Final Royal Mail and Evri deadlines for December 2025 card and parcel deliveries

Dates are fast approaching for people needing to send cards and gifts

As Christmas approaches, it’s important to be aware of the final dates for sending items in the post – here’s all you need to know.

• Increased demand: With an major increase in the amount of cards, gifts, and parcels being sent across the UK in December, delivery services are bracing for millions of items. Both Royal Mail and Evri have announced their cut-off dates to guarantee delivery before December 25.
• Easy way to avoid issues: To make sure you don’t experience the stress of delays, it’s best to plan ahead if you’re intending to send Christmas cards or presents. Aim to get your items with the postal services before these December deadlines.
• Reminders have been issued: This timely reminder about the looming deadlines comes as Royal Mail reveals that the UK is nearing its busiest day for posting items. According to the national service, December 8 will see the most activity during the festive period.

READ MORE: Post Office issues alert ‘to send by December 8’

• Royal Mail has set deadlines: The national service has set a range of delivery deadlines from December 17 right through to December 23, depending on the class of postage chosen. The earliest cut-off point is for second class items, followed by first class on December 20, and ‘Special Delivery Guaranteed’ can be dispatched up until December 23.
• Evri parcels need to be in soon: For those using Evri, the deadline for sending parcels within the UK is Friday, December 19, for courier collections or standard delivery parcels. The following day, December 20, is the last opportunity for next-day delivery from an Evri ParcelShop or Locker.
• What happens if I miss the deadline? Unfortunately, the services that deliver letters and parcels across the UK can not take responsibility for getting items to their destinations before Christmas if these deadlines are missed. If cheaper options are missed, people may have no choice but to pay extra for special or next-day delivery services.

READ MORE: How to send Santa a Christmas letter for just 87p and get a reply

• Advice from Evri bosses: Customers using the parcel service have been encouraged to plan in advance. For added reassurance, it might be best to aim to send items off a few days ahead to the actual deadlines.
• Royal Mail alert: Royal Mail has been dealing with a surge of parcels and gifts by recruiting additional temporary staff to ensure all post, festive or otherwise, is delivered promptly. They’ve also set a deadline for the public to prevent any disappointment over undelivered Christmas cards and presents.
• Average time can vary: The typical duration it takes to post an item in the lead-up to Christmas within the UK can differ greatly depending on the service. To ensure delivery in time for Christmas, individuals must adhere to the final posting dates. However, these dates can be affected by circumstances such as extreme weather or industrial action, so it’s always advisable to post items at the earliest opportunity.