s a sensible plan.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Now to end of November | Post anything going overseas. Order online gifts that need to be re-posted to family. |
| Week of 7 December | Post cards and parcels to remote UK addresses. Buy stamps, labels and packaging. |
| By Monday 14 December | Aim to post most UK cards and parcels by 2nd Class, leaving a buffer. |
| Friday 18 December | Last recommended day for 2nd Class. |
| Monday 21 December | Last recommended day for 1st Class and Tracked 24. |
| Wednesday 23 December | Special Delivery and next-day guaranteed courier services only. |
Posting earlier also spreads the cost. If you’re sending lots of small gifts, our guide to packing and posting parcels cheaply covers size bands and how to avoid paying for a bigger parcel than you need.
Packing so it arrives in one piece
A few basics help gifts survive the busiest weeks of the year.
- Use a sturdy box or padded envelope that fits the item without lots of empty space.
- Fill gaps so nothing moves when you shake it.
- Seal seams with proper parcel tape, not sticky tape.
- Write the address clearly, with the full postcode, and add a return address.
- Keep your proof of postage and any tracking number until the gift has arrived.
If you need supplies, you can browse padded envelopes and parcel tape on Amazon. For small gifts that post easily, see our stocking fillers and Secret Santa picks, or gifts under £10.
Ordering gifts online? Different rules apply
The posting dates above are for things you send. When you buy online and the shop sends it to you, the shop’s own delivery cut-off applies, and many retailers publish their own Christmas delivery dates. Check them at checkout.
Your rights are also different. Citizens Advice explains that:
- The seller is responsible for getting your order to you, even if they use a courier. If it’s late or missing, the seller should chase the courier, not you.
- If a courier leaves it somewhere you didn’t agree to, such as a porch or with a neighbour, that’s still the seller’s responsibility. If you chose that safe place or neighbour, it isn’t.
- If no delivery date was agreed, the item should usually arrive within 30 days. If it doesn’t, you can cancel and ask for your money back.
- A delivery date counts as essential if you told the seller you needed it by a specific date, or if it’s obvious from the circumstances. If an essential date is missed, you can ask for a full refund. So if a gift must arrive by Christmas, tell the seller in writing when you order.
For more on refunds and returns, see our UK consumer rights guide.
Beware of fake delivery texts
Delivery scams spike at this time of year. Citizens Advice warns that if you get a text or email asking you to pay to release a parcel, you shouldn’t click any links. Go directly to the courier’s official website or app instead, and report the message. Our guide to Black Friday and online shopping scams has more warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last day to post 2nd Class for Christmas 2026?
The Post Office lists Friday 18 December 2026 as the last recommended date for Royal Mail 2nd Class within the UK. Post earlier if you can, especially to remote addresses.
What is the last day to post 1st Class for Christmas 2026?
Monday 21 December 2026 is the last recommended date for Royal Mail 1st Class and Tracked 24, according to the Post Office’s list.
Can I still post on 23 December and have it arrive for Christmas?
The Post Office lists Wednesday 23 December as the last recommended date for Royal Mail Special Delivery and DPD Gold. Check your branch’s final acceptance time, as it varies.
When should I post Christmas parcels abroad?
As early as possible. At the time of writing, the Post Office says international dates vary by destination and service and advises sending overseas gifts early. Check Royal Mail’s guidance for your destination country and allow for customs.
My online order hasn’t arrived. Who do I contact?
Contact the seller, not the courier. Citizens Advice says the seller is responsible for delivery and should chase the courier. If no date was agreed and it hasn’t arrived within 30 days, you can cancel and ask for a refund.
Are these posting dates guaranteed?
No. They’re last recommended dates. Only guaranteed services, such as Special Delivery Guaranteed, come with a delivery promise, and you should check the terms and compensation for each service.
About the author
Daily Offer Deals editorial team
The Daily Offer Deals team checks UK deals by hand and writes practical buying guides. We never claim hands-on testing we have not done.
