How to Check the Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025
Sending Christmas post is a bit like catching the last train home on Christmas Eve — leave it too late, and you’re stranded. Every year, thousands of gifts miss Christmas morning simply because they were posted a day too late. If you want your cards and parcels to land on time, knowing the Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025 is non-negotiable.
This practical how-to guide breaks down the final UK posting dates for Royal Mail, Evri, and DPD, explains which services give you the best margin for error, and shows how to plan properly so nothing ends up arriving after the turkey’s been carved.
Why Last Posting Dates Matter More Than Ever
Why Last Posting Dates Matter More Than Ever
Christmas 2025 will see the same pressure points as previous years — high online shopping volumes, staff shortages, weather disruption, and network congestion. Courier services do their best, but once you miss a cut-off, there’s no workaround.
Understanding the Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025 helps you:
- Choose the right delivery service
- Avoid paying extra for last-minute upgrades
- Reduce the risk of lost or delayed parcels
- Manage expectations if you’re sending gifts to family, customers, or clients
The key takeaway? Earlier is safer, even if a service claims “guaranteed” delivery.
Royal Mail: Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025 (UK)
Royal Mail remains the most widely used service for Christmas cards and small parcels. It also has the most clearly defined festive deadlines.
Royal Mail Christmas 2025 Posting Dates
| Service | Last Posting Date |
| 2nd Class & 2nd Class Signed For | Wednesday 17 December 2025 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 48 | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| 1st Class & 1st Class Signed For | Saturday 20 December 2025 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | Sunday 21 December 2025 (location-dependent) |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Tuesday 23 December 2025 |
How to Use Royal Mail Smartly at Christmas
- 2nd Class is best for early planners sending cards, not gifts.
- Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 strike a balance between speed and cost.
- Special Delivery Guaranteed is the safest option for valuables and last-minute parcels.
If you’re cutting it close, avoid standard services altogether. Christmas volumes can double overnight, and delays tend to hit non-tracked items first.
Evri: Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025
Evri has become a go-to courier for online sellers and budget-friendly parcel sending. However, festive cut-offs are strict — especially around collection times.
Evri Christmas 2025 Posting Dates
| Service | Last Posting Date |
| Standard Courier Collection | Friday 19 December 2025 (by 11am) |
| Next Day (Parcel Shop or Locker) | Saturday 20 December 2025 (by 11am) |
What to Watch with Evri
- Drop-off times matter as much as dates — miss the 11am cut-off, and your parcel rolls over.
- ParcelShops and Lockers closer to distribution hubs tend to perform better during peak season.
- Evri works best when you send one to two days earlier than the stated deadline.
Evri is reliable when used correctly, but it’s not forgiving if you leave things late.
DPD: Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025
Known for precise tracking and narrow delivery windows, DPD is a popular choice for time-sensitive and higher-value deliveries. For customers who need added reassurance during the busy festive period, this service offers greater visibility and reliability. As Christmas approaches, it’s especially important to keep DPD’s recommended posting deadlines in mind to avoid disappointment.
DPD Christmas 2025 Posting Dates
| Service | Last Posting Date |
| DPD 2-Day Service | Saturday 20 December 2025 |
| DPD Next Day / Next Day by 12 | Monday 22 December 2025 |
| DPD Gold | Tuesday 23 December 2025 |
Why DPD Is a Popular Last-Minute Choice
- Strong tracking and live delivery updates
- Better reliability close to Christmas Day
- Flexible delivery options for recipients
That said, DPD services can fill up quickly in the final week, so booking earlier in December gives you more choice and fewer surprises.
How to Choose the Right Service for Christmas 2025
If you’re unsure which courier to use, ask yourself three questions:
1. How close is it to Christmas Day?
The closer you are to 25 December, the more you should lean toward Special Delivery (Royal Mail) or DPD Gold.
2. How valuable is the item?
High-value gifts deserve tracked and insured services — not standard post.
3. Is timing or cost more important?
- Cost-focused → Royal Mail 2nd Class (early December only)
- Balance → Tracked 24 / Evri Next Day
- Time-critical → DPD or Royal Mail Special Delivery
Common Mistakes That Cause Christmas Delivery Delays
Even when people know the Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025, things still go wrong. These are the usual culprits:
- Posting on the last date instead of before it
- Incorrect or incomplete addresses
- Underpaying postage
- Assuming “Next Day” means guaranteed at Christmas
- Ignoring local postcode exceptions
A simple rule works well: send gifts at least two days earlier than required.
What About Remote and Rural Areas?
If you’re sending post to:
- The Scottish Highlands
- Northern Ireland
- The Isle of Man
- The Channel Islands
Expect earlier cut-off dates, particularly with couriers. Royal Mail tends to handle these areas more consistently than some private carriers, but even then, earlier posting is essential.
Quick Reference: Christmas 2025 Last Posting Dates
| Courier | Latest Safe Option |
| Royal Mail | 23 December (Special Delivery) |
| Evri | 20 December (Next Day by 11am) |
| DPD | 23 December (Gold Service) |
Bookmark this page or share it — festive panic thrives on poor planning.
Final Thoughts
Christmas posting doesn’t need to be stressful. Once you know the Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025, the rest is just timing and common sense. Pick the right service, send items a little earlier than advised, and use tracking wherever possible.
Do that, and your gifts will arrive when they should — under the tree, not in a depot.
FAQs
What are the last posting dates for Christmas 2025 in the UK?
The last posting dates for Christmas 2025 depend on the courier and service used. Royal Mail Special Delivery allows posting up to 23 December, while Evri and DPD have earlier cut-off dates for standard services.
What is the last Royal Mail posting date for Christmas 2025?
Royal Mail’s last posting date for Christmas 2025 is 23 December for Special Delivery Guaranteed. Earlier dates apply for 1st Class, 2nd Class, and Tracked services.
What is Evri’s last posting date for Christmas 2025?
Evri’s last posting date for Christmas 2025 is typically 20 December for Next Day services, with an 11am cut-off. Standard services require earlier posting.
What is the last DPD posting date before Christmas 2025?
DPD’s last posting date for Christmas 2025 is 23 December when using DPD Gold. Next Day services usually close on 22 December.
Is Next Day delivery guaranteed at Christmas?
Next Day delivery is not always guaranteed during the Christmas period. High parcel volumes and weather conditions can cause delays, so posting earlier than the deadline is recommended.
Do remote UK areas have earlier Christmas posting dates?
Yes, remote areas such as the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands often have earlier Christmas posting deadlines, especially with courier services.
