With the festive season fast approaching, millions across the UK are awaiting cards, parcels, and last-minute gifts. Understanding the Royal Mail's operating schedule is crucial for anyone expecting important deliveries during the holidays.
Royal Mail's Festive Service Schedule
Royal Mail has confirmed its delivery and collection plans for the key festive dates in December 2025. The service adheres to the UK's official bank holidays, which significantly impacts postal operations.
Normal postal services will run on Wednesday, 24th December – Christmas Eve. Deliveries and collections are scheduled to proceed as usual across the country. However, businesses should note that final collections may occur earlier than the standard time, so posting items early in the day is advisable.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day: Complete Service Halt
There will be no collections or deliveries on Thursday, 25th December (Christmas Day). As an official bank holiday, all Royal Mail offices and services will be closed for the day.
This closure extends to Friday, 26th December (Boxing Day), which is also a recognised bank holiday. The postal service will not operate on this date.
When Will Normal Service Resume?
Standard Royal Mail operations are set to recommence on Saturday, 27th December, the next working day following the Boxing Day bank holiday. If the 27th were to fall on a weekend, services would instead resume on the next available weekday.
This pattern of closure over the core festive bank holidays is mirrored by other major delivery carriers in the UK, including Evri, DPD, and DHL. These companies also typically suspend services on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
For senders, the key takeaway is to plan ahead. To ensure gifts and cards arrive before Christmas, posting well in advance of the final collection times on Christmas Eve is highly recommended. Checking the Royal Mail website for the latest local collection deadlines can help avoid festive disappointment.
