Exact deadline to send tracked Royal Mail parcels to arrive in time for Christmas
Royal Mail have announced the final dates to send parcels and returns to arrive before Christmas.
Royal Mail have announced the last date customers can send their tracked parcels if they want them to arrive in time for Christmas.
The postal service shared a list of dates to ensure post arrives in time - including the last date to send Royal Mail Tracked 48 parcels if they are needed in time for the festive season.
Customers have been advised to send any Royal Mail Tracked 48 parcels by Saturday, December 19 - this includes returns that use this tracked service.
See the full list of last posting dates for inland services (Christmas 2026) below:
Royal Mail
- Friday, December 18 – 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For
- Saturday, December 19 – Royal Mail Tracked 48 (also the last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 to arrive back with the sender before Christmas)
- Monday, December 21 – 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 24
- Wednesday, December 23 – Special Delivery Guaranteed
Parcelforce Worldwide – UK inland services
- Monday, December 21 – express48 and express48large
- Tuesday, December 22 – express10, expressAM and express24
Note: Last posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Royal Mail say it is “always advisable to post as early as possible to ensure that your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time.”
For further information, including sending parcels abroad, visit the Royal Mail website.