USPS announces 2026 holiday shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery

USPS recommends sending most domestic mail and packages by Dec. 17-19 for expected delivery before Christmas.

57 minutes ago

Brandon Long, 41NBC Web Producer,

Mgn 1280x720 71220p00 Tbciz — PHOTO: USPS Priority Mail package delivered on the holidays., Photo Date: Undated

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for the 2026 holiday season.

Customers who want mail and packages to arrive before December 25 are encouraged to send them early.

For destinations within the contiguous United States, USPS recommends sending packages through Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail by December 17. The recommended deadline for Priority Mail is December 18, while Priority Mail Express should be sent by December 19.

For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, the recommended Ground Advantage deadline is December 16. You should send First-Class Mail by December 17, Priority Mail by December 18, and Priority Mail Express by December 19.

The Postal Service says customers should plan to mail and ship packages early during the holiday season to help ensure arrival by December 25.

USPS says a complete list of suggested mailing dates for military and international addresses will be available on its holiday shipping page beginning in mid-October.

Customers can also find information about preparing packages, ordering free shipping supplies, packaging guidelines, restricted and prohibited items and Post Office hours at USPS.com.