WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service has released its official recommended shipping deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, urging customers to mail cards and gifts early to ensure delivery by December 25.With Christmas, Hanukkah (December 14–22), Kwanzaa (December 26–January 1), and other winter celebrations approaching, USPS emphasized that the earlier packages are sent, the better the chances of on-time arrival.“Don’t delay — mail and ship today!” the agency said in a statement.Free Priority Mail boxes and other shipping supplies are available online at usps.com or at local Post Office locations, many of which will have extended holiday hours. Customers can also print labels at home and schedule free package pickups.Key Domestic Deadlines (Expected Delivery by December 25)Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 states)
- USPS Ground Advantage & First-Class Mail: Wednesday, December 17
- Priority Mail: Thursday, December 18
- Priority Mail Express: Saturday, December 20
Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico & U.S. Territories
- USPS Ground Advantage: Tuesday, December 16
- First-Class Mail: Wednesday, December 17
- Priority Mail: Thursday, December 18
- Priority Mail Express: Saturday, December 20
(Note: Heavier Ground Advantage packages to/from offshore areas may take longer.)International DeadlinesMost global destinations share the same cutoff dates:
- First-Class Package International & Priority Mail International: Tuesday, December 9
- Priority Mail Express International: Tuesday, December 16
Central and South America have an earlier deadline of December 2 for First-Class and Priority Mail International services.Military Mail Deadlines (APO/FPO/DPO)For service members overseas, deadlines vary by ZIP code group:
- Priority Mail & First-Class Mail: December 9 (most locations)
- Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 16 (where available)
- USPS Ground Advantage: As early as November 4 for some AE ZIPs
USPS reminded customers that actual delivery dates can vary based on origin, destination, weather, volume, and acceptance time. Priority Mail Express remains the only service with a money-back guarantee, though special conditions apply December 22–25.Postal officials encouraged shoppers to use the online Click-N-Ship tool or visit usps.com/holiday for the latest tools, tracking, and location-specific information.With holiday shipping volume expected to surge in the coming weeks, the Postal Service’s message is clear: beat the rush and ship early to make sure gifts arrive under the tree on time.
