Days until Christmas
Live countdown to Friday 25 December 2026, with working days left.
Dates & time · Christmas 2026
Royal Mail last posting dates for Christmas 2026
Royal Mail’s last recommended posting dates for Christmas 2026 to UK addresses are Friday 18 December for 2nd Class, Saturday 19 December for Tracked 48, Monday 21 December for 1st Class and Tracked 24, and Wednesday 23 December for Special Delivery Guaranteed. Christmas Day is Friday 25 December.
49days to the last 2nd Class posting date
UK addresses
Last recommended posting dates, Christmas 2026
As announced by Royal Mail and reported on 30 October 2026; Royal Mail’s website did not allow an automated check, so confirm on royalmail.com before you post. Days left are counted in UK time and update in your browser.
| Service | Last recommended posting date | Days left |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class | Friday 18 December 2026 | 49 days left |
| 2nd Class Signed For | Friday 18 December 2026 | 49 days left |
| Royal Mail Tracked 48 | Saturday 19 December 2026 | 50 days left |
| 1st Class | Monday 21 December 2026 | 52 days left |
| 1st Class Signed For | Monday 21 December 2026 | 52 days left |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | Monday 21 December 2026 | 52 days left |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Wednesday 23 December 2026 | 54 days left |
Before you post
Post earlier for remote areas and abroad
The dates above are for UK addresses. Royal Mail publishes separate, earlier dates for international mail and advises posting earlier to remote parts of the UK. Post office opening hours over Christmas vary; Christmas Day is Friday 25 December and the Boxing Day bank holiday is Monday 28 December. Christmas bank holidays 2026.
Sources: Royal Mail, last posting dates; report of Royal Mail’s 2026 dates (Ely Standard).
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Helpful answers
Christmas posting FAQs.
What is the last day to post 2nd Class for Christmas 2026?
Friday 18 December 2026 is Royal Mail’s last recommended posting date for 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For to UK addresses.
What is the last 1st Class posting date for Christmas 2026?
Monday 21 December 2026, for 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 24.
What is the very last date to post before Christmas?
Wednesday 23 December 2026 with Special Delivery Guaranteed, Royal Mail’s latest recommended date for delivery before Christmas Day.
Are these dates guaranteed?
No. They are Royal Mail’s recommended last posting dates; Royal Mail says they are correct when published and can change, and remote areas and international mail need earlier posting. Check Royal Mail’s own page before you post.