How to post Christmas cards with Royal Mail
From understanding the stamps you need to sending cards on time, here’s everything you need to know about sending Christmas cards this season.
Where to buy
Christmas cards and stamps
You can pick up Christmas cards at your local Post Office, supermarket or stationery shop. Choose classic cards, charity packs or personalised designs to suit your style, and stock up early so you’re ready to start writing and posting.
The British Heart Foundation is our national charity partner - so why not buy your Christmas cards from their online shop? They offer a wide range of Christmas cards, and every pack sold raises money for a great cause.
We also offer a range of festive stamp designs which you can buy online, at your local retailer, or in a Royal Mail Shop near you.
How to address
Christmas card envelopes
Write the recipient’s name on the first line, followed by the street address, town name and postcode. Every part of the address should be on its own line. Use clear, neat handwriting or printed labels to help your posties with sorting, and include the country if you’re sending abroad.
You can always add a return address on the back if you’d like undelivered mail returned to you - or if you’d like a card back!
Finding postcodes for Christmas cards
If you have a partial address for someone and you’re not sure what their postcode is, you can use our postcode finder to help get the correct postcode.
Using a postcode will help your card’s delivery. They’re essential as they enable our sorting machines to be as efficient and accurate as possible. If you send a card without a postcode, it’s likely it’ll still reach its destination - but it may take longer to get there.
Where to put a stamp on Christmas cards
It matters where you place a stamp on an envelope; it should go in the top right-hand corner to ensure your Christmas card is processed correctly and efficiently by our automated sorting machines. Placing it elsewhere can cause delays as it may require manual handling.
Prices vary by weight and size so sending large letters (up to 100g) by 1st and 2nd class will cost slightly more. Check prices by following the link below.
How to post your Christmas cards
Posting Christmas cards in the UK
If you're sending cards to addresses in the UK, we recommend using your local postbox or Post Office branch.
Check our last Christmas posting dates for the UK and overseas to make sure your cards arrive before Christmas, and send them early to beat the seasonal rush.
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.
