Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for parcel delivery services, and customers across the UK often ask: do DPD deliver on Christmas Eve?

Whether you’re a business sending last-minute orders or an individual expecting a special gift, knowing DPD’s Christmas delivery schedule can save you from unnecessary stress.

This blog provides a comprehensive look at DPD’s operations during the festive season, including key delivery dates, regional cut-offs, collection services, and what customers should expect as Christmas approaches.

Does DPD Operate on Christmas Eve in the UK?

DPD operates on Christmas Eve in the UK, provided the date falls on a regular working day. In 2025, Christmas Eve is on Wednesday, 24 December.

Therefore, deliveries and some collection services will be running on that day, although there may be limited hours of operation.

Services on Christmas Eve are not guaranteed for all locations or service levels. For example, same-day deliveries may not be available, and deliveries may not follow the standard all-day time slot model.

In certain cases, DPD may prioritise deliveries based on parcel type or destination.

Service availability is typically influenced by the following:

• Depot staffing levels and local operating schedules
• Whether the parcel requires special handling
• Parcel volume in the area leading up to the 24th

It is important to understand that although DPD does deliver on Christmas Eve, parcels must be dispatched in accordance with the cut-off schedules set earlier in December.

Any orders made too close to the 24th may not be processed in time.

Delivery coverage may also vary based on geographical location. While urban and high-density areas are likely to receive deliveries, rural or island regions may be excluded due to logistical constraints or weather-related risks.

DPD does not operate on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Deliveries that would have taken place on these dates are typically rescheduled for the next working day, usually 27 December or later.

What Are the Last Posting Dates for DPD Before Christmas 2025?

The last recommended posting dates are essential for individuals and businesses aiming to ensure that parcels arrive in time for Christmas.

DPD has released a detailed schedule covering the entire UK, including remote locations, which often face earlier deadlines.

The standard last posting date for most regions in the UK is Monday 22 December 2025. However, for areas such as the Scottish Highlands, Islands, and Northern Ireland, the dates are earlier to accommodate longer transit times.

Table: Last Posting Dates by Postcode Region

Postcode Area	Last Recommended Posting Date
Most UK Postcodes	Monday 22 December
AB36–AB38, FK17–FK21, IV1–IV62, KA27, KW1–KW14, PA20–PA33, PA35–PA38, PH19–PH50	Saturday 20 December
IV63, KA28	Friday 19 December
HS1–HS9, KW15–KW17, PA34, PA41–PA48, PA80, ZE1–ZE3	Wednesday 17 December

These dates reflect the final opportunity to use DPD services for guaranteed delivery before 25 December. Any parcels sent after these dates may not arrive in time, even with premium services.

Customers are strongly advised to plan ahead, particularly for remote areas. Weather disruptions, high volume, and restricted ferry schedules to islands can all contribute to delays.

This is especially true for postcodes in the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, where logistical complexity is higher.

Businesses handling seasonal inventory and e-commerce retailers must also align their logistics around these deadlines to avoid customer dissatisfaction.

Are There Delivery Delays Expected During the Festive Season?

Delivery delays during the Christmas period are not uncommon and can affect all major couriers, including DPD. The volume of parcels processed between mid-November and the end of December increases sharply due to:

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales
• Increased online shopping activity
• Seasonal gift sending
• Supply chain congestion

DPD typically prepares for this increase by recruiting seasonal drivers and expanding depot working hours. Nonetheless, the system may face limitations, especially closer to the 24th of December.

There are several common causes of delay during this period:

• Adverse weather conditions such as snow or flooding
• Traffic congestion due to increased travel
• Increased missed deliveries as recipients may not be home
• Depot backlogs caused by late parcel arrivals from senders

Despite these challenges, DPD maintains a good record of timely deliveries due to its predictive delivery window technology and localised routing systems.

Customers should consider using the DPD Pickup service as an alternative if they are unsure of their availability during the festive period. Pickup points can reduce missed deliveries and offer extended collection hours.

To mitigate risks of delay, customers should:

• Ship parcels well before the last recommended date
• Use tracked services with notification options
• Check weather and traffic forecasts for affected areas

What Are DPD’s Holiday Operating Hours for Christmas Week?

During the Christmas period, DPD modifies its depot and customer service hours across the UK. These adjustments are made to accommodate staff holiday schedules and regional business closures.

The table below outlines DPD’s expected operating status during the key days of Christmas week 2025:

Table: DPD Operating Status During Christmas Week 2025

Date	Day	Service Status
Wednesday 24 Dec	Christmas Eve	Open (Reduced Hours)
Thursday 25 Dec	Christmas Day	Closed
Friday 26 Dec	Boxing Day	Closed
Saturday 27 Dec	Saturday	Open (Limited Regions)
Sunday 28 Dec	Sunday	Closed
Monday 29 Dec	Normal Business Day	Open
Thursday 1 Jan 2026	New Year’s Day	Closed

Operating hours on 24 December are often reduced, with most depots closing by early afternoon. Parcels out for delivery on Christmas Eve are usually routed early to allow drivers time to complete deliveries before closure.

Customer service is also impacted during this week. Phone support and online chat may be unavailable on public holidays, and email responses can be delayed. Tracking systems and automated delivery notifications remain active even when customer service is closed.

