As the festive season winds down and normal routines begin to return, many people across the UK are left wondering: when does Royal Mail start delivering after Christmas? With parcels from loved ones, online sale orders, and important correspondence on the way, knowing the precise dates Royal Mail resumes delivery can make a big difference in planning.
Let’s take a detailed look at the Royal Mail delivery schedule after Christmas 2025, including bank holiday impacts, customer service point availability, and what you can expect in terms of delays or changes in service.
What Are the Royal Mail Delivery Dates After Christmas 2025?
Royal Mail follows a strict public holiday schedule across the UK, particularly during the Christmas period. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are full non-operational days for postal services across all regions. There are no deliveries or collections on these days.
Royal Mail officially resumes services starting from Saturday, 27 December 2025. However, the level of service depends on the day of the week, type of mail, and regional capacity.
Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
There are no Royal Mail deliveries or collections. This is a UK-wide public holiday and postal operations remain completely closed. Sorting offices, delivery vans, and local delivery offices are all non-operational.
Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
Boxing Day is also a public holiday. Royal Mail continues its suspension of delivery and collection services across the UK.
There are no staff operations, and mail remains undelivered until service resumes the following day.
Saturday, 27 December – Weekend Services Resume
Regular Saturday deliveries and collections are expected to resume. This applies to:
- 1st Class and 2nd Class letters
- Parcels
- Tracked services
Customer Service Points also reopen. If customers have received a “Something for you” card, they can visit their local Royal Mail delivery office to collect their item. Collection is subject to local opening hours.
Sunday, 28 December – Limited Parcel Deliveries
Sunday deliveries are not as comprehensive as weekdays. However, Royal Mail provides Sunday parcel deliveries in select regions. These usually include:
- Tracked 24 parcels
- Royal Mail Special Delivery items (if arranged for weekend)
The service is designed to cater to customers who ordered online during Boxing Day or Christmas clearance sales. Regular letter deliveries are not made on Sundays.
When Does Royal Mail Resume Normal Service After Christmas?
Royal Mail resumes standard weekday delivery and collection services starting from Monday, 29 December. All categories of mail services including 1st Class, 2nd Class, tracked parcels, and business mail return to operational status.
Despite this return to normality, certain challenges persist due to the post-Christmas backlog.
What to Expect Post-Christmas?
- Increased volumes due to festive gift returns and sales orders
- Longer delivery times in rural and high-demand areas
- Limited staff availability in some locations
- Extended processing times at sorting facilities
While services resume, the full stabilisation of delivery schedules may take an additional two to three working days. Businesses are advised to inform their customers about the possibility of short delays.
Does Royal Mail Deliver on Bank Holidays in December?
Royal Mail does not operate on public or bank holidays. The December bank holidays in 2025 include Christmas Day (25th), Boxing Day (26th), and New Year’s Day (1st January 2026). During these dates:
- There are no door-to-door mail deliveries
- Royal Mail does not make parcel collections
- Local delivery offices and Customer Service Points are closed
Bank holidays that fall on weekends may also affect the following weekdays due to substitute days. In 2025, however, both Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on Thursday and Friday respectively, so no substitute bank holidays will be assigned.
Bank Holiday Impact Overview
| Date | Holiday | Delivery Status | Office Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Dec (Thu) | Christmas Day | No Deliveries or Collections | Closed |
| 26 Dec (Fri) | Boxing Day | No Deliveries or Collections | Closed |
| 1 Jan (Thu) | New Year’s Day | No Deliveries or Collections | Closed |
Customers sending or expecting time-sensitive mail should avoid planning for delivery on or immediately after these dates.
How Do Royal Mail’s Working Days Change After Christmas?
The Royal Mail working schedule during the festive period is revised in accordance with public holidays and operational feasibility. Normal working days resume only after the holidays conclude.
Post-Christmas Working Pattern
From 27 December to New Year’s Eve, Royal Mail transitions gradually into regular operations. Each day may operate slightly differently depending on the region and the volume of mail handled.
| Date | Day | Working Status |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Dec (Sat) | Saturday | Weekend Delivery (Normal) |
| 28 Dec (Sun) | Sunday | Parcel Delivery Only |
| 29 Dec (Mon) | Monday | Full Operations Resume |
| 30 Dec (Tue) | Tuesday | Normal Service Continues |
| 31 Dec (Wed) | Wednesday | Service Operates as Scheduled |
The gradual reopening of facilities also means that deliveries may not immediately meet pre-holiday speed. Some customers may see minor delays in receiving mail posted during or shortly after the holiday break.
Can You Collect Post or Parcels Between Christmas and New Year?
Yes, but only after Royal Mail reopens Customer Service Points. These offices typically reopen on Saturday, 27 December 2025, allowing customers to collect any undelivered parcels or letters for which a “Something for you” card was left.
