Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2026 Skip to content

Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2026

Oct 22, 2026 - Elf Postie

As Christmas draws closer, the Postal Department in Lapland is preparing for one of its busiest and most magical times of the year.

From carefully wrapped Christmas gifts to special letters sent from Santa’s Workshop, there’s plenty of festive post making its way to homes near and far.

And while the elves are busy preparing for Christmas, it’s worth making a few preparations of your own.

Whether you’re sending Christmas wishes to loved ones or planning a magical surprise for your little one, knowing the last Christmas posting dates for 2026 will help everything arrive in good time.

Here’s our guide to the important postal dates to remember this Christmas.


Royal Mail Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2026

If you’re sending Christmas cards, letters, or gifts within the UK, Royal Mail has published its recommended last posting dates for Christmas 2026.

2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For: Friday 18 December 2026
Royal Mail Tracked 48: Saturday 19 December 2026
1st Class and 1st Class Signed For: Monday 21 December 2026
Royal Mail Tracked 24: Monday 21 December 2026
Special Delivery Guaranteed: Wednesday 23 December 2026

These dates are subject to change, so it’s always worth checking the latest guidance from Royal Mail.

Although these are the recommended deadlines, we’d always suggest posting a little earlier where possible. December is an exceptionally busy time for postal services, and allowing extra time means one less thing to think about as Christmas approaches.

You can find the latest information on the Royal Mail Christmas posting dates page.


When Should You Order Your Personalised Letter from Santa?

There’s something truly special about a letter arriving through the letterbox with a child’s name on the envelope, especially when it’s been sent all the way from Lapland.

A personalised Letter from Santa is more than a piece of Christmas post. It’s a moment of wonder, a story to share together and, for many families, the beginning of a treasured Christmas tradition.

To make the most of that magical moment, we recommend ordering your Letter from Santa early.

Not only does this allow time for your letter to be carefully prepared and delivered, it also gives your little one plenty of opportunity to enjoy their special message before Christmas Day.

After all, part of the magic is in the anticipation.

Lapland Letters’ final order and dispatch dates for Christmas 2026 will be confirmed here. Please check these dates before placing your order, particularly as Christmas draws closer.


A Special Delivery from Lapland

Far away in the snowy world of Lapland, Christmas preparations are well underway.

The elves are busy in Santa’s Workshop, while the Postal Department has the important task of preparing the many special deliveries destined for children around the world.

Every personalised Letter from Santa is created to make Christmas feel that little bit more extraordinary.

From the excitement of spotting a special envelope amongst the morning post to sitting down together to discover what Santa has written, it’s an experience children can enjoy long before Christmas morning arrives.

And when the festivities are over, that precious letter can be tucked away as a keepsake, ready to be rediscovered in Christmases to come.


Sending Christmas Cards and Gifts Abroad in 2026

If you’re sending cards or Christmas gifts to family and friends overseas, it’s especially important to plan ahead.

International Christmas posting times vary depending on the destination and delivery service. Some countries require considerably more time for post to arrive, particularly during the busy festive period.

To avoid disappointment, check the recommended delivery times for your destination and arrange your Christmas post as early as possible.

You can find further information through Royal Mail’s international delivery guidance.

Whether your loved ones live just around the corner or on the other side of the world, a thoughtful Christmas message is always worth sending.


Make Sending a Letter to Santa Part of Your Christmas Tradition

While you’re planning your Christmas post, why not make time for another much-loved festive tradition?

Writing a letter to Santa is a wonderful way for children to share their Christmas wishes, reflect on the year, and enjoy a little Christmas magic together.

Gather some paper, find a favourite pen, and settle down for an afternoon of letter writing.

Perhaps your little one would like to tell Santa about something they’re proud of, an adventure they’ve enjoyed, or a special wish for Christmas.

And imagine their delight when a personalised reply from Santa arrives through the letterbox.

It’s these small moments, shared together year after year, that become some of the most treasured Christmas memories.

Royal Mail Last Posting Dates 2026: Your Handy Christmas Guide

From Christmas cards to special surprises from Santa, a little planning helps the magic arrive in time. Our free PDF brings together Royal Mail’s last Christmas posting dates for UK deliveries in 2026 and the Lapland Postal Dept.’s last order dates, including our Lapland Guaranteed Delivery service.

