Royal Mail Christmas deliveries and last posting dates for 2024
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start planning gift and card deliveries for loved ones who are far away. Find out if Royal Mail delivers parcels on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the Royal Mail delivery schedule and last posting dates for Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE
Does Royal Mail deliver over Christmas?
Yes, like all postal and courier services, Royal Mail works around the clock with prolonged opening hours on the days before Christmas to deliver as many parcels as possible. Bear in mind that this is the busiest time of year for the post because of the huge increase in shipping volume. We recommend sending your gifts in advance so that there is more chance of them being delivered in time for Christmas.
LAST DAY
Royal Mail Christmas deliveries and last posting dates 2024
It is important to be aware of Royal Mail’s last posting dates for Christmas when shipping your parcels. Royal Mail and other courier companies normally extend their estimated delivery times towards the end of December to handle their busy workload. If you want your parcel to arrive before Christmas, we recommend not leaving it for the last minute, but rather shipping ahead to make sure your present is delivered on time.
Please consider that during the month of December, postal and shipping services handle a higher number of shipments than usual and may face additional delays due to adverse weather conditions.
Royal Mail last posting dates before Christmas in 2024 – within the UK
See below the summary of the last posting dates before Christmas for each Royal Mail service. Plan your Christmas delivery accordingly, but remember that the earlier you send your items, the better.
| Royal Mail service | Last posting date |
|---|---|
| 2nd Class | Monday 18 December |
| 2nd Class Signed For | Monday 18 December |
| 1st Class | Tuesday 19 December |
| 1st Class Signed For | Tuesday 19 December |
| Royal Mail Tracked 48 | Wednesday 20 December |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | Thursday 21 December |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Friday 22 December |
Royal Mail last posting dates before Christmas in 2024 – internationally
The last Christmas posting date with Royal Mail may vary depending on the destination country and service selected. In the table below, you will find a summary of the Royal Mail last posting dates before Christmas to major destinations around the world using the International Economy and International Standard services. However, we strongly recommend checking the time estimation for your specific route with the postal company when you book the service.
| Shipping Route | International Economy | International Standard |
|---|---|---|
| UK – Canada & USA | Tuesday 31 October | Friday 8 December |
| UK – Middle East & Asia | Friday 13 October | Tuesday 5 December |
| UK – Western Europe | Monday 27 November | Thursday 7 December |
| UK – Eastern Europe | Friday 24 November | Thursday 7 December |
| UK – Africa | Monday 2 October | Monday 11 December |
| UK – Caribbean | Monday 2 October | Tuesday 5 December |
| UK – Australia & New Zealand | Monday 2 October | Tuesday 5 December |
Royal Mail schedule during Christmas and New Year 2024/2025
Check below Royal Mail’s collection and delivery schedule during Christmas 2024 and New Year’s 2024 in the UK.
| Day | Delivery available | Collection available |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve (24/12) | X | X |
| Christmas Day (25/12) | X | X |
| Boxing Day (26/12) | X | X |
| 27 to 29 December | ✓ | ✓ |
| Saturday 30 December | In some locations | In some locations |
| New Year’s Eve (31/12) | X | X |
| New Year’s Day (01/01) | X | X |
WORKING HOURS
Royal Mail opening hours and delivery times at Christmas
Royal Mail opening hours over Christmas will vary depending on your location and nearest branch. In normal times, the postal service aims to deliver all parcels by 3 pm in urban areas and by 4 pm in rural areas. However, Royal Mail delivery times at Christmas may be extended in some specific circumstances, especially for locations that are remote or difficult to access.
You can rest assured that Royal Mail does everything they can to deliver as many parcels as possible before the Christmas holidays, even offering Sunday services in some locations during December. Royal Mail will almost certainly extend their opening hours and delivery times at Christmas in 2024 to manage the increased volume of shipments.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Are Royal Mail delivering parcels on Christmas Eve 2024?
Many people wonder if there is Royal Mail postal delivery on Christmas Eve, and the answer depends on the year. In 2024, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, and Royal Mail will not deliver on Christmas Eve this year.
If the Royal Mail is not able to deliver your parcel before Christmas Eve because no one was at home, you will have to pick up the parcel at a local branch office during the following working days. So, if you are expecting a delivery, make sure someone is present at the address to receive the parcel.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Are Royal Mail delivering on Christmas Day 2024?
Christmas Day, 25 December, is considered a public holiday in the UK, Ireland, and most worldwide countries. Royal Mail will not perform deliveries or collections on Christmas Day 2024.
Plan your deliveries on time this year by checking the courier schedules for Christmas!
BOXING DAY
Are Royal Mail delivering on Boxing Day 2024?
Boxing Day is celebrated in the UK and some Commonwealth countries on 26 December and is a public holiday. Royal Mail will not perform deliveries or collections on Boxing Day 2024.
Courier and postal services, including Royal Mail will end their Christmas break and resume normal opening hours on 27 December.
Don’t leave it till the last minute, find out more about Boxing Day shipping to make sure your cards and presents arrive on time!
NEW YEAR
Are Royal Mail delivering over New Year 2024/2025?
In 2024, New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, and while 31 December is typically considered a working day in most countries, Royal Mail will not be carrying out collections or deliveries on New Year’s Eve this year.
Royal Mail does not deliver on New Year’s Day as it is a public holiday in the majority of locations around the world. Royal Mail will resume normal services on 2 January 2024 in the UK, except for Scotland, where services will resume on 3 January.
EASY SHIPPING
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