The short answer
The main Christmas shipping deadlines for 2026 are Thursday, December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, Friday, December 18 for USPS Priority Mail and Saturday, December 19 for Priority Mail Express. FedEx overnight runs until Wednesday, December 23, while UPS has not posted its 2026 dates yet.
- Last day to ship USPS for Christmas 2026: Dec. 17 (Ground Advantage), Dec. 18 (Priority Mail), Dec. 19 (Priority Mail Express).
- Last day to mail Christmas cards: Thursday, Dec. 17 by First-Class Mail.
- FedEx: Ground Economy Dec. 15, Ground Dec. 17 to 23 by transit time, 2Day Dec. 22, Overnight Dec. 23.
- UPS: 2026 dates not yet published; 2025 benchmarks were Dec. 19, 22 and 23 for air services.
- Military (APO/FPO/DPO): Nov. 4 for Ground Advantage; Dec. 9 for Priority and First-Class Mail.
- International (USPS): Dec. 9 for Priority Mail International; Dec. 16 for Priority Mail Express International.
Dec. 17
USPS Ground Advantage send-by
Dec. 18
USPS Priority Mail send-by
Dec. 23
FedEx Overnight last ship day
Nov. 4
Military Ground Advantage send-by
Last checked: October 14, 2026. Dates come from the official carrier pages linked in each section. UPS and Amazon dates will be added as soon as each company publishes them.
In this article
Christmas shipping deadlines are the last recommended days to send a package or card so it arrives by Friday, December 25, 2026. Each carrier sets its own cutoffs: the U.S. Postal Service (USPS, the federal mail service), UPS (the private parcel carrier) and FedEx (the express and ground carrier) all publish holiday charts every fall. Because Christmas lands on a Friday this year, most private-carrier deadlines target delivery on Thursday, December 24.
So this guide gathers every confirmed 2026 date in one place, flags the ones that are still pending and explains which service to pick if you are running late. If you are still planning the rest of the season, also see our complete Christmas 2026 guide.
Christmas Shipping Deadlines 2026 at a Glance
In short, ground services from every carrier close in mid-December, while air services stay open until two or three days before Christmas. The table below compares the main domestic options side by side, with the latest safe ship date for each.
| Carrier and service | Last day to ship (2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Thu, Dec. 17 | Official |
| USPS First-Class Mail (cards, letters) | Thu, Dec. 17 | Official |
| USPS Priority Mail | Fri, Dec. 18 | Official |
| USPS Priority Mail Express | Sat, Dec. 19 | Official |
| FedEx Ground Economy | Tue, Dec. 15 | Official |
| FedEx Ground / Home Delivery | Dec. 17 to Dec. 23 (by transit days) | Official |
| FedEx Express Saver | Mon, Dec. 21 | Official |
| FedEx 2Day / 2Day AM | Tue, Dec. 22 | Official |
| FedEx Overnight (First, Priority, Standard) | Wed, Dec. 23 | Official |
| FedEx SameDay | Thu, Dec. 24 | Official |
| UPS 3 Day Select / 2nd Day Air / Next Day Air | Not yet published (2025: Dec. 19 / 22 / 23) | Pending |
| Amazon (Prime) | No official calendar yet | Pending |
Notably, USPS dates aim for delivery before December 25, whereas FedEx dates aim for delivery by Thursday, December 24. Neither USPS nor FedEx delivers regular packages on Christmas Day.
What Is the Last Day to Ship USPS for Christmas 2026?
The last day to ship USPS for Christmas 2026 is Saturday, December 19 with Priority Mail Express, but the cheaper services close earlier: Thursday, December 17 for Ground Advantage and Friday, December 18 for Priority Mail. USPS released these recommended send-by dates in late September, and they appear on the official USPS holiday shipping page.
USPS Christmas shipping deadlines for the lower 48 states
| USPS service | Send by (contiguous U.S.) |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Thursday, Dec. 17 |
| First-Class Mail | Thursday, Dec. 17 |
| Priority Mail | Friday, Dec. 18 |
| Priority Mail Express | Saturday, Dec. 19 |
Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories
For these destinations, the only change is Ground Advantage, which moves up a day to Wednesday, December 16. First-Class Mail stays on December 17, Priority Mail on December 18 and Priority Mail Express on December 19. However, USPS warns that Ground Advantage packages to or from these ZIP codes may take longer, so check the estimated delivery date at the counter.
Last day to ship ground advantage for Christmas
Ground Advantage, the USPS budget package service for items up to 70 pounds, should go out by Thursday, December 17 in the lower 48. After that, step up to Priority Mail (December 18) or Priority Mail Express (December 19) instead.
Watch out. These are recommended dates, not delivery promises. According to USPS, actual delivery depends on origin, destination and Post Office acceptance time. In addition, USPS stopped processing refund requests for guaranteed Priority Mail Express service on these items as of August 1, 2023, although refunds for loss are still handled.
