Wondering if those last-minute gifts or important holiday cards will still arrive on Christmas Day? With so many relying on timely deliveries, knowing how USPS operates on December 25th is essential—especially if you’re waiting on something special.
This article breaks down exactly what to expect from USPS on Christmas Day. We’ll cover their policies, any possible exceptions, and offer practical tips for managing your holiday mail. Get the answers you need to plan with confidence!
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Will USPS Deliver on Christmas Day? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re counting on a package arriving on Christmas Day or expecting to send out a last-minute gift, it’s important to understand the United States Postal Service (USPS) holiday delivery schedule. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect from USPS delivery services on Christmas Day, how these holiday exceptions work, and your best alternatives if you need urgent mail delivered during the festive season.
Does USPS Deliver on Christmas Day?
No, the USPS does not deliver regular mail or packages on Christmas Day. Christmas Day is a federal holiday, and USPS observes it by closing all post offices and suspending standard mail and package deliveries.
However, there is one notable exception:
- Priority Mail Express: This premium service is the only USPS delivery option available 365 days per year, including Christmas Day. If you absolutely must have mail or a package delivered on December 25th, using Priority Mail Express is your only USPS option.
Summary of USPS Operations on Christmas Day
- Post offices: Closed nationwide on December 25.
- Regular mail delivery: Suspended for the day.
- Package delivery: Not available, except for Priority Mail Express.
- Collection boxes: Not serviced; mail will not be collected.
Understanding USPS Holiday Delivery Schedule
USPS follows a set holiday schedule every year that aligns with federal holidays. Here’s how that typically looks around Christmas:
The Key Holiday Dates
- Christmas Eve (December 24th)
- Some post offices may close early.
- Regular delivery operates, but carriers may finish their routes earlier than usual.
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Some expedited packages may be delivered.
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Christmas Day (December 25th)
- No regular mail or parcel delivery.
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Only Priority Mail Express is in operation.
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The Day After Christmas
- USPS resumes regular operations.
- Expect higher volumes as backlogged packages are processed.
Why Does USPS Not Deliver on Christmas?
There are a few straightforward reasons:
- Federal Holiday: Christmas is a recognized federal holiday. USPS, like most government agencies, gives employees the day off.
- Workforce Rest: USPS workers often work extended hours leading up to the holidays; the holiday break gives time for rest and family.
- Volume Planning: USPS plans delivery routes and operations to manage the enormous holiday season mail volume while accommodating these federal holidays.
What Is Priority Mail Express—and How Does It Work on Christmas?
Priority Mail Express is USPS’s fastest service, offering overnight delivery to most locations. It’s the only USPS service that operates on federal holidays and Sundays.
Important Details:
- 365 Days Service: Priority Mail Express runs every day of the year, including Christmas Day.
- Guaranteed Delivery: This service comes with a money-back guarantee if your mail or package isn’t delivered as promised (subject to certain conditions).
- Premium Cost: Because of its speed and holiday availability, Priority Mail Express costs significantly more than regular services.
- Drop-off Deadlines: If you need a package delivered on Christmas Day, you must drop it off by the appropriate cutoff time—check with your local post office for exact deadlines.
What Can You Send?
- Packages (up to 70 lbs per item)
- Documents
- Time-sensitive gifts and letters
Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Need Delivery on Christmas Day
If you absolutely need something delivered on December 25th via USPS:
- Choose Priority Mail Express when preparing your shipment.
- Prepare Your Package Early.
- Double-check packaging guidelines.
- Confirm the drop-off cut-off time with your local post office.
- Label Your Package Clearly.
- Include both sender and receiver addresses legibly to avoid delays.
- Pay for Priority Mail Express at your local post office or online.
- Track Your Shipment.
- Use USPS tracking tools to monitor your package’s journey, especially around the holidays.
- Provide Recipient Contact Info (If Needed).
- For critical deliveries, ensure the recipient knows to expect the package.
