USPS announces 2026 holiday shipping deadlines

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released its recommended mailing deadlines for the 2026 holiday season to ensure packages and cards arrive by Christmas Day, Friday, December 25.

For shipments within the lower 48 states, the USPS has identified four key deadlines based on service type. The recommended deadline for both USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail is Thursday, December 17. For those using Priority Mail, the deadline is Friday, December 18, while Priority Mail Express requires items to be mailed by Saturday, December 19.