Will shipping cost more this December?
Yes, likely. USPS filed for a temporary peak-season price change on Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and Parcel Select, running from October 4, 2026 to January 17, 2027, pending regulator review. For example, retail Priority Mail and Ground Advantage packages to Zones 1 to 4 rise by $0.50 for 0 to 3 pounds, while large Flat Rate Boxes go up $2.10, according to the USPS announcement.
| Retail package (Zones 1-4) | Temporary increase |
|---|---|
| 0-3 lbs | $0.50 |
| 4-10 lbs | $0.80 |
| 11-25 lbs | $1.25 |
| 26-70 lbs and oversized | $3.90 |
What Is the Last Day to Ship UPS for Christmas?
UPS has not published its 2026 last-day-to-ship chart yet, so the most useful guide right now is last year. In 2025, the UPS Christmas shipping deadline was Friday, December 19 for 3 Day Select, Monday, December 22 for 2nd Day Air and Tuesday, December 23 for Next Day Air, all for delivery on Christmas Eve. Check the UPS holiday schedule for the 2026 update.
UPS Christmas shipping deadline: 2025 benchmark dates
| UPS service | 2025 last day to ship | 2026 last day to ship |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Ground | Varies by route (UPS transit tool) | Not yet published |
| UPS 3 Day Select | Fri, Dec. 19, 2025 | Not yet published |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | Mon, Dec. 22, 2025 | Not yet published |
| UPS Next Day Air | Tue, Dec. 23, 2025 | Not yet published |
What UPS has said about Christmas Eve 2026
Meanwhile, UPS has posted its 2026 days-of-operation schedule. As reported by Value Added Resource, UPS will deliver all services on Thursday, December 24, but there is no Ground pickup that day, and Air pickups must be prearranged by December 18. UPS is closed on Friday, December 25.
Pro tip. UPS Ground does not use one national cutoff. Instead, enter your origin and destination ZIP codes in the UPS transit-time calculator, then count back from December 24.
What Is the Last Day to Ship FedEx for Christmas 2026?
The last day to ship FedEx for Christmas 2026 is Wednesday, December 23 for overnight services, or Thursday, December 24 for FedEx SameDay where available. FedEx has already posted its 2026 Peak Last Day to Ship chart, which targets delivery by Christmas Eve.
| FedEx service | Last day to ship (2026) |
|---|---|
| FedEx Ground Economy | Tue, Dec. 15 |
| Ground / Home Delivery, 5-day transit | Thu, Dec. 17 |
| Ground / Home Delivery, 4-day transit | Fri, Dec. 18 |
| Ground / Home Delivery, 3-day transit | Mon, Dec. 21 |
| FedEx Express Saver | Mon, Dec. 21 |
| Ground / Home Delivery, 2-day transit | Tue, Dec. 22 |
| FedEx 2Day and 2Day AM | Tue, Dec. 22 |
| Ground / Home Delivery, 1-day transit | Wed, Dec. 23 |
| First, Priority and Standard Overnight | Wed, Dec. 23 |
| FedEx SameDay | Thu, Dec. 24 |
Last day to ship FedEx Ground for Christmas
FedEx Ground deadlines depend on how many transit days your route needs. For example, a coast-to-coast package with a five-day transit must leave by December 17, whereas a short one-day route can ship as late as December 23. So check the FedEx Ground transit map first.
When Is the Last Day to Order on Amazon for Christmas?
Amazon has not published a 2026 Christmas order-by calendar, and it did not publish a fixed one in 2025 either. Instead, Amazon labels eligible items with “Arrives before Christmas” on search and product pages, and in 2025 it offered Same-Day Delivery through Christmas Eve in more than 9,000 U.S. cities and towns, according to Amazon’s own 2025 holiday post.
- Check the product page: the delivery estimate above the Add to Cart button is the real cutoff for that item.
- Shop early on Christmas Eve: Amazon warned in 2025 that same-day windows can sell out in some areas.
- Third-party sellers ship slower: items not fulfilled by Amazon often follow USPS or UPS ground timelines.
Also, if you are still building a list, our stocking stuffer ideas lean toward small items that are easy to find in stock late.
Military and International Christmas Shipping Deadlines
Military and overseas mail closes weeks earlier than domestic mail. USPS recommends sending Ground Advantage packages to APO, FPO and DPO addresses (military and diplomatic post offices) by Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and Priority Mail or First-Class Mail by Wednesday, December 9.
Last day to ship to APO/FPO for Christmas 2026
| Military ZIP | Ground Advantage | First-Class Mail | Priority Mail | Priority Mail Express Military |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE 090-092 | Wed, Nov. 4 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 16 |
| AE 093 | Wed, Nov. 4 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Not available |
| AE 094-099 | Wed, Nov. 4 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 16 |
| AA 340 | Wed, Nov. 4 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 16 |
| AP 962-966 | Wed, Nov. 4 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 9 | Wed, Dec. 16 |
International mail from the U.S.
