Christmas Shipping Deadlines You Need to Know

If you're giving gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa this holiday season, and planning to ship them to friends and family, now is the time to start preparing. Whether you're mailing a box of homemade cookies to your aunt in Kentucky, a cousin in Indiana, or sending a surprise to your best friend across the country, the clock is officially ticking.

Christmas Shipping Deadlines You Need to Know Before You Mail Anything

The big question we all need to know is, how long do we have before it's too late? The answer, however, depends on your carrier and how quickly you need those holiday gifts delivered.

 USPS Holiday Cutoff Dates That Could Make or Break Your Gift Delivery

For delivery by December 25 within the contiguous United States, here are the dates shared by the United States Postal Service for this year. If you’re a procrastinator like me, pay close attention.

• USPS Retail Ground Advantage: Wednesday, December 17
• USPS First-Class Mail: Wednesday, December 17
• USPS Priority Mail: Thursday, December 18
• USPS Priority Mail Express: Saturday, December 20

If you're shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, international destinations, or military bases, the deadlines vary. You can find the full breakdown on the USPS website.

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UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines

If you prefer shipping with the big brown trucks, here’s when you need to act.

• UPS 3rd Day Air: Friday, December 19, for delivery on December 24
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Monday, December 22, for delivery on December 24
• UPS Next Day Air: Tuesday, December 23, for delivery on December 24

UPS does not deliver on Christmas Day. Find their full schedule for 2025 here.

Read More: Don't Make This Mistake When Leaving a Gift for Your Mail Carrier

FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines

FedEx is usually the most flexible of the three, but that doesn’t mean you should wait too long.

• FedEx Ground Economy: Monday, December 15
• FedEx Express Saver: Saturday, December 20
• FedEx 2-Day: Monday, December 22
• FedEx Overnight, Same-Day, and Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 23, and Wednesday, December 24

You can find the full FedEx guidelines, including air freight deadlines, here.

Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shipping

Even with solid deadlines, holiday shipping can be unpredictable. Warehouses fill up, storms hit, and trucks get behind schedule. If you’re mailing gifts this year, give yourself a buffer and don't forget to practice patience, grace, and empathy.

And if you work for USPS, UPS, or FedEx, thank you for everything you do this time of year to help make the holiday magic happen.