USPS announces recommended 2026 holiday mailing deadlines

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service has announced recommended mailing and shipping dates for customers seeking delivery before Christmas Day during the 2026 holiday season.

For destinations in the contiguous United States, USPS recommends sending packages using Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail by Dec. 17. The recommended deadline is Dec. 18 for Priority Mail and Dec. 19 for Priority Mail Express.

For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, the recommended Ground Advantage deadline is Dec. 16. First-Class Mail should be sent by Dec. 17, Priority Mail by Dec. 18 and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 19.

The Postal Service said customers should mail and ship packages early during the holiday season to improve the likelihood of arrival by Dec. 25.

Recommended mailing dates for military and international addresses will be available on the USPS holiday shipping website beginning in mid-October.