Holiday shipping deadlines
Cutoff dates for December 25
If you’re shipping holiday cards and gifts for Hanukkah (Dec. 7–Dec. 15), Christmas (Dec. 25), Kwanzaa (Dec. 26–Jan. 1), or other holiday traditions, find the USPS® recommended domestic, international, and military deadlines in these tables.
Use the Retail Postage Price Calculator to get expected delivery dates.
The earlier you send, the better: Don’t delay, mail and ship today!
If you’ll be visiting a USPS location in person, view the holiday schedule and hours.
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2023 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)
Recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1
Expand All| Service | 5-Day Shipping | 4-Day Shipping | 3-Day Shipping | 2-Day Shipping | 1-Day Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage™2 | Dec. 16 |
Dec. 18 |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 20 |
- |
| Priority Mail®2 | - |
- |
Dec. 20 |
Dec. 21 |
- |
| Priority Mail Express®3,4 | - |
- |
- |
Dec. 20 |
Dec. 21 |
1 Actual delivery date may vary and is based on origin, destination, Post Office™ acceptance time, and other conditions.
2 Last scheduled delivery day is Saturday, Dec. 23.
3 Last scheduled delivery day is Sunday, Dec. 24 for Priority Mail Express if holiday premium is paid.
4 For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22–Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered or delivery was not attempted within 2 business days.
2023 Holiday Mailing Dates for First-Class Mail®
Recommended mailing deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1
Expand All| Service | 5-Day Mailing | 4-Day Mailing | 3-Day Mailing | 2-Day Mailing | 1-Day Mailing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail2 (Domestic) |
Dec. 16 |
Dec. 18 |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 20 |
- |
2023 Holiday Shipping Dates for USPS Connect™ Local
Recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1 USPS Connect Local lets small businesses offer same-day/next-day delivery to customers by dropping off packages at specific USPS locations. Visit USPS Connect Local for more details.
Expand All| Service | Carrier Pickup | Post Office Drop-off by 7 a.m. |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Connect Local | Dec. 22 |
Dec. 23 |
1 Actual delivery date may vary and is based on origin, destination, Post Office™ acceptance time, and other conditions.
2023 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska & Hawaii
Recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1
Expand All| USPS Ground Advantage™ Service2 | Priority Mail® Service | Priority Mail Express® Service3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Dec. 16 |
Dec. 20 |
Dec. 20 |
| Hawaii | Dec. 16 |
Dec. 18 |
Dec. 20 |
1 Actual delivery date may vary and is based on origin, destination, Post Office™ acceptance time, and other conditions.
2 For packages under 1 pound.
3 As of Aug. 1, 2023, USPS will no longer process refund requests for guaranteed service on these items. Refund requests for loss will still be processed.
2023 Holiday Shipping Dates for International
Recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1
Expand All| Destination | First-Class Package International Service® | Priority Mail International® Service | Priority Mail Express International® Service | Global Express Guaranteed® Service2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | Nov. 29 |
Nov. 29 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 15 |
| Asia / Pacific Rim | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
| Australia / New Zealand | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
| Canada | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
| Caribbean | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
| Central & South America | Nov. 29 |
Nov. 29 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 15 |
| Europe | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
| Mexico | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
| Middle East | Dec. 6 |
Dec. 6 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 15 |
1 Actual delivery date may vary and is based on origin, destination, Post Office™ acceptance time, and other conditions.
2 GXG® Notes: Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time and other conditions, including customs delays. Some restrictions apply.
2023 Holiday Mailing & Shipping Dates for Military
Recommended shipping deadlines for expected delivery before Dec. 25.1
Expand All| Addressed to | USPS Ground Advantage™ Service | First-Class Mail® Service | Priority Mail® Service | Priority Mail Express Military® Service (PMEMS)2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs™ 090-092 | Nov. 6 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 15 |
| APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093 | Nov. 6 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 9 |
N/A |
| APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 | Nov. 6 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 15 |
| APO/FPO/DPO AA ZIPs 340 | Nov. 6 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 15 |
| APO/FPO/DPO AP ZIPs 962-966 | Nov. 6 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 9 |
Dec. 15 |
