Time’s running out to get those holiday packages to their destinations. If you’re planning to send gifts to loved ones this holiday season, you’ll want to mark these shipping deadlines on your calendar — and soon.
The U.S. Postal Service has announced that customers should send Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail packages by December 17, 2025, to ensure they arrive before December 25. “Post Service recommends that you get your first class and ground advantage service packages out by the 17th,” according to official guidance.
Critical USPS Deadlines Approaching
Planning to use Priority Mail instead? You’ll need to act even faster. The Postal Service recommends getting those packages out by December 18. And for the true procrastinators among us, Priority Mail Express has a slightly more forgiving deadline of December 20 for delivery within the contiguous United States.
“If it’s priority mail, they’re recommending you get everything out on Thursday of this week. And then lastly, the postal service’s deadline for the priority mail express service is the 20th,” postal officials advised.
These deadlines aren’t just for Christmas gifts. The USPS guidelines cover deliveries for all year-end celebrations, including Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, as noted by shipping experts.
What About UPS and FedEx?
Not using USPS? The other major carriers have their own schedules to keep track of.
UPS customers face a tight timeline as well. For domestic deliveries expected by December 24, the UPS 3 Day Select service deadline falls on December 19. Those using UPS 2nd Day Air have until December 22, while UPS Next Day Air packages can be shipped as late as December 23, according to reports.
FedEx has also published its complete 2025 holiday operations schedule, with specific deadlines for domestic, freight, and international services.
Feeling the pressure yet? These deadlines might seem generous now, but they’ll arrive faster than you can say “holiday rush.” Remember that shipping volumes typically surge in the days before deadlines, potentially causing delays even when you meet the recommended cutoffs.
The bottom line: when it comes to holiday shipping this year, sooner is definitely better than later. Your future self — and your gift recipients — will thank you for avoiding that last-minute panic at the post office.
