Ever found yourself waiting for an important package and wondered if it might arrive on a holiday? You’re not alone—many people rely on USPS for gifts, documents, or essentials, especially around busy seasons.
Knowing whether USPS delivers on holidays can save you from unnecessary stress and help you plan better. In this article, we’ll answer your holiday delivery questions, outline how USPS handles holidays, and offer helpful tips to manage your mailings year-round.
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USPS Delivery on Holidays: What You Need to Know
When planning to send or receive mail around holidays, you might wonder: does USPS deliver on federal holidays? Understanding the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) holiday schedule helps you avoid delays, plan shipments, and manage expectations. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how USPS operates during holidays, the key dates to remember, special services available, and practical tips to navigate these busy periods.
How Does USPS Delivery Work on Holidays?
USPS generally does not deliver regular mail on federal holidays. This means letters, standard packages, and most other typical deliveries pause for these special days. However, there are important exceptions and specific services that could still be available.
Here’s what happens on holidays:
- Post Offices Are Closed: Local branches and retail counters close. Self-service kiosks in some locations may remain accessible.
- No Regular Mail Delivery: Most home and business mail delivery is paused.
- Priority Mail Express Stands Out: USPS’s fastest service—Priority Mail Express—still delivers 365 days a year, including most holidays.
The main takeaway: Unless you’re using Priority Mail Express, don’t expect regular mail or packages to be delivered on federal holidays.
USPS Official Holidays When Delivery Is Paused
USPS observes several federal holidays each year. On these days, regular services are suspended:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
- Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (First Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Note: If a holiday falls on a Sunday, USPS will typically observe the holiday on the following Monday.
Services That May Still Be Available on Holidays
While regular deliveries halt, USPS offers certain solutions for urgent needs during holidays:
- Priority Mail Express: The only USPS retail shipping service with holiday delivery. Packages shipped via this service can often arrive even on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Many post offices have automated kiosks in their lobbies. These may let you buy stamps or ship flat rate packages on holidays, even if counters are closed.
- PO Box Access: Most USPS lobby areas remain open for PO box holders, so you can pick up mail even on holidays.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
A few unique scenarios might affect delivery:
- Amazon Sunday/Holiday Delivery: In partnership with USPS, Amazon sometimes arranges package deliveries on Sundays and possibly specific holidays near Christmas. This is not a standard service for all shippers.
- Natural Disasters or Localized Closures: Severe weather, emergencies, or local events can sometimes lead to extra closures or delays, even outside designated holidays.
Planning for Holiday Shipping: Step-by-Step Guide
Successfully sending or receiving mail during holiday time requires advance planning. Here’s how to avoid disappointment:
1. Identify Holiday Dates
Keep a calendar with USPS-observed holidays (see the list above), and check for any “observed” days when holidays fall on a weekend.
2. Check Delivery Deadlines
Every holiday season, USPS publishes mailing and shipping deadlines for each service (for example, to ensure delivery by Christmas). Mailing early is the best way to ensure on-time delivery.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Service
- Non-Urgent Deliveries: For regular letters, cards, or standard shipments, mail several days earlier.
- Last-Minute Gifts or Urgent Mail: Use Priority Mail Express for shipping right before a holiday—it’s the only guaranteed method for postal holiday delivery.
4. Confirm Local Post Office Hours
Some branches may adjust their hours in the week before and after a holiday. Check online or call ahead if you need to access in-person services.
5. Prepare for Possible Delays
Around most holidays, mail volumes spike. Plan for possible slowdowns, even before or after the official holiday date.
Benefits and Challenges of USPS Holiday Delivery Schedule
Benefits
- Predictability: Knowing exactly when mail service pauses helps you plan with confidence.
- Express Solutions: Priority Mail Express keeps critical items moving, even on holidays.
- Consistent Policies Nationwide: USPS follows a clear holiday schedule across the U.S.
Challenges
- Delays Around Peak Seasons: Increased volume before major holidays may cause backlogs.
- No Standard Delivery on Holidays: If you’re not using Express services, there are no regular deliveries.
- Holiday Overlaps with Weekends: When holidays fall on weekends, “observed” dates can confuse expectations.
Practical Tips for Shipping During Holidays
Navigating the holiday rush with USPS is easier with these strategies:
- Ship Early: Beat the rush by mailing packages and cards one to two weeks before major holidays.
- Use Online Tools: Print shipping labels, schedule pickups, and track shipments through the USPS website or mobile app—even on holidays.
- Confirm Addresses: Double-check recipient addresses to avoid return-to-sender delays.
- Consider Alternative Pickup: If you have a busy schedule, use PO boxes or package lockers for safe and flexible pickup, available even when counters are closed.
- Be Clear on Transit Times: Account for extra days in transit, especially between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
Cost-Saving Tips for Holiday Shipping
Every dollar counts, especially with frequent holiday mailing. Here are ways to control shipping costs:
- Compare Services: If time allows, opt for less-expensive options like First-Class Mail or Priority Mail (not Express).
- Flat Rate Boxes: USPS flat rate boxes offer significant savings for heavier items, especially during the holidays.
- Combine Shipments: If you’re sending gifts to one location, consolidate items into fewer packages.
- Avoid Last-Minute Express Fees: Shipping early avoids higher costs for expedited or overnight services.
- Watch for Special Promotions: During the holidays, USPS and other providers sometimes offer discounts or special rates—take advantage if offered.
Summary: What to Remember About USPS Holiday Delivery
Understanding the USPS holiday delivery schedule prevents surprises and helps smooth out your mailing experience. Regular mail does not run on official USPS-observed holidays, and post offices are closed, except for select lobby or self-service access. For urgent deliveries, Priority Mail Express remains available. With smart planning and attention to deadlines, you can beat the holiday rush and ensure your gifts and greetings arrive on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will USPS deliver regular mail or packages on federal holidays?
No. USPS does not deliver regular mail or standard packages on federal holidays. Only Priority Mail Express offers delivery on these days.
Are all USPS Post Offices closed on holidays?
Yes, most local USPS branches and retail counters close on official postal holidays. However, lobby and PO Box access, as well as self-service kiosks, may still be available in some locations.
Which USPS service runs 365 days a year, including holidays?
Priority Mail Express is the only USPS shipping service that guarantees delivery on all days of the year, including most holidays.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, when is the post office closed?
If a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, USPS will observe the holiday and close most post offices on the following Monday. Deliveries resume the next business day.
How can I avoid holiday mailing delays?
Plan ahead! Send gifts and cards early, check USPS holiday mail deadlines, use flat rate or express services for time-sensitive items, and always verify the delivery address before sending.
With these insights and tips, you’re prepared to make savvy mailing decisions during the holiday season so your packages and cards can spread cheer without delay.
