Planning to ship holiday gifts? You might want to mark your calendar now. Major carriers have released their recommended shipping deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, giving shoppers a roadmap to ensure packages arrive before the celebration begins.
USPS Deadlines: Mid-December Cutoffs for Christmas Delivery
The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended last shipping dates for delivery by December 25, 2025. For those in the contiguous United States, USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail should be sent by December 17, while Priority Mail has a December 18 deadline. Last-minute shoppers can use Priority Mail Express until December 20, though deadlines vary for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, the agency noted.
“For expected delivery before Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends the following send-by dates: 2025 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States) USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 17 First-Class Mail: Dec. 17 Priority Mail: Dec. 18 Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20,” according to USPS holiday guidance.
With multiple holidays falling in December, timing matters. USPS encourages customers to mail cards and gifts early to meet deadlines not just for Christmas, but also for Hanukkah (December 14-22) and Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1). “The earlier you send, the better: Don’t delay, mail and ship today!” the Postal Service advises.
FedEx Offers Multiple Options Through Christmas Eve
FedEx has outlined an extensive list of shipping deadlines for domestic and international deliveries. For U.S. packages, the company’s latest date for overnight delivery is December 23, while FedEx Ground requires up to five days transit with deadlines ranging from December 17 to 23, depending on distance.
Need something delivered on Christmas Eve? FedEx states that FedEx SameDay will be available on Wednesday, December 24. For those shipping to Canada, Mexico, or Puerto Rico, most deadlines fall around December 22 or 23.
Planning to ship during the holidays themselves? FedEx Custom Critical services will remain available on Christmas Day (December 25), though all other operations will be unavailable. From November 29 through January 4, delivery commitment times will be extended by 90 minutes on select time-definite FedEx Expedited services, potentially giving customers a bit more flexibility during the busy season.
UPS Deadlines: Three-Tiered Approach for December Delivery
Looking for UPS options? The shipping giant recommends sending packages via UPS 3 Day Select by December 19, UPS 2nd Day Air by December 22, and UPS Next Day Air by December 23 for delivery by December 24. Ground shipping deadlines may vary based on your location.
What about holiday service? UPS will not offer pickup or delivery on Thanksgiving Day (November 27), Christmas Day (December 25), or New Year’s Day (January 1). However, UPS Express Critical service, provided by Marken, will remain available on these holidays for urgent shipments.
Preparation Is Key
Across all carriers, the message is consistent: don’t wait until the last minute. “During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 25,” the USPS emphasizes.
Need supplies? USPS offers free shipping materials online or at local Post Office locations, along with services like printing shipping labels and scheduling free package pickups. The Postal Service also provides packaging guidelines, including information about restricted and prohibited items.
Shipping to multiple countries or military addresses? Each carrier offers specific deadlines for these special cases, which typically require even earlier send-by dates than domestic shipments.
With supply chains still occasionally unpredictable and seasonal volume expected to be high, the old adage holds especially true for holiday shipping in 2025: better early than sorry.
