Royal Mail unveils traditional Nativity scenes for its 2026 Christmas stamps, marking 60 years since the first festive issue

Five traditional Nativity scenes — depicting Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, an angel, shepherds and the Three Wise Men — feature on Royal Mail's 2026 Christmas stamps, illustrated by Rebecca Sutherland, who said the commission had always been at the top of her career ambitions.

Designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland worked together on the five-stamp collection, depicting Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, an angel, shepherds, and the Three Wise Men. The 2026 set also commemorates six decades since Royal Mail's inaugural Christmas special stamps, which went on sale on 1 December 1966 following a children's art competition initiated by then-postmaster general Tony Benn.

Sutherland said designing the Christmas stamps had 'always been right at the top of my list' as a career ambition.

Royal Mail has issued key posting deadlines: second class by 18 December, first class and Tracked 24 by 21 December.

The Christmas stamps launch comes days after Royal Mail also unveiled new Armistice Day stamps, going on sale on 11 November.

BBC NewsChristmas 2026 stamps unveiled by Royal Mail The IndependentRoyal Mail unveils new Christmas stamps with traditional Nativity scenes for 60th anniversary The HeraldRoyal Mail launches new Christmas stamps 60 years after festive tradition began Wales OnlineRoyal Mail Christmas stamps for 2026 feature familiar scenes - Wales Online Lancashire Evening PostRoyal Mail unveils Christmas stamps with Nativity scenes South Wales ArgusRoyal Mail unveils colourful 2026 Christmas stamps marking 60 years of festive issues - South Wales Argus

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