Want your cards and gifts to arrive before Christmas? These are the U.S. Postal Service's recommended send-by dates for 2026, for expected delivery before December 25. They are recommendations, not guarantees: the USPS says actual delivery depends on where a package starts and ends, when it is accepted and other conditions. Dates from USPS 2026 Holiday Shipping Deadlines, checked November 11, 2026.
Within the lower 48 states
| Service | Send by |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Thursday, December 17 |
| First-Class Mail | Thursday, December 17 |
| Priority Mail | Friday, December 18 |
| Priority Mail Express | Saturday, December 19 |
Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories
| Service | Send by |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | No single date: allow 10 days or more |
| First-Class Mail | Thursday, December 17 |
| Priority Mail | Friday, December 18 |
| Priority Mail Express | Saturday, December 19 |
The USPS says Ground Advantage packages between the lower 48 states and Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Freely Associated States have a service expectation of 10 days or more. You can check the expected days between two ZIP Codes on the USPS service commitments tool.
International mail
For every region the USPS lists (Africa, Asia/Pacific Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East), the dates are the same:
| Service | Send by |
|---|---|
| First-Class Package International | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Priority Mail International | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Priority Mail Express International | Wednesday, December 16 |
Military mail (APO/FPO/DPO)
| Service | Send by |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Wednesday, November 4 (already passed) |
| First-Class Mail | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Priority Mail | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Priority Mail Express Military Service | Wednesday, December 16 (not available to AE ZIP 093; ask your Post Office) |
Other holidays
The USPS reminds shippers that Hanukkah (December 4 to 12) is earlier this year, so send Hanukkah gifts earlier. Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1.
Tips to save on holiday shipping
- Send early: the cheaper, slower services have the earliest dates.
- The USPS offers free shipping supplies online and at Post Offices.
- Track your packages in the carrier's own app or website, never through a link in an unexpected text: see our holiday shopping scams guide.
- Count shipping in your holiday budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last day to mail Christmas packages in 2026?
For the lower 48 states, the USPS recommends December 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, December 18 for Priority Mail and December 19 for Priority Mail Express.
Are these dates guaranteed?
No. They are USPS recommendations for expected delivery before December 25. Actual delivery depends on origin, destination, acceptance time and other conditions.
When should I mail gifts abroad?
By December 9 for First-Class Package International and Priority Mail International, and by December 16 for Priority Mail Express International.
When should I mail to a military address?
By December 9 for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail, and by December 16 for Priority Mail Express Military Service where it is available. The Ground Advantage date (November 4) has passed.
What about UPS and FedEx?
Each company publishes its own holiday dates on its website. This page lists the U.S. Postal Service's official dates only.