Are you wondering whether Royal Mail delivers post on Christmas Eve in 2025? As the festive period approaches, thousands of households and businesses across the UK are eager to understand how postal services operate during one of the busiest times of the year.
From Christmas cards and online orders to gifts for loved ones abroad, December marks a significant increase in the volume of parcels and letters handled by Royal Mail. Yet with bank holidays and seasonal demand disrupting normal routines, many are unsure what to expect.
This comprehensive guide answers the most commonly asked questions about Royal Mail’s delivery schedule on Christmas Eve, inland and international posting deadlines, BFPO services, and what alternatives you may consider if you’re sending mail last minute.
Does Royal Mail Deliver on Christmas Eve in 2025?
Yes, Royal Mail will deliver on Christmas Eve, which falls on Wednesday, 24 December 2025. However, customers should be aware that both delivery and collection services will be reduced. While Royal Mail does make an effort to deliver parcels and letters in time for Christmas, services often finish earlier in the day, and some areas may experience limited coverage.
Deliveries typically take place during the morning and early afternoon, with postal workers finishing rounds by 1pm to 3pm, depending on local conditions. If your item was posted in time using the recommended services, there’s a strong chance it will arrive by Christmas Eve.
That said, no Royal Mail deliveries or collections occur on Christmas Day (25 December) or Boxing Day (26 December). These are national holidays, and services will resume only after the break.
What Are the Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2025?
Royal Mail publishes official last posting dates each year to guide senders in posting early and avoiding disappointment. These deadlines differ depending on the type of service used and whether you are sending items within the UK or internationally.
The table below shows the last posting dates for inland UK deliveries:
Royal Mail Inland Posting Deadlines – Christmas 2025
| Service Type | Last Posting Date |
| 2nd Class / 2nd Class Signed For | Wednesday, 17 December |
| Royal Mail Tracked 48® | Friday, 19 December |
| Royal Mail Tracked Returns® 48 | Friday, 19 December |
| 1st Class / 1st Class Signed For | Saturday, 20 December |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24® | Sunday, 21 December |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed® | Tuesday, 23 December |
These dates are set to ensure delivery by Wednesday, 24 December, but customers are encouraged to post earlier where possible, as services may be affected by weather conditions or local disruptions.
What Are the Last Posting Dates for Parcelforce Deliveries?
Royal Mail’s sister company, Parcelforce Worldwide, also plays a significant role in handling UK deliveries during the festive season. For larger parcels and next-day delivery options, Parcelforce provides a range of services.
Below are the Parcelforce last posting dates for UK inland services:
Parcelforce UK Delivery Deadlines – Christmas 2025
| Parcelforce Service | Last Posting Date |
| express48 | Friday, 19 December |
| express24 | Monday, 22 December |
| expressAM / express10 | Monday, 22 December |
These services are especially useful for last-minute senders. However, they are subject to availability and regional variations, particularly in rural or remote areas.
What Is the Last Posting Date for BFPO Mail Before Christmas?
For those sending mail to British Forces Post Office (BFPO) addresses, Royal Mail sets much earlier posting deadlines to allow for secure transport and military logistics. Posting after these dates may result in items arriving after Christmas.
BFPO Outbound (UK to Forces) Deadlines – 2025
| Destination Type | Last Posting Date | Expected Arrival |
| Static Firm Base / PJOBs | 24 November | 3 December |
| Operational Locations | 17 November | 24 November |
| HM Ships | 17 November | 24 November |
BFPO Inbound (BFPO to UK) Deadline – 2025
| From Location | Deadline for UK Delivery |
| All BFPOs | Wednesday, 17 December |
These early dates ensure that BFPO can transfer private mail into the UK civil mail system in time for domestic delivery before Christmas.
Is There Any Royal Mail Collection Service on Christmas Eve?
Royal Mail will carry out limited mail collections on 24 December. However, these are often restricted to priority postboxes, and collection times are generally earlier than usual. Most collections are completed by midday to allow sorting centres and local depots to close in preparation for the public holidays.
Post Offices across the UK also typically close early on Christmas Eve, with many shutting their doors between 12pm and 2pm. Customers looking to post items on 24 December should therefore check local branch hours in advance and use self-service kiosks where available.
