2024 Christmas Delivery Dates

• Key last posting dates for Christmas 2024 are primarily on the 20th and 21st of December for most UK couriers. 

• Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed can be sent as late as 23rd December while DHL offers same-day delivery on 24th December in some areas, but check availability. 

• Couriers like Yodel and DX have earlier cut-offs, with some as early as 15th December. 

The festive season is in full swing, and while we’re all busy decking the halls and writing cards to Santa, it’s also the busiest time of year for couriers. As the big day approaches, making sure your gifts arrive in time becomes a priority. Luckily, knowing the shipping deadlines for major UK couriers can help keep the holiday spirit merry – after all, no one wants to face Christmas morning without any parcels under the tree. 

We’ll cover the key delivery deadlines for major couriers like Royal Mail, DPD and Evri, so you can stay on top of your holiday shipping and make sure your presents arrive in time for Christmas. 

Why Christmas Shipping Deadlines Matter

Christmas is the season of giving which means millions of parcels are on the move. Couriers work like Santa’s elves, delivering gifts far and wide. But with such a high demand, delays can happen. To avoid disappointment, it’s essential to know the last posting dates for each courier service, especially since they’ll be taking a break over Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.  

Last Posting Dates for Major Couriers

To help you beat the holiday rush, we’ve rounded up the key posting dates for the UK’s top couriers. These are correct at the time of publishing, but remember, these dates could change – it’s always worth double-checking with your courier before sending.  

Royal Mail Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

Sending gifts with Royal Mail? Here are the dates to keep in mind: 

• 18 December – 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For 

• 20 December – 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail Tracked 48® 

• 21 December – Royal Mail Tracked 24® 

• 23 December – Special Delivery Guaranteed® 

Whether you’re posting cards to far-flung relatives or a last-minute gift, Royal Mail has got you covered with services to suit all your festive needs. 

Evri Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

If you’re sending via Evri, you can choose between courier collection or dropping off at a Parcelshop or Locker. Here are the key deadlines: 

• 19 December – Courier collection 

• 20 December by 11.00 – Standard Parcelshop or Locker drop-off 

• 21 December by 11.00 – Next Day Parcelshop or Locker drop-off 

Evri delivers on Christmas Eve, but they are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so make sure someone is home to receive the parcel if you’re waiting on a last-minute gift to arrive. 

DPD Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

DPD’s reliable service will keep you on track, so your parcels arrive safely before Santa does. With DPD, make sure you send your gifts by these dates:  

• 20 December – Last posting date for UK Domestic 

• 21 December – Last collection date for next-day delivery (DPD Collection) 

As with other couriers, DPD will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, resuming operations on 27 December.

UPS Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

For those shipping with UPS, the dates to remember are: 

• 20 December – Last collection for 2-day delivery 

• 21 December – Last collection day for next-day delivery 

DHL Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

DHL offers next-day delivery to make sure your parcels are waiting under the tree on Christmas morning: 

• 21 December – Last collection for next-day delivery 

• 24 December – Last collection for Same Day delivery (availability may vary by city) 

As always, it’s best to send parcels early to avoid any last-minute delays. 

Yodel Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

Yodel services are also a popular choice during the holiday season. Keep these dates in mind: 

• 17 December – Last day to send parcels to be delivered before Christmas Day 

• 19 December – Last collection for 2-day delivery with Yodel Direct and InPost Lockers 

While some stores may be open on, Yodel won’t be collecting or delivering on Christmas Eve, so make sure you send early to avoid missing out on the magic of the season. 

FedEx Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

If you’re shipping with FedEx, be sure to send by these dates: 

• 20 December – Last collection for 2-day delivery (FedEx Drop Off) 

• 21 December – Last collection day for next-day delivery 

Parcelforce Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

If you’re using Parcelforce for next-day delivery, their cut-off is: 

• 20 December – Last collection for 2-day delivery (Parcelforce Worldwide) 

• 21 December – Last collection day for next-day delivery 

As always, it’s best to send early and book your collections in advance. 

DX24 & DX48 Christmas 2024 Last Posting Dates

DX24 and DX48 services have earlier deadlines, so if you’re planning on using their next-day or 2-day services, keep these dates in mind:  

• 15 December – Last collection for both DX24 (next-day) and DX48 (2-day) services  

Christmas Shipping Schedule for Couriers

 

With delivery companies closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, it’s important to send early to avoid delays. Here are the key collection dates for the most popular UK delivery services: 

• 15 December – DX24 and DX48 (last day for next-day and 2-day delivery) 

• 17 December – Yodel (last day to send parcels for pre-Christmas delivery) 

• 18 December – Royal Mail (2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For) 

• 19 December – Evri (Courier collection), Yodel (2-day delivery with Yodel Direct and InPost Lockers) 

• 20 December – Royal Mail (1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail Tracked 48®), Evri (Standard Parcelshop or Locker drop-off), DPD (UK Domestic), UPS (2-day delivery), FedEx (2-day delivery), Parcelforce (2-day delivery) 

• 21 December – Royal Mail (Royal Mail Tracked 24®), Evri (Next Day Parcelshop or Locker drop-off), DPD (next-day delivery), UPS (next-day delivery), FedEx (next-day delivery), Parcelforce (next-day delivery), DHL (next-day delivery) 

• 23 December – Royal Mail (Special Delivery Guaranteed®) 

• 24 December – DHL (Last collection for Same Day delivery; availability may vary) 

These dates are subject to change, so be sure to check with your courier service in advance. 

Tips for Last-Minute Shoppers

If you find yourself scrambling to buy gifts at the last minute, don’t panic — but do act quickly! We recommend using tracked services where possible, so you can keep an eye on your parcel’s journey. Same-day courier services are an option for those really tight on time, but they often come at a premium. 

Finally, the best advice is always to send your parcels as early as possible. The earlier you send, the less stress you’ll have, and you’ll avoid the risk of parcels arriving late. 

 To make sure your gifts arrive in time for Christmas, book your collections ahead of time, send as early as possible, and use tracking for peace of mind. With a little preparation, you can ensure a stress-free festive season.