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!
- Check recommended shipping dates below.
- Get free shipping supplies online or at your local Post Office™ location—see holiday hours.
- Print shipping labels.
- Schedule a free package pickup. (the letter carriers visit your home 6 times a week!)
For more information visit USPS.com
2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)
Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 251
| Domestic Mail Class/Product | Date (excluding Alaska & Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage® Service | Dec. 18 |
| First-Class Mail® Service | Dec. 18 |
| Priority Mail® Service | Dec. 19 |
| Priority Mail Express® Service2 | Dec. 21 |
2024 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska & Hawaii
Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 251
| 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
| 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
| 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.