Does Royal Mail Deliver Internationally Before Christmas?
Yes, Royal Mail provides international delivery services during the Christmas period. However, these services come under enormous strain due to increased parcel volumes and heightened customs controls in many countries.
Posting early is absolutely essential for international mail. For certain destinations, like the United States, recent changes in customs procedures have caused further delays, making it even more important to check guidance before sending.
Royal Mail’s Country Guides outline estimated delivery aims for each destination. While these are not guarantees, they offer a useful benchmark.
Considerations for International Delivery
- Customs processes may cause delays, especially in non-EU countries
- Parcels must be correctly labelled with full sender and recipient details
- Tracked and Signed services are recommended for higher-value items
Royal Mail maintains a dedicated web page detailing changes that may affect deliveries to the USA and other countries. Customers should consult this resource if they are posting abroad.
What Public Holidays Will Impact Royal Mail at Christmas?
Royal Mail does not deliver or collect mail on certain public holidays, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day. These closures are consistent across the UK, although the effects of local holidays can also impact services in specific areas.
Below is a summary of national holidays affecting services during Christmas 2025:
Christmas 2025 – Public Holidays Impacting Royal Mail
| Country | Date | Holiday | Service Status |
| England & Wales | 25 December | Christmas Day | No deliveries or collections |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | No deliveries or collections | |
| Northern Ireland | 25 December | Christmas Day | No deliveries or collections |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | No deliveries or collections | |
| Scotland | 25 December | Christmas Day | No deliveries or collections |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | No deliveries or collections |
Customers should also consider local variations or regional holidays, which may affect delivery and collection in specific towns or counties.
What Can You Do If You Miss the Christmas Posting Deadlines?
Missing the last posting date is not uncommon during the hectic festive season. Fortunately, there are still options available, but they come with limitations.
The most secure option is to use Special Delivery Guaranteed®, which allows next-day delivery with compensation and tracking. If used on 23 December, parcels may still arrive on Christmas Eve, provided the recipient’s address is in a serviceable location.
Alternatively, several private courier services offer delivery on Christmas Eve. Availability and pricing will vary, but they can be useful in emergencies.
Alternative Delivery Services After Deadlines
| Courier Service | Offers Delivery on 24 Dec? | Notes |
| DPD Local | Yes | Same-day & next-day options |
| Evri (Hermes) | Limited | Region-dependent |
| Yodel | Limited | Not guaranteed nationwide |
| Amazon Logistics | Yes | Operates independently of Royal Mail |
Booking early with private couriers can help avoid premium pricing and service delays.
How Can You Ensure Christmas Deliveries Arrive on Time?
Planning is everything when it comes to successful Christmas deliveries. Posting ahead of the deadlines is the simplest way to avoid delays. For valuable items, using tracked or guaranteed services gives both sender and recipient added peace of mind.
Make sure packages are clearly labelled, securely sealed, and, if necessary, marked as fragile or perishable. Including a return address is also advisable in case of failed delivery attempts.
Conclusion: Should You Rely on Royal Mail for Christmas Eve Delivery?
In summary, Royal Mail does deliver on Christmas Eve, but with reduced hours and limited coverage. If you post early and choose the correct service, your parcel or card should arrive in time. However, delays can happen due to weather, customs, or high volume — particularly for international and BFPO destinations.
By understanding last posting dates, public holiday impacts, and what services remain available in the final days before Christmas, you can better prepare and avoid disappointment during the festive rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last day to post 1st Class for Christmas delivery?
The last date for 1st Class post is Saturday, 20 December 2025.
Will I receive post on Christmas Eve in the UK?
Yes, but expect delivery only until the early afternoon, and not all areas may be covered.
Can I post to the USA in December?
Yes, but customs changes could cause delays. Post early and use tracked services where possible.
What’s the latest I can use Special Delivery?
You can post with Special Delivery by Tuesday, 23 December, for delivery on 24 December.
Is Royal Mail open on 25 and 26 December?
No, there are no collections or deliveries on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
How early should I post to BFPO addresses?
You should post between 17–24 November, depending on the location.
Can I still send something if I miss the deadline?
Yes, via Special Delivery or private couriers like DPD or Amazon.
