As people across the nation prepare to write their Christmas cards, Royal Mail today reveals its Christmas 2026 stamps, featuring scenes from the Nativity.
The series of five new stamps were created by designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland, who worked in tandem to create a set of brightly illustrated stamps based on the Nativity story.
The illustrations offer a bold and colourful interpretation of the Nativity story, combining rich jewel-like colours with intricate patterns, decorative details and layered textures. Across the designs, familiar scenes including Mary and Joseph travelling, the infant Jesus, an angel, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men are brought to life in a distinctive contemporary style. Stars, halos and finely patterned backgrounds add to the celebratory feel of the collection.
David Gold, Royal Mail, said: “There’s something very special about receiving a card or letter through the post at Christmas. We hope this year’s Christmas stamps will add an extra touch of festive magic to the millions of greetings sent to family and friends at home and around the world.”
Illustrator, Rebecca Sutherland, said: “It’s an absolute honour to have had the opportunity to illustrate Royal Mail’s Christmas stamps. Designing the Christmas stamps has always been right at the top of my list, so to be part of their long and distinguished history really does feel like a career highlight. I’ve loved stamps since I was a child. I used to collect them from envelopes, carefully take them off the paper, and arrange them into sets, so being asked to create a set myself feels incredibly special.”
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to purchase from today (3 November) at www.royalmail.com/christmas2026 and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all six stamps is priced at £12.06.
60 Years of Christmas Special Stamps:
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the first-ever Christmas Special Stamp.
The first stamps, issued on 1 December 1966, were the result of a children’s art competition announced by the Postmaster General, Tony Benn, in May of that year.
Since then, children’s designs have been used on Christmas stamps three times, in 1981, 2013 and 2017.
Post Early for Christmas:
Royal Mail is encouraging customers to post their festive greetings early and order their online gifts and shopping well in advance, to help its postmen and women deliver the bumper festive mailbag.
Friday 18 December – 2nd Class mail
Saturday 19 December – Royal Mail Tracked 48
Monday 21 December – 1st Class mail
Monday 21 December – Royal Mail Tracked 24
Wednesday 23 December – Special Delivery Guaranteed
