As we edge closer to Christmas, businesses and individuals alike will soon be preparing to send festive mail, gifts, and important documents across the UK and overseas. Whether it’s seasonal brochures, Christmas cards, promotional materials, or customer parcels, timing is everything. Posting early is always the safest option, but if you’re working to tight schedules, knowing the final mailing dates can make all the difference.
To help you plan, we’ve compiled the latest recommended posting dates for Royal Mail and the major UK courier services for Christmas 2025. These dates will help ensure your items arrive in time for Christmas Day, but where possible, sending earlier remains the best strategy.
Royal Mail Last Posting Dates
Royal Mail has now released its official 2025 last posting dates for UK services:
Wednesday 17 December 2025
– Second Class
– Second Class Signed For
Friday 19 December 2025
– Royal Mail Tracked 48®
Saturday 20 December 2025
– First Class
– First Class Signed For
Sunday 21 December 2025
– Royal Mail Tracked 24®
Tuesday 23 December 2025
– Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®
Customers sending overseas should generally allow at least 2–3 weeks before Christmas, depending on destination and service level.
Courier Last Posting Dates – Christmas 2025
While many couriers operate close to Christmas, final collection and drop-off times can vary depending on service level and location. Below are the latest recommended dates for UK delivery in time for Christmas 2025.
Evri:
|
Service Type |
Last Posting Date |
|
Courier collection |
Friday 19 December 2025 |
|
Standard delivery (ParcelShop/Locker) |
Friday 19 December 2025 (by 11:00 am) |
|
Next Day (ParcelShop/Locker) |
Saturday 20 December 2025 (by 11:00 am) |
DHL:
|
Service Type |
Last Posting Date |
|
UK & Nearby Europe (Priority Express) |
Saturday 20 December 2025 |
|
International gifts / cross-border |
Monday 15 December 2025 |
While DHL may deliver closer to Christmas, these dates are recommended to account for customs clearance and seasonal delays.
DPD:
|
Route |
Last Posting Date |
|
UK Domestic |
Saturday 20 December 2025 |
|
UK to Ireland |
Friday 19 December 2025 |
|
Ireland to the UK |
Friday 19 December 2025 |
Keep in mind that many online retailers may set earlier cut-offs than DPD’s final delivery dates.
GLS:
|
Route |
Last Posting Date |
|
Within the UK |
Saturday 20 December 2025 |
|
Within Ireland |
Saturday 20 December 2025 |
|
UK to Ireland |
Monday 15 December 2025 |
Tips to Avoid Delays
Even when working to the latest posting dates, seasonal delays are always possible.
Send earlier where possible, especially for business mailings or bulk deliveries.
Check postcode accuracy – especially for new addresses, apartments, and business parks.
Use tracked or signed-for services for important, valuable or time-sensitive items.
Consider volume and processing time if using hybrid mail or bulk mailing services.
Allow extra time for rural, remote or international destinations, where weather and customs delays are more common.