The elves close orders earlier to help your magical deliveries avoid the Christmas rush, so remember to check our order deadlines when planning your surprises. Download and print your guide, then pin it somewhere handy to keep those important dates in sight throughout the festive season.

Download Your Free Christmas Posting Dates Guide Today!

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Free Downloads, Discounts & Lapland Magic!

Join our FREE Lapland Workshop newsletter and receive notifications from the Lapland Press, free activities and ideas, and even an email from Santa on Christmas Day!


    Ask Elf Postie your Question?

    Father Christmas loves to receive letters! If your child would like to write a letter to Santa, we recommend they include a few fun festive facts about themselves (What is their favourite Christmas tradition? What do they like to put on top of their hot chocolate? Do they prefer Jingle Bells or When Santa got stuck in the chimney?) as well as the latest update on their Christmas Wish. If they like writing on paper, then they can send it to the Lapland Postal Department via Royal Mail using the address below. Or, if their grown up has access to email, they can whizz it over to [email protected] who will make sure Santa sees it.

    The Lapland Elves have lots of lovely friends in the Royal Mail, who make sure that all letters addressed to our Lapland Letters address make it safely to our UK Postal Department. From there, the Lapland Elves use Christmas magic to make sure each letter makes it way safely to Santa’s desk.

    Each Letter from Santa is printed on beautifully crafted, authentic paper, designed to feel like it’s come straight from Lapland. More than just your child’s name and age, each letter is uniquely written to capture precious personal details, each Santa letter can be signed by Santa, Santa Claus or even Father Christmas.

    Our Lapland Letters include the following:

    Personalised Lapland Letter

    • Personalised Letter from Santa
    • Signed by Santa or Father Christmas
    • Illustrative Santa Map
    • Lapland Stamped Envelope

    Personalised Good Child Certificate

    • Certificate Personalised with name and year
    • Signed by Santa or Father Christmas

    Workshop Activity Pack

    • Workshop & Post Room Sticker Set
    • Santa Stop Here Poster & Check List
    • Santa Treat Sheet & CountDown

     

    View Letters

    To ensure the Lapland Elves receive your child’s letter to Santa, please send it to the official postal Dept for Lapland UK:

    Lapland Postal Department – UK Portal
    Att Elf `Helpers
    43 Leigh Hall Road
    Leigh on Sea
    Essex
    SS9 1RL

    All letters are processed, checked for Good Behaviour, then posted via our magical letterbox portal to:

    Lapland Postal Department – Head Postal Office
    Att Elf Postie
    Letter Box Lane
    Arctic Circle
    Lapland

    Creating a unique, personalised letter from Santa or Father Christmas with Lapland Letters is simple! Just follow these five magical steps;

    1. Choose from one of 20 enchanting themed Christmas letters
    2. Fill in your child’s personalisation details, including their name, age, present wish, best friend’s name, and home town
    3. Select if you want your letter from Santa, or your letter from Father Christmas
    4. Include a P.S message at the bottom of the letter from Santa or Father Christmas; this is the perfect way to say a special thank you, acknowledge a milestone or achievement, or add an important detail about your Christmas plans
    5. Upgrade your letter from Santa by adding items from Lapland Workshop’s range of expertly crafted magical extras, including magical reindeer food, and personalised chocolate bars!

    See for yourself why a Lapland Letters letter from Santa, is the most authentic Santa letter experience available.

    View Letter

    Once you have placed your order on the Lapland Letters website, our Lapland Elves will get to work ensuring all their personalised details are correct, and that Santa uses his magical Infinity ink to sign the bottom. Once finished, it will be hand packed and sealed in the Lapland Postal Department, before making its way to the address you supplied. All orders are dispatched via Royal Mail within 3-10 days of purchase.

    Delivery options are available, including Next Day Reindeer Express!

    Please note the elves start posting mid-November for a more festive experience.

    If you have any issues or concerns with your order, please email:
    [email protected] who will be happy to help.

    While the most famous of the herd is undoubtedly Rudolph with his glowing red nose, Santa travels with a legendary team including Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Each of these legendary reindeer names represents a unique personality that helps the team work together to deliver joy across the globe.

    When they aren’t busy preparing for their Christmas Eve flight, the herd spends their time roaming the snowy forests and rolling hills. You can find Santa’s reindeer living in Lapland, where the crisp Arctic air and abundance of mossy treats provide the perfect home for them to rest and play throughout the year.

    Ask Elf Postie