The USPS Christmas Deadline for posting is definitely something that is worth knowing. These are the recommended domestic, international, and military ship-by dates if you would like your package to be delivered before December 25.
As the holiday season approaches it is worth planning ahead so that you don’t get caught out. Therefore, this article will answer the crucial question – Will my mail be delivered by Christmas? Here we will guide you through the USPS Christmas Deadline details.
IS THE POST OFFICE OPEN AT CHRISTMAS?
Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day) & Monday, December 26 (Christmas Holiday Observed) Local Post Office locations will be closed.
WHAT ARE THE USPS MAILING DEADLINES FOR CHRISTMAS?
No doubt you will be sending gifts and cards to friends, families, and loved ones, and want to make sure that they arrive in plenty of time.
We advise that you look at the USPS Christmas deadlines below and plan accordingly. Just remember to leave plenty of time as lots of other people will be doing the same thing. Our recommendation is to aim to post a minimum of 7 days before the dates shown.
DOMESTIC SERVICES – USPS CHRISTMAS DEADLINE
USPS Retail Ground – Deadline: 17th December
- This is the best delivery option you could choose if you are sending a parcel that is heavy and oversized.
- You can track your package once it gets shipped by USPS. If you wish to get your gifts delivered to your near and dear by 25th December, then follow the mentioned deadline:
First Class Mail – Deadline: 17th December
- If you want to send envelopes and postcards, you should use this this service.
- It relatively low cost and your item(s) can be shipped to all lower states of the USA. Just remember to post before the deadline shown above.
Priority Mail – Deadline: 19th December
- This service lets you mail your goods within 2-3 business days.
- If you’ve left it late or working to a tight deadline for your delivery then this is the correct option for you.
- You will be charged the same price from all states of the USA.
Priority Mail Express – Deadline: 23th December
- This service lets you mail your goods within 2-3 business days.
- Priority Mail Express provides next-day to 2–day delivery service by 6 PM with a money–back guarantee.
- You get competitive prices and fast delivery to most U.S. addresses and PO Boxes.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING – USPS CHRISTMAS DEADLINE
It may be that you have dfriends and family living outside the US and you need to send to them before the holidays. The USPS has got you covered. There is naturally a set of Christmass Shipping Deadlines for this service. In the table below we show you these key dates.
| Destination | Africa | Asia/Pacific Rim | Australia/New Zealand | Caribbean | Canada | Central & South America | Europe | Mexico | Middle East |
| First-Class Package International Service® | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 |
| Priority Mail International® Service | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 6 |
| Priority Mail Express International® Service | Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 13 |
| Global Express Guaranteed® Service3 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 21 | Dec. 22 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 21 | Dec. 22 | Dec. 20 |
MILITARY MAIL – USPS CHRISTMAS DEADLINE
Friends and family serving in the services often have to work during the holiday season, both at home and abroad. Being separated during the holidays can be particularly emotional and sending and reciving of gifts and mail can mean so much.
Its therefore worth taking note of the USPS Christmas Deadlines for Military Post.
| To/ From |
APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 | APO/FPO/ DPO AE ZIP 093 |
APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099 | APO/FPO/DPO AA ZIP 340 | APO/FPO/DPO AP ZIPs 962-966 |
| USPS Retail Ground | Nov 05 | Nov 05 | Nov 05 | Nov 05 | Nov 05 |
| First-Class Mail Letters and Cards | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 |
| Priority Mail | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 | Dec 09 |
| Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS) | Dec 16 | N/A | Dec 16 | Dec 16 | Dec 16 |
PMEMS: is available to selected military /diplomatic post offices. Check with your local Post Office to determine if this service is available to an APO/FPO/DPO address.
Christmas Eve – USPS Christmas Deadline
What if you are running late for your delivery? The USPS has a separate schedule for Christmas Eve too.
- Christmas eve timings are posted right on the bulletin of local post offices. Timings often differ from one post office to another. You can either get to know about this from their bulletin or find it out via direct call.
- Details will also be available online for you to check. Visit the main website, enter your zip code, and you will be able to find details of your respective local Post Office right on the screen. This will have Christmas Eve timings. Find USPS Locations Here.
- Business customers can check their respective timings via the BULK MAIL ENTRY UNIT. This link will give you in-depth information about the working hours.
Post Office Collection Boxes – USPS Christmas Deadline
- Collection boxes or Drop-off boxes are another effective way to get your deliverables sent off, even if you missed the deadline. You can of course use this facility up to the deadline as well.
- In order for your mail to be collected before the Chistmas Day closure you must drop off your mail on 24th December by 12 noon. The delivery person shall pick up only the mail deposited in this box within this time.
- In case you cannot mail them by 12 noon, you should visit the post office in person.
Christmas Eve – USPS Christmas Deadline
- No regular mail shall be picked up on 25th December.
- Priority Mail will be picked up on 25th December.
- All functionalities will once again resume from 27th December.
New Years Eve & New Years Day – USPS Christmas Deadline
- All local post offices across the US will be open on 31st December, i.e., New Year’s Eve.
- 1st January is a nationwide holiday. All local post offices shall remain closed on that day.
- Regular shipping and receiving of mails should resume from 3rd January.
Collection Boxes – USPS Christmas Deadline
- All mails shall be picked up on New Year’s Eve, i.e., 31st December. Make sure to submit them early or on New Year’s Eve.
- All Post offices will be closed on 1st January. Therefore, no mails shall be picked up on New Year.
- Normal services will resume from 3rd January.
Regular Mail Delivery – USPS Christmas Deadline
- Regular mails shall be delivered up to 31st December.
- All mail deliveries shall be stopped for 1st January 2021 due to the nationwide holiday.
- Priority mails shall not be delayed and will continue on 1st January.
- Regular mail deliveries shall resume from 3rd January.
Does USPS Take Longer During Christmas?
The increased holiday volume of mail and packages can put a strain on the USPS delivery system so its natuaral to expect that there may be some delays. This is particularly so wehen there is bad weather, employee shortages and sickness moving this surge in the volume of mail sometimes leading to temporary delays.
SUMMARY
The Christmas Holiday period is a naturally joyous period. The sending and receiving of gifts and cards adds to that joy. To make this process stress free please make a note of the USPS delivery deadlines to make sure that your mail is recived by the recipeient in time .