Postal Service Recommends 2026 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Postal Service announced the recommended mailing and shipping dates for the 2026 holiday season.

For expected delivery before Dec. 25, the Postal Service advises customer 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-Oct.

During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 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 or the USPS YouTube channel.

Information to help customers prepare for the busy holiday season can be found on the USPS Holiday Newsroom at usps.com/holidaynews.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Contact: Kim Frum
[email protected]
usps.com/news

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SOURCE U.S. Postal Service