Alert: Effective November 29, 2024, international mail service to Canada is temporarily suspended, due to the strike of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. Read more ›

Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Cutoff Dates for December 25

If you're shipping holiday cards and gifts for Hanukkah (Dec. 25–Jan. 2), Christmas (Dec. 25), Kwanzaa (Dec. 26–Jan. 1), or other holiday traditions, find the USPS® recommended domestic, international, and military deadlines in these tables. The earlier you send, the better: Don’t delay, mail and ship today!

  1. Check recommended shipping dates below.
  2. Get free shipping supplies online or at your local Post Office location—see holiday hours.
  3. Print shipping labels.
  4. Schedule a free package pickup.

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 251

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska & Hawaii

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 251

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  USPS Ground Advantage® Service First-Class Mail® Service Priority Mail® Service Priority Mail Express® Service
Alaska

Dec. 16

Dec. 18

Dec. 19

Dec. 20

Hawaii

Dec. 16

Dec. 18

Dec. 19

Dec. 20

1Actual delivery date may vary and is based on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance time, and other conditions.
2As of August 1, 2023, USPS will no longer process refund requests for guaranteed service on these items. Refund requests for loss will still be processed.

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for International Mail

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 251

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Destination First-Class Package International Service® Priority Mail International® Service Priority Mail Express International® Service
Africa

Dec. 2

Dec. 2

Dec. 9

Asia/Pacific Rim

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Australia/New Zealand

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Canada

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Caribbean

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Central & South America

Dec. 2

Dec. 2

Dec. 9

Europe

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Mexico

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

Middle East

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Military Mail

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 251

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Addressed to USPS Ground Advantage® Service First-Class Mail® Service Priority Mail® Service Priority Mail Express Military® Service (PMEMS)3
APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092

Nov. 4

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093

Nov. 4

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

N/A

APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-099

Nov. 4

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 340

Nov. 4

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 962-966

Nov. 4

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 16

3 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.