It’s important to factor in that even if a parcel is shipped on time, delivery may not occur until after the holidays if it falls into a non-operating window.

Customers relying on urgent deliveries during this period should consider:

• Using time-specific delivery services (before 10:30am, before 12pm)
• Shipping earlier in December
• Verifying depot hours in their local area

Can You Book a DPD Collection on Christmas Eve?

DPD allows for parcel collections on Christmas Eve in certain locations. This is subject to availability and depends on the time of booking and the capacity of local depots.

Businesses and individuals can schedule a pickup using the DPD website or app, but the following conditions apply:

• Collections must be booked by the daily cut-off time, typically in the morning
• The sender’s location must be within an operating area for 24 December
• The collection volume must be manageable within the available time window

Some depots may restrict collections on Christmas Eve to business clients or regular account holders to ensure that delivery promises can be met.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms using DPD Local may have an advantage if they have established collection windows. New clients or occasional users may face stricter limitations.

If a pickup cannot be scheduled on Christmas Eve, alternatives include:

• Dropping parcels at DPD Pickup Shops open on 24 December
• Booking the collection for 27 December or the next available day
• Using alternative couriers operating with different schedules

It is essential to print all labels and documentation before depot cut-off times. Parcels must also comply with DPD’s packaging standards to avoid rejection during collection.

How Reliable Is DPD’s Delivery Service During Christmas?

DPD is widely regarded as one of the most reliable couriers in the UK, especially during the holiday season.

The company invests heavily in seasonal preparation, including hiring additional drivers, enhancing digital tracking systems, and expanding delivery infrastructure.

Key features that support DPD’s reliability include:

• Predict delivery system offering 1-hour delivery windows
• Real-time driver tracking for parcels in transit
• Email and SMS notifications with live updates
• DPD app with in-flight redirection options

During the Christmas season, these tools become even more valuable as delivery windows narrow and parcel volumes spike.

Customers who regularly use the app or signed up for alerts are more likely to receive accurate and timely updates on their parcels.

Nevertheless, no system is immune to disruption. Parcels may still face issues due to:

• Unforeseen weather disruptions
• Errors in labelling or packaging
• Inaccurate delivery addresses
• Depot backlogs from high volume processing

DPD also performs better than many competitors in terms of failed delivery attempts. Their systems allow drivers to take a photo of the delivery location, leave calling cards, and attempt redelivery the next working day.

For businesses, DPD offers dashboard-level oversight, giving teams visibility over parcel statuses and exceptions in bulk.

What Should Customers Know About DPD Delivery Policies for Holidays?

DPD’s policies during the holiday season remain largely consistent with the rest of the year, but certain adjustments are made to account for public holidays and peak operational demand.

Important considerations include:

• No deliveries on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day
• No guaranteed timed delivery services for parcels shipped after cut-off dates
• Standard claims procedures for lost or delayed parcels apply but may take longer
• Parcels not delivered on time due to exceptional circumstances may not qualify for refunds

Customers using premium services such as before 10:30am or Saturday delivery should verify whether these are supported in their delivery postcode during Christmas week.

For returns, DPD continues to offer its Return My Parcel service, although processing may be delayed over the holiday period. Retailers are advised to extend their returns windows accordingly.

If a parcel is missed, it is usually returned to the depot or delivered to a nearby DPD Pickup Shop. The recipient will receive a notification by text or email with instructions.

DPD also reserves the right to suspend or limit certain services without prior notice if operational pressures become excessive during the Christmas period.

Customers can view the complete delivery terms and festive schedules on DPD’s official website.

It is also recommended to track all parcels using the consignment number and follow any alerts or updates from the DPD app.

Conclusion

In short, DPD does deliver on Christmas Eve in the UK, but services may be limited depending on your location and the time of booking.

The last recommended posting date for most areas is Monday 22 December 2025, with earlier deadlines for remote regions.

While DPD strives to maintain excellent service during the festive period, customers are encouraged to plan ahead, book early, and use tracking tools to ensure a seamless Christmas delivery experience.

FAQs

What happens if my DPD parcel is delayed before Christmas?

Delays may result in parcels arriving after the holiday period. DPD typically resumes service on the first working day after Christmas. You can track your parcel using the Predict service for updates.

Does DPD deliver on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day?

No, DPD does not operate on UK public holidays, including Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January).

Can I pick up a missed delivery on Christmas Eve?

Yes, if your parcel was missed and your local DPD Pickup Shop is open, you may be able to collect it. Check depot opening times on the DPD website.

How early should I send a parcel to arrive before Christmas?

For most UK locations, it’s advisable to send parcels by 22 December 2025. For remote postcodes, deadlines may be as early as 17 December.

Will I receive notifications on Christmas Eve deliveries?

Yes, DPD’s tracking system continues to provide real-time updates, including delivery windows and driver locations on Christmas Eve.

Are there any extra charges for Christmas Eve deliveries?

No specific surcharge applies for deliveries on 24 December. However, premium services like next-day or timed delivery will carry their usual fees.

Can businesses arrange bulk deliveries close to Christmas?

Yes, but they should coordinate with DPD in advance. DPD offers tailored logistics solutions for businesses, especially during peak periods.