How to Collect Mail?
To collect a missed delivery:
- Bring the “Something for you” card
- Provide a valid form of identification (passport, driver’s licence, utility bill)
- Visit your local Royal Mail Customer Service Point
Opening hours may be adjusted for the festive period. Customers are advised to check their specific delivery office’s hours at royalmail.com/services-near-you.
It is important to collect parcels promptly, as storage periods may be reduced during peak times to accommodate increased mail volume.
How Does the Festive Period Impact Royal Mail Delivery Speed?
The days following Christmas are often marked by slower delivery times. This is not due to reduced performance but a combination of logistical challenges and increased customer demand.
Contributing Factors to Slower Deliveries
- High volume of parcel returns and late online orders
- Shortage of temporary staff post-Christmas
- Reduced daylight hours impacting rural delivery
- Delays at sorting centres due to backlog from the closed days
- Weather conditions that can impact road and air transport
Royal Mail prioritises time-sensitive and tracked deliveries during this period. Standard class letters and untracked parcels may take slightly longer to arrive.
To manage expectations, customers are encouraged to:
- Use tracking services when possible
- Check the estimated delivery date provided at checkout
- Allow 1 to 3 working days extra for standard deliveries
Businesses should consider offering tracked services during this week to reassure customers.
What Should You Do If Your Mail Is Delayed After Christmas?
It’s common for some items to arrive later than expected between Christmas and New Year. If you experience delays, there are a few proactive steps you can take to monitor your item or request support.
Recommended Actions
- Check Tracking: If your item has a tracking number, visit the Royal Mail Track & Trace service online.
- Verify Address: Ensure that the address provided to the sender was correct and complete.
- Speak to Neighbours: Sometimes parcels are delivered to a neighbour if you’re unavailable.
- Contact Royal Mail: After 7 working days (for domestic post), you may raise a support request.
- File a Claim: If an item is officially deemed lost, you can file a claim for compensation using Royal Mail’s online system.
Delays are usually resolved within a few days once services are fully operational again. However, persistent issues should be raised with Royal Mail’s customer support team.
Why Is It Important to Check the Royal Mail Service Update Page?
Royal Mail maintains a live Service Update page that offers real-time information on delivery operations across the UK. This is particularly crucial during periods like the festive season, where weather, staff availability, and regional disruptions can all impact mail flow.
What You Can Find on the Service Update Page?
- Service disruptions in your local area
- Office closures or modified hours
- National updates on delays or backlogs
- Suspension of certain services like international shipping
- Strike announcements or planned changes to collection times
Customers are encouraged to check this page before sending any important items or expecting critical deliveries. It serves as the most up-to-date source for changes to Royal Mail operations.
The page is accessible at royalmail.com/service-update and is updated regularly, especially during peak periods.
Additional Notes for Businesses and Online Sellers
Businesses that rely on Royal Mail for shipping should prepare for minor post-Christmas delays. If you’re fulfilling orders during the period between Christmas and New Year:
- Provide clear shipping timelines on your website
- Use tracked and signed services when possible
- Inform customers of potential delays in advance
- Monitor Royal Mail updates for regional service changes
- Maintain open communication through email or SMS notifications
Planning ahead can help mitigate any negative customer experiences due to unforeseen delays.
Conclusion
Royal Mail resumes its delivery services shortly after Christmas, with operations restarting on Saturday, 27 December and returning to normal by Monday, 29 December.
While delays may occur due to the festive backlog, essential services are prioritised to ensure timely deliveries.
Customers are encouraged to use tracking, plan collections, and stay informed through Royal Mail’s service updates.
Being aware of the post-Christmas schedule helps manage expectations and ensures smoother communication and delivery during this busy period.
FAQs About Royal Mail Deliveries After Christmas
Does Royal Mail deliver on Sunday after Christmas?
Yes, Royal Mail typically delivers parcels on Sunday, particularly tracked or priority packages. However, it’s not a full delivery day for letters.
When are Customer Service Points open after Christmas?
Customer Service Points reopen on Saturday, 27 December, but hours vary by location. Use the Royal Mail services finder to confirm.
Can I expect delays in Royal Mail delivery after Christmas?
Yes, delays of 1–3 days are common due to increased volume and backlog from the Christmas break.
How do I track my Royal Mail parcel after Christmas?
Use the Track & Trace tool on the Royal Mail website by entering your tracking number.
Is there mail collection on 26 December?
No, there are no collections or deliveries on 26 December (Boxing Day), as it’s a public holiday.
Does Royal Mail deliver between Christmas and New Year?
Yes, services resume from Saturday, 27 December through New Year’s Eve, excluding bank holidays.
What happens if I miss a Royal Mail delivery over Christmas?
You’ll receive a “Something for you” card and can collect your item from the nearest Customer Service Point when it reopens.
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