Last post for Christmas: Royal Mail Christmas and New Year delivery dates 2024 - and last UK posting dates

• Royal Mail’s delivery schedule will change over the Christmas and New Year period
• There will be no deliveries or collections on certain holiday dates
• Normal delivery and collection services will continue on most days

The festive season brings changes to Royal Mail's delivery schedule across the UK.

As Christmas and New Year approaches, it's important to be aware of when post will be delivered and when services will be temporarily paused.

With increased demand for parcels and cards, planning ahead is key to ensuring that your holiday gifts and cards reach their destination on time.

So when exactly will Royal Mail be delivering post over the Christmas and New Year period, and when there will be no service?

Here’s how the postal service will be operating and how to make sure your festive post is sent and received without delay. We’ve also included the last postage dates further down this article.

Royal Mail postal workers sort Christmas cards in the Royal Mail Regional Sorting Office in Filton (Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Royal Mail's delivery and collection schedule for Christmas and New Year

• Monday 16 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Tuesday 17 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Wednesday 18 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Thursday 19 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Friday 20 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Saturday 21 December - Normal deliveries and Saturday collections for customers with a regular Saturday business collection
• Sunday 22 December - Sunday parcel deliveries. No collections
• Monday 23 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve) - Normal deliveries and collections for customers with a regular business collection
• Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) - No deliveries or collections
• Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day) - No deliveries or collections
• Friday 27 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Saturday 28 December - Normal deliveries and Saturday collections for customers with a regular Saturday collection
• Sunday 29 December - Sunday parcel deliveries. No collections
• Monday 30 December - Normal deliveries and collections
• Tuesday 31 December (New Year’s Eve) - Normal deliveries and collections
• Wednesday 1 January 2025 (New Year’s Day) - No deliveries or collections
• Thursday 2 January 2025 (Public holiday in Scotland) - Normal deliveries and collections - except in Scotland

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The last Royal Mail posting dates for Christmas 2024

Within the UK

Internationally

The last recommended postage dates for international delivery are a little bit more complicated, as they can differ depending on where in the world you want your item delivered.

For full details on Royal Mail’s last international postage dates, head to our dedicated guide here.

Have any questions about Royal Mail’s holiday delivery schedule, or tips for sending your Christmas post? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.