Christmas 2026 dates for UK families
The last 2nd Class post is Friday 18 December and 1st Class is Monday 21 December. Letters to Santa go by Wednesday 9 December. The Boxing Day bank holiday moves to Monday 28 December. Every date is below, with its source.
The Haevn team · Last checked
The dates, in order
Last day to post a letter to Santa for a reply (Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ)
Christmas Jumper Day
Tesco Festive Food to Order: last changes
Waitrose Christmas food to order: last orders
Sainsbury's Food to Order: reserve with a £20 deposit
Last 2nd Class post
Last Tracked 48 post
Last 1st Class and Tracked 24 post
Last Special Delivery Guaranteed
Christmas Day, bank holiday
Boxing Day bank holiday (substitute day)
New Year's Day, bank holiday
2nd January bank holiday (Scotland only, substitute day)
Royal Mail and the supermarkets can change their dates. Other supermarkets: check their own site. School break-up dates vary, so your school's letter is final. Council dates are on when do schools break up for Christmas 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Monday 28 December 2026 a bank holiday?
Yes. Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so the bank holiday moves to Monday 28 December across the UK.
When is the last posting date for Christmas 2026?
Friday 18 December for 2nd Class and Monday 21 December for 1st Class. Special Delivery Guaranteed runs until Wednesday 23 December.
How do you send a letter to Santa?
Post it to Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ by Wednesday 9 December 2026, with your full address on the letter, so a reply can come back.
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