Lexington, KY, December 12, 2025
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has revealed the final shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery, advising customers to send their holiday packages early to ensure arrival by December 25. Key deadlines vary based on the service and destination, including December 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail in the contiguous U.S., and December 16 for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories. The USPS also highlights the upcoming deadline for the Operation Santa program, where individuals can adopt letters from children and send gifts.
Lexington, KY – The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced the final shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery, urging customers to mail their holiday packages promptly to ensure timely arrival by December 25, 2025.
Key Deadlines for the Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States):
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 17
- First-Class Mail Service: December 17
- Priority Mail Service: December 18
- Priority Mail Express Service: December 20
Key Deadlines for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories:
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
- First-Class Mail Service: December 17
- Priority Mail Service: December 18
- Priority Mail Express Service: December 20
Customers are advised to plan ahead and ship early during this holiday season to avoid potential delays. For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies, and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com.
Additionally, the USPS Operation Santa program is approaching its final deadline for shipping gifts, with December 13 being the last day to adopt letters and send packages in time for Christmas. Operation Santa allows individuals to create accounts on its website, read letters from children across the U.S., and “adopt” them by sending gifts based on the children’s requests. Despite the growing number of gifts being delivered this year, many letters still remain unadopted.
As the holidays approach, it’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines to ensure your gifts and greetings arrive on time. For more information on holiday mailing and shipping dates, visit the USPS Holiday Newsroom at usps.com/holidaynews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the USPS recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25, 2025?
The USPS recommends the following send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25, 2025:
- Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States):
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 17
- First-Class Mail Service: December 17
- Priority Mail Service: December 18
- Priority Mail Express Service: December 20
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories:
- USPS Ground Advantage Service: December 16
- First-Class Mail Service: December 17
- Priority Mail Service: December 18
- Priority Mail Express Service: December 20
What is the USPS Operation Santa program?
The USPS Operation Santa program allows individuals to create accounts on its website, read letters from children across the U.S., and “adopt” them by sending gifts based on the children’s requests. The final deadline for shipping gifts through this program is December 13, 2025.
Where can I find more information on holiday mailing and shipping dates?
For more information on holiday mailing and shipping dates, visit the USPS Holiday Newsroom at usps.com/holidaynews.
Key Features of USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
| Service | Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States) | Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage Service | December 17 | December 16 |
| First-Class Mail Service | December 17 | December 17 |
| Priority Mail Service | December 18 | December 18 |
| Priority Mail Express Service | December 20 | December 20 |
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