For every region USPS lists, from Canada and Mexico to Europe, Asia and Australia, the recommended send-by date is Wednesday, December 9 for First-Class Package International and Priority Mail International, and Wednesday, December 16 for Priority Mail Express International. In addition, FedEx lists separate international cutoffs; for example, International Priority to Canada must ship by December 23.
Watch out. Customs can add days. Fill out the customs form online before you go to the counter, and check the destination country’s restricted-items list before you pack.
When Is the Last Day to Mail Christmas Cards?
The last day to mail Christmas cards inside the lower 48 states is Thursday, December 17, 2026, the USPS First-Class Mail send-by date. Cards going overseas should be in the mail by Wednesday, December 9, and cards to military addresses also by December 9.
- Square or rigid cards: these usually need extra postage because machines cannot process them, so ask at the counter.
- Forever stamps: they always cover a standard one-ounce letter, even after a price increase.
- Hanukkah cards: Hanukkah 2026 runs December 4 to 12, so USPS advises mailing those earlier.
What If You Miss the Christmas Shipping Deadlines?
If you miss the ground cutoffs, you still have options, although each one costs more. First, switch to an air service: USPS Priority Mail Express (December 19), FedEx 2Day (December 22) or FedEx Overnight (December 23). Next, consider buying locally and shipping straight from the store.
- Buy online, ship to them: many retailers ship from a warehouse near the recipient.
- Send a digital gift card or e-gift: it arrives instantly by email.
- Order for in-store pickup: the recipient picks it up nearby on Christmas Eve.
- Check which stores are open: see our guide to stores open on Christmas for last-minute shopping.
How to Save on Holiday Shipping
The easiest way to save is to ship early with a ground service, because the gap between Ground Advantage and Priority Mail Express can be large on heavy boxes. Beyond that, a few habits help.
- Use flat-rate boxes for heavy items: USPS Flat Rate pricing ignores weight up to 70 pounds.
- Print labels online: it skips the counter line, and many shipping platforms offer discounted commercial rates.
- Ship before the busiest week: mid-December is the crunch, so aim for the first week of December.
- Compare carriers by ZIP: for example, a FedEx Ground 2-day route may beat USPS for a nearby city.
- Use Black Friday and Cyber Monday free shipping: retailer offers on November 27 and November 30 often include free delivery.
Also see our Cyber Monday guide for free-shipping deals.
Pro tip. Ship gifts that need assembly or batteries a few days earlier, so the recipient has time to sort out anything missing.
Our verdict
Treat Thursday, December 17 as your real Christmas shipping deadline: by then, USPS Ground Advantage, First-Class cards and most FedEx Ground routes are still on time. After that, you are paying for speed, with Priority Mail on December 18, FedEx 2Day on December 22 and overnight on December 23. Meanwhile, military packages and overseas gifts need to leave in November or by December 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last day to ship USPS for Christmas 2026?
For delivery before Christmas, USPS recommends Saturday, December 19, 2026 for Priority Mail Express, Friday, December 18 for Priority Mail and Thursday, December 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail in the lower 48 states. Ground Advantage to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories moves up to Wednesday, December 16. These are recommended dates, not delivery guarantees.
When is the last day to mail Christmas cards in 2026?
Mail Christmas cards by Thursday, December 17, 2026, the USPS First-Class Mail send-by date for the contiguous United States. Cards to international addresses should go out by Wednesday, December 9, and cards to APO, FPO or DPO military addresses by December 9 as well. Square or rigid cards may need extra postage.
What is the UPS Christmas shipping deadline for 2026?
UPS had not published its 2026 last-day-to-ship dates as of October 14, 2026. For reference, in 2025 UPS set Friday, December 19 for 3 Day Select, Monday, December 22 for 2nd Day Air and Tuesday, December 23 for Next Day Air. UPS Ground varies by route, so use the UPS transit-time tool.
What is the last day to ship FedEx for Christmas 2026?
FedEx lists Wednesday, December 23, 2026 as the last day for First, Priority and Standard Overnight, and Thursday, December 24 for FedEx SameDay. FedEx 2Day ships by December 22, Express Saver by December 21 and Ground Economy by December 15. FedEx Ground runs from December 17 to 23, depending on transit days.
What is the last day to order on Amazon for Christmas?
Amazon has not announced a 2026 order-by date. In 2025 it did not publish a single cutoff; instead it labeled items with Arrives before Christmas and offered Same-Day Delivery through Christmas Eve in more than 9,000 U.S. cities and towns. The delivery estimate on each product page is the best guide.
What is the last day to ship to APO/FPO addresses for Christmas 2026?
USPS recommends sending Ground Advantage packages to APO, FPO and DPO addresses by Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Priority Mail and First-Class Mail should go by Wednesday, December 9, and Priority Mail Express Military Service by Wednesday, December 16, where available. ZIP code 093 does not offer Priority Mail Express Military.
