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Royal Mail has unveiled its Christmas 2026 stamps, returning to the Nativity story for a five-stamp collection. The release also celebrates a milestone: 60 years since the first Royal Mail Christmas stamps appeared in 1966.
Pictured above: the First Class and Second Class designs from the Christmas 2026 collection. Stamp artwork © Royal Mail; editorial framing by Send Letters Online. The stamp designs have not been altered.
The announcement was reported by the BBC on 3 November 2026. Whether you collect stamps or simply enjoy choosing a festive design for your envelopes, the new collection is a reminder to start planning your Christmas correspondence.
What do the Christmas 2026 stamps look like?
This year's illustrations feature familiar moments from the Nativity: Mary and Joseph travelling, baby Jesus, an angel, the shepherds and the Wise Men. Graphic designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland jointly created the series. Royal Mail credits Hat-trick design in the stamp set's specifications.
Rather than a snowy landscape or a Christmas shopping scene, the 2026 designs focus on the Christmas story. The BBC notes that the 2025 collection also depicted the Nativity, while other recent issues have featured cathedrals and Christmas carol lyrics.
To see the actual artwork, visit Royal Mail's official Christmas 2026 stamp set page. The cover photo above shows two of the five designs, with the original stamp artwork preserved.
Which stamps are in the collection?
Royal Mail lists five landscape-format stamps in the set:
- One Second Class stamp.
- One Second Class Large Letter stamp.
- One First Class stamp.
- One First Class Large Letter stamp.
- One £3.60 stamp.
The stamps measure 39mm by 30mm and are self-adhesive, according to Royal Mail's specifications. The official shop listed the five-stamp set at £11.16 when checked on 4 November 2026. That is the price of the complete set, not the price of posting one standard UK letter. Prices and stock may change.
First Class and Second Class stamps are not interchangeable with their Large Letter versions for every item. Check your envelope's dimensions, thickness, weight and destination before choosing postage. Our First Class versus Second Class guide explains the service differences.
Why 2026 is a special year for Christmas stamps
Britain's first Christmas stamp collection was issued in December 1966 following a children's art competition announced by then-postmaster Tony Benn, the BBC reports. This year's issue marks its 60th anniversary. For collectors, that history adds another reason to look at the new designs. For senders, it is a chance to put some thought into the envelope as well as the message inside.
Where to buy Royal Mail Christmas stamps
Royal Mail's online shop lists the stamp set alongside Christmas 2026 products such as a miniature sheet, presentation pack and collectors sheet. Check the official Christmas 2026 collection for the latest availability and product details.
If you specifically want one of these designs on a Christmas card or letter, buying the stamps and preparing the envelope yourself lets you make that choice. Send Letters Online does not sell the collection and does not offer a choice of Christmas stamp artwork.
Plan your Christmas letters before the postal rush
A festive stamp does not change the delivery service you have paid for. Leave enough time for your chosen postal service, check the recipient's full address and avoid relying on a last-minute posting. Our Christmas 2026 posting guide covers planning your festive post. Always check Royal Mail's current official deadlines before sending something time-sensitive.
If you are preparing several letters, make a recipient list first and check postcodes before you print. Our UK envelope addressing guide can help you get the layout right.
Want to send a Christmas letter without buying stamps?
Choosing a special stamp is part of the pleasure for some people. For others, the priority is getting a personal message into the post without finding a printer or making a trip to buy postage. With Send Letters Online, you can write a letter online or upload a document to send as a physical letter. We arrange printing and posting from the UK.
This is a printed letter service, not a retail Christmas card or collectible stamp service. A particular festive stamp is not guaranteed. If you are planning something for a child, our separate personalised letter from Santa service is another seasonal option; our Santa letter guide explains what is included.
Sources and checks
This article is an independent summary, checked on 4 November 2026. Send Letters Online is not Royal Mail or the BBC.
- BBC News: Christmas 2026 stamps unveiled by Royal Mail, for the announcement, artists and anniversary.
- Royal Mail: Christmas 2026 Stamp Set, for stamp values, specifications and the listed set price.
