With December now upon us, the countdown to Christmas Day is well and truly on. For those hoping to avoid the festive frenzy on the high street, ordering gifts online remains a popular alternative. However, time is of the essence to ensure presents are dispatched and delivered in time for the 25th.
Key Courier Deadlines for Christmas 2025
Major delivery services across the United Kingdom have now published their final recommended posting dates for the festive period. Planning ahead is strongly advised to account for potential weather disruptions and high seasonal volumes.
Royal Mail has urged customers to post items as early as possible. Their final deadlines for domestic UK services are:
- Wednesday, 17 December – 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For.
- Friday, 19 December – Royal Mail Tracked 48.
- Saturday, 20 December – 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For.
- Sunday, 21 December – Royal Mail Tracked 24.
- Tuesday, 23 December – Special Delivery Guaranteed.
Its parcel arm, Parcelforce, has set the following cut-offs:
- Friday, 19 December – for its express48 two-day service.
- Monday, 22 December – for next-day services including express10, express AM and express24. The company notes that dates may vary for outlying UK areas.
Courier giant Evri has expanded its network with ParcelShops in over 300 Asda stores. Its last posting dates for UK domestic parcels are:
- Friday, 19 December – Final day for courier collections. Also the last day to send a standard delivery parcel from a ParcelShop or Evri Locker by 11am.
- Saturday, 20 December – Last day to send a next-day delivery parcel from a ParcelShop or Evri Locker by 11am.
Evri also recommends customers monitor its service status page for updates during adverse weather.
DPD has advised sending items earlier where possible but will operate deliveries up to Christmas Eve. Its final dates are:
- Friday, 12 December – For UK offshore islands.
- Thursday, 18 December – For UK mainland deliveries.
- Monday, 22 December – Post by 11am for the DPD Pick Up service.
The firm confirmed that 24 December will be for deliveries only, with no collections taking place.
Retailer Cut-Offs for Christmas Orders
Leading high street and online stores have also announced their final order dates to guarantee pre-Christmas delivery.
John Lewis customers should note:
- Order by 7pm on Friday, 19 December for standard delivery/collection by Christmas Eve.
- Order by 4pm on Sunday, 21 December for local Click & Collect.
- Order by 8pm on Monday, 22 December for next-day delivery, or by 10am for same-day delivery in selected postcodes.
- Order by 6pm on Tuesday, 23 December for John Lewis Click & Collect.
Fashion retailer ASOS has set these deadlines:
- Friday, 19 December – For standard Click & Collect to Evri ParcelShop or Royal Mail.
- Sunday, 21 December – For standard delivery.
- Monday, 22 December – For fastest Click & Collect to Evri ParcelShop or Royal Mail.
- Tuesday, 23 December – For fastest delivery. This is also the last available date for nominated day delivery.
Department store Selfridges has a shorter schedule:
- Friday, 19 December – Final date for standard delivery orders.
- Monday, 22 December – Final date for next-day delivery orders.
What Are Your Rights If a Parcel Is Late?
Despite best-laid plans, deliveries can sometimes go astray or arrive late. Consumers have specific rights in these situations.
According to guidance from Money Saving Expert, if a delivery does not arrive on the promised date, you generally have the right to cancel the order within 14 calendar days for a full refund. However, you may choose to keep a late item and seek compensation for the inconvenience instead.
If an item fails to arrive at all, the responsibility lies with the seller to investigate with the courier. Citizens Advice states that if the seller claims an item was delivered or cannot locate it, you should request either a redelivery or a full refund.
This information, crucial for festive planning, was most recently updated on 5 December 2025.
