USPS Releases Holiday 2025 Recommended Shipping Dates

The US Postal Service has released their recommended guidelines for latest shipping dates to ensure packages are received in time for 2025 holiday gift giving.

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

2025 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories

• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
• First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
• Priority Mail: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

Additional dates for international and military mail can be found:

2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines | USPS

Sending cards or gifts for the holidays? Make sure they arrive on time: Get the recommended shipping deadlines for domestic, international, and military destinations.

Image of USPS.com logo.United States Postal Service

And as expected, many of those packages will cost more if you ship after October 5th as the Postal Regulatory Commission has unsurprisingly approved the latest "temporary" rate hike.

Higher Holiday Shipping Costs Ahead As USPS Plans Another “Temporary” Seasonal Rate Hike

USPS plans to hike prices for the holidays once again, announcing proposed “temporary” rate increases from October 5, 2025 to January 18 2026.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

As always, a reminder that these dates are just estimated recommendations and savvy shippers would be wise to give themselves a few extra days of leeway as inclement weather and excess volume may cause delays during the peak holiday shipping season.