WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for the 2026 holiday season to help customers have cards and packages delivered before Christmas.
For expected delivery before Dec. 25 within the contiguous United States, USPS recommends sending items by Dec. 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail and Dec. 19 for Priority Mail Express.
For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, the recommended deadline for USPS Ground Advantage is Dec. 16. The recommended dates are Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail and Dec. 19 for Priority Mail Express.
The Postal Service recommends that customers mail and ship packages early during the holiday season to help ensure arrival by Dec. 25.
A complete list of recommended mailing dates for packages being sent to military and international addresses is expected to be available on the USPS holiday shipping website beginning in mid-October.
Information about preparing mail and packages, ordering free shipping supplies, packaging guidelines, restricted and prohibited items and Post Office hours is available at USPS.com.
