Shipping companies usually make their holiday deliveries right on time like Santa Claus.
But not if the gift-giver doesn't send the package early enough. And nothing disappoints a kid more on a holiday than a present that's still in transit.
So, as the United States Postal Service says, "The earlier you send, the better: Don’t delay, mail and ship today!"
If you can't get to a post office or shipping location today, here are a list of domestic holiday send-by dates to ensure holiday cards and gifts are received before Christmas (Dec. 25), Hanukkah (Dec. 25–Jan. 2), and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26–Jan. 1).
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Ship prior to these deadlines to avoid stressing over tracking updates on the eve of a holiday.
US Postal Service holiday shipping deadlines
Within the Lower 48 (excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- USPS Ground Advantage — Dec. 18
- First-Class Mail — Dec. 18
- Priority Mail — Dec. 19
- Priority Mail Express — Dec. 21
Alaska
- USPS Ground Advantage — Dec. 16
- First-Class Mail — Dec. 18
- Priority Mail — Dec. 19
- Priority Mail Express — Dec. 20
Hawaii
- USPS Ground Advantage — Dec. 16
- First-Class Mail — Dec. 18
- Priority Mail — Dec. 19
- Priority Mail Express — Dec. 20
Air/Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), Diplomatic Post Office (DPO)
- USPS Ground Advantage — Nov. 4
- First-Class Mail — Dec. 9
- Priority Mail — Dec. 9
- Priority Mail Express Military Service — Dec. 16*
*International and military deadlines are earlier; see the USPS website, for a complete list.
FedEx holiday shipping schedule
- Ground & Home delivery: Between Dec. 17 for 5-day shipping and Dec. 23 for 1-day shipping
- Ground Economy — Dec. 13
- Express Saver — Dec. 19
- 2Day & 2Day-AM — Dec. 20
- First Overnight, Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, Extra Hours — Dec. 23
- Same-day services: Dec 24
Check the FedEx website for more options, including freight services and international dates.
UPS holiday schedule
- 3-Day Select — Dec. 19
- 2nd day air services — Dec. 20
- Next-day air services — Dec. 23
- For ground shipping, UPS recommends checking the website for a quote.
Check the UPS website for the full chart of options, including international shipping.