Christmas post checker
Choose a Royal Mail or Parcelforce service to see its last recommended posting date for Christmas and how many days you have left.
Friday, 18 December 2026
54 days left
Post by Friday, 18 December 2026 for 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For to arrive before Christmas: 54 days from today.
Every service at a glance
| Service | Last date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail: 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For | Friday, 18 December 2026 | 54 days left |
| Royal Mail: Tracked 48 | Saturday, 19 December 2026 | 55 days left |
| Royal Mail: 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Tracked 24 | Monday, 21 December 2026 | 57 days left |
| Royal Mail: Special Delivery Guaranteed | Wednesday, 23 December 2026 | 59 days left |
| Parcelforce: express48 and express48large | Monday, 21 December 2026 | 57 days left |
| Parcelforce: express24, express10 and expressAM | Tuesday, 22 December 2026 | 58 days left |
| BFPO Static Firm Base | Saturday, 24 October 2026 | Date passed |
| BFPO Operations and HM Ships | Tuesday, 17 November 2026 | 23 days left |
How it works
- The dates are Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide's published last recommended posting dates for Christmas 2026, for addresses in the UK.
- Days left are counted from today's date in the UK. A date shows as passed from the day after it.
- Royal Mail recommends posting before the last collection on the date shown. Check the time on your local postbox or at your Post Office.
Example
On Friday 23 October 2026 there are 56 days left to post a 2nd Class card (last date Friday 18 December) and 59 days for 1st Class (Monday 21 December).
Frequently asked questions
What is the last posting date for Christmas 2026?
Friday 18 December for 2nd Class, Monday 21 December for 1st Class and Wednesday 23 December for Special Delivery Guaranteed.
What about post to other countries?
Royal Mail had not published international Christmas dates for 2026 when we last checked. Post overseas cards in November to be safe.
Does posting on the last date guarantee delivery?
Only Special Delivery Guaranteed comes with a guarantee. The other dates are Royal Mail's recommendations.
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