Postal Service Recommends 2026 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates

Make sure those packages get where they need to be for the holidays

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WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Postal Service announced the recommended mailing and shipping dates for the 2026 holiday season.

For expected delivery before December 25, the Postal Service advises customers to send mail and packages by the following dates:

2026 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)

•       USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 17
•       First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
•       Priority Mail: Dec. 18
•       Priority Mail Express: Dec. 19

2026 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories

•       USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
•       First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
•       Priority Mail: Dec. 18
•       Priority Mail Express: Dec. 19

For a complete list of suggested dates to send packages to military or international addresses, the Postal Service recommends visiting the USPS holiday shipping page beginning mid-October

During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by December 25.

For tips on mailing and shipping preparation, ordering free shipping supplies, packaging guidelines (including restricted and prohibited item information), and Post Office location hours, visit usps.com