Get ready for Christmas 2025
Here you’ll find all the information you’ll need to make sure your Christmas deliveries arrive on time, including the last posting dates and how to send your letters and parcels with Royal Mail.
Beat the festive rush and post your Christmas cards and gifts early
Allow plenty of time for posting this Christmas. Post items and gifts early, particularly for International deliveries.
Last Christmas Posting Dates
Last Posting Dates for inland services (Christmas 2025)
Please note: 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.
| Wednesday 17 December | 2nd Class 2nd Class Signed For |
| Friday 19 December | Royal Mail Tracked 48®† |
| Saturday 20 December | 1st Class 1st Class Signed For |
| Sunday 21 December | Royal Mail Tracked 24® |
| Tuesday 23 December | Special Delivery Guaranteed® |
† Friday 19 December is the last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns® 48 to arrive back with the sender before Christmas.
| Friday 19 December | express48 |
| Monday 22 December | express10 expressPM express24 |
Last Posting Dates between UK and BFPOs worldwide (Christmas 2025)
| Last posting date from the UK | Last arrival at BFPO | |
|---|---|---|
| Static Firm Base/PJOBs | 24 November | 3 December |
| Operations | 17 November | 24 November |
| HM Ships | 17 November | 24 November |
Inbound UK from BFPOs worldwide
All locations, including HM Ships, are to note that the deadline for return of mail to meet delivery of items in UK should be targeted at Wednesday, 17 December 2025 for all class of items.
This will allow BFPO enough time to transfer private mail items into the UK civil mail system in time for Christmas or for items to be processed through Royal Mail’s Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre.
Last posting dates PDFs
ENTER TO WIN
You and a loved one could each win a share of over £500,000
To enter, simply add the word 'Magical' and a Royal Mail Christmas 2025 stamp to your Christmas card envelope, send us a photo of your Magical card and nominate your recipient for a chance to win a share of the prize.
Preparing your Christmas post
Preparing Christmas cards
From Christmas card inspiration to how to address and post your cards, find our preparation advice below.
Preparing Christmas parcels
Use these handy guides to help you get your Christmas gifts and parcels to their destinations safe and sound
Tracking Christmas post
Stay on top of your deliveries when receiving or sending gifts in time for Christmas.