The last dates to post Christmas cards to friends and family in the UK, the US and more

Whether it’s a parcel packed with presents or a Christmas card to say hello, we have all of the dates you need to know to ensure arrival in time for the big day

An Post has issued a number of important dates for those of us wishing to send Christmas cards or presents to our nearest and dearest.

Most of us living in Ireland have friends and family scattered across the globe and this year — like others before it — I’m sure we're all hoping to share a piece of home with loved ones we won't see this Christmas.

Whether it’s a Christmas card to your friends in the States or a present for your nieces or nephews living in the UK, An Post has released all of the dates you need to know about if you want to ensure arrival before December 23.

For any cards or parcels for postage across the Republic of Ireland, you have until December 22 while it's December 20 for Northern Ireland. For further afield, you may need to start wrapping now.

Letters 

Republic of Ireland – December 22 

Northern Ireland – December 20 

Britain – December 19 

Rest of Europe – December 19 

USA – December 12 

Parcels 

Republic of Ireland – December 22 

Northern Ireland – December 20 

Britain – December 19 

Rest of Europe – December 13 

Registered post 

Republic of Ireland – December 22 

Northern Ireland – December 20 

Britain – December 19 

Rest of Europe – December 19 

Express post 

Republic of Ireland – December 22 

Northern Ireland – December 20 

Britain - December 19 

Rest of Europe – December 19 

US – December 12 

Rest of World – December 12 

International Courier Service 

Britain – December 19 

Rest of Europe – December 19 

US – December 16 

Rest of World – December 16 

• For more, see www.anpost.com/Post-Parcels/Christmas