Last postal dates for Christmas 2023 – when to have your gifts and letters sent off

The first of December came upon us alarmingly quick, and many people are likely hoping to tie up any loose ends ahead of the Christmas rush. As one of the busiest times of the year for An Post, it’s always better to leave plenty of extra time for delays, so, the earlier you get your cards, presents and Santa letters sent off, the better. 

Millions of people all over the world rely on post to send Christmas gifts and parcels to loved ones, and this year is no different, so while these are the last recommended dates, the same advice remains: get your goods sent off as early as possible. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Cw0VKRPFS/

The latest posting dates to ensure delivery before Christmas 2023 are as follows: 

Standard post letters

• Republic of Ireland: December 21
• Northern Ireland: December 19
• Great Britain: December 18
• Rest of Europe: December 18
• USA: December 11
• Rest of the World: December 6

Standard post parcels

• Republic of Ireland: December 21
• Northern Ireland: December 19
• Great Britain: December 11
• Rest of Europe: December 14
• USA: December 6
• Rest of the World: December 6

Registered post

• Republic of Ireland: December 21
• Northern Ireland: December 19
• Great Britain: December 18
• Rest of Europe: December 18
• USA: December 6
• Rest of the World: December 6

Express post

• Republic of Ireland: December 21
• Northern Ireland: December 19
• Great Britain: December 18
• Rest of Europe: December 18
• USA: December 11
• Rest of the World: December 11

International courier service – only available at selected post offices

• Great Britain: December 20
• Rest of Europe: December 19
• USA: December 15
• Rest of the World: December 15

An Post warns that international mail delivery times are estimates and subject to local postal operator delays. Customers should also note that there will be no mail delivery or collection from December 23 until December 27, with services returning on December 28.

As for letters to the North Pole, An Post also has you covered in that department thanks to Santa’s Little Helpers, Orla and Dara. They’ll even make sure that you get a personalised reply from the big man. 

Fashion your own letter or download one of the templates from the An Post website then post your note to Santa Claus at the North Pole using an ‘N’ rate stamp and wait for a reply. Be sure to include your child’s name and address on your original letter too… Santa is smart but he has lists to check and presents to make, so no harm in making things a little easier for him where possible.