What Are USPS’s Alternative Delivery Options and Competitors on Christmas?
If using Priority Mail Express isn’t feasible due to cost or availability, you might consider these alternatives:
Private Couriers
- FedEx and UPS: Like USPS, these carriers generally do not deliver on Christmas Day, except for their own emergency express services which can be costly and have strict cut-offs.
- Same-Day Delivery Apps: In rare circumstances, local services or gig economy apps might offer same-day courier delivery, but availability is highly restricted.
Self-Delivery
- For very urgent, local deliveries, it may be more reliable to deliver the item yourself or arrange for a trusted friend or family member to help.
Tips for Planning Your Holiday Shipments
To avoid last-minute stress and high costs, follow these best practices for holiday shipping:
1. Ship Early
- Demand for shipping grows weeks before Christmas.
- Plan to ship gifts and important mail 1-2 weeks in advance of Christmas to ensure on-time delivery.
2. Know Your Service Deadlines
- Each USPS service has a recommended “ship by” date for Christmas arrival.
- Be aware of these deadlines; they are published every fall for customers.
3. Use Online Tools
- USPS’s online systems provide real-time tracking, price calculators, and shipping label printing—saving you time and lines at the post office.
4. Consider Extra Packaging
- The holidays can lead to more handling and possible weather delays.
- Double-boxing, using ample tape, and waterproofing your packages help keep gifts safe.
5. Check Your Nearest Post Office Hours
- Some smaller post offices have limited hours around Christmas Eve.
- Confirm local hours before heading out to ship or pick up packages.
Cost Tips for USPS Holiday Shipping
Shipping during the holidays can get expensive. Here’s how to keep costs manageable:
1. Compare Shipping Speeds
- Priority Mail is typically faster than First-Class but less costly than Priority Mail Express.
- Reserve Priority Mail Express only for urgent, last-minute needs.
2. Use Flat Rate Boxes
- USPS offers flat-rate shipping options. If your item fits, it ships for a set price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs).
- Take advantage of free flat-rate boxes available at post offices.
3. Avoid Peak Surcharges
- While USPS generally avoids “peak season” surcharges, private carriers often increase rates around Christmas. Factor this into your planning, especially for heavy or bulky items.
4. Buy Postage Online
- Printing postage online can be cheaper than purchasing in person.
- Online tools may offer discounts and help you avoid the crowds.
5. Plan for Next Year
- If you’ve missed shipping windows or face high surcharges, consider gifting digital cards, subscriptions, or “promise gifts” to be delivered after the holidays.
USPS Christmas Delivery: Key Takeaways
- USPS post offices close and regular deliveries stop on Christmas Day.
- The only exception is Priority Mail Express, which operates 365 days a year—including Christmas.
- Plan shipments in advance to avoid holiday stress and additional costs.
- Reserve Priority Mail Express for truly urgent needs, as it comes at a premium price.
- Track all shipments and follow package preparation best practices for smooth delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does USPS deliver regular mail on Christmas Day?
No, USPS does not deliver regular mail or standard packages on Christmas Day. The only exception is Priority Mail Express, which operates even on holidays.
Can I visit a post office on Christmas Day?
No, all USPS post offices are closed on Christmas Day in observance of the federal holiday.
What’s the deadline to send Priority Mail Express for Christmas Day delivery?
Each post office may have different cut-off times, generally the day before. Contact your local branch or check USPS online tools for exact deadlines.
Is package tracking available for deliveries on Christmas Day?
Yes, Priority Mail Express includes tracking and a money-back guarantee if a guaranteed delivery is missed (some conditions apply).
Should I expect delays for shipments sent right before Christmas?
Yes, the holiday rush increases mail volume, and weather events can impact delivery times. Always ship early and use tracking to monitor deliveries for important or time-sensitive items.
Getting your mail and packages where they need to go around Christmas requires planning and understanding USPS’s holiday schedule. With these strategies and insights, you’ll be ready for a smooth, stress-free holiday shipping experience!
