The holiday season brings joy, connection, and gift-giving. But if you miss the Christmas shipping deadlines, your thoughtful packages might not make it under the tree in time. With USPS, UPS, and FedEx holiday shipping deadlines approaching quickly, planning ahead is more important than ever.
In this guide, we’ll cover the last days to ship for Christmas with USPS, UPS, and FedEx in 2025, share pro tips to avoid delays, and answer the most common questions about mailing gifts and cards during the busiest time of year.
Table of Contents:
- Holiday Schedule for US Postal Service (USPS)
- UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
- FedEx Holiday Schedule 2025
- Christmas Mailing Deadlines: Cards, Letters & Small Packages
- Holiday Shipping Tips: How to Prepare Your Packages
- Last Minute Christmas Shipping Options
- Key Takeaways
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Holiday Schedule for US Postal Service (USPS)
USPS offers multiple options to meet your timeline and budget. Here are their key Christmas shipping dates:
- December 18: Last day for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail services.
- December 19: Last day for USPS Priority Mail service.
- December 21: Last day for USPS Priority Mail Express service.
For USPS holiday closures and operating updates, see the USPS Holidays & Events calendar.
Last Day to Send Packages for Christmas with USPS
For last-minute shipments, Priority Mail Express is your best choice. This service ensures timely delivery, even close to Christmas but at an extra cost.
UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
UPS offers reliable options for every need. Here are the key UPS holidays deadlines:
- December 17: Last day for UPS Ground Saver.
- December 18: Last day for UPS Ground.
- December 19: Last day for UPS 3-Day Select.
- December 20: Last day for UPS 2nd Day Air.
- December 23: Last day for UPS Next Day Air.
For a complete overview of 2025 UPS holiday shipping deadlines and service schedules, refer to the UPS Holiday Schedule page.
Last Day to Send Packages for Christmas with UPS:
For urgent shipments, UPS Next Day Air guarantees delivery before Christmas morning, but then again, at an extra cost.
FedEx Holiday Schedule 2025
FedEx caters to all types of shippers, offering comprehensive options. Here are the shipping dates for Christmas you need to know:
- December 13: Last day for FedEx Ground.
- December 17–20: FedEx Ground & Home Delivery (5-day, 4-day, 3-day, 2–3 day), FedEx Express Saver, FedEx 2Day & 2Day AM.
- December 23: Last day for FedEx Standard Overnight and Priority Overnight services.
- December 24: Last day for FedEx SameDay service.
For FedEx freight operations (air and LTL freight) during the holidays, refer to the FedEx website.
Last Day to Send Packages for Christmas with FedEx:
FedEx SameDay service is your go-to for last-minute emergencies.
Christmas Mailing Deadlines: Cards, Letters & Small Packages
Many people only think about parcels, but mailing deadlines for cards and letters matter just as much:
- USPS First-Class Mail (cards/letters): Dec 18
- Priority Mail: Dec 19
- Priority Mail Express: Dec 21
For international Christmas cards, mail even earlier (the first week of December).
Holiday Shipping Tips: How to Prepare Your Packages
Proper preparation ensures smooth shipping, especially during Christmas shipping times when things get a bit more complicated than one would hope for (spoiler alert: They get really complex if you don’t take the right steps).
Here’s how to get started:
Tip #1: Compare Carrier Rates Before You Ship
Carrier rates and timelines can vary drastically during the holidays. Use the Airpals Shipping Calculator to compare services like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx 2Day, and UPS Ground in real time. You'll find the best price and timeline that fits your budget, and avoid overpaying for rush delivery when it’s not needed.
Tip #2: Check Packaging Requirements
Each carrier has specific packaging guidelines. Airpals’ AI tools simplify the process, ensuring your shipments meet size and weight restrictions. This is especially useful for fragile or bulky items during holiday shipping times.
Tip #3: Pack Fragile and High-Value Items with Care
The holidays are peak season for mishandled packages. If you’re shipping fragile or expensive gifts, follow these best practices:
- Use sturdy boxes and plenty of cushioning (bubble wrap, foam, packing peanuts).
- Clearly mark packages as “Fragile” or “Handle with Care.”
- Consider adding insurance for high-value items.
Tip #4: Combine Shipments to Reduce Costs
Think smart and find the right solutions for your corporate gifting, combine shipments to the same address into one box. This approach reduces fees and minimizes the risk of lost or delayed items.
Last Minute Christmas Shipping Options
Still behind schedule? These services can help:
- USPS Priority Mail Express: available until Dec 21.
- UPS Next Day Air: available until Dec 23.
- FedEx SameDay: available Dec 24.
- Airpals Concierge: same-day delivery available in 100+ U.S cities for urgent shipments within the same city.
Key Takeaways
- USPS, UPS, and FedEx all publish strict Christmas deadlines, missing them means higher costs or delays.
- For mailing Christmas cards, the safe cutoff is December 18.
- Start early to secure cheaper services like Ground and First-Class Mail.
- Use Airpals to compare real-time carrier rates and services in one place.
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be about joy, not shipping stress. By planning ahead, using Airpals, and knowing the deadline for shipping, you’ll ensure a smooth and successful holiday season.
Don’t let shipping chaos ruin your holidays!
Try Airpals Multi-Carrier Platform today to simplify your shipping process, compare rates, and meet all the holiday shipping deadlines. Make this season memorable for all the right reasons!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's the Last Day to Ship Packages for Christmas in 2025?
The last day to ship packages for Christmas in 2025 depends on the carrier and service level. For most standard options:
- USPS Priority Mail Express: December 21
- UPS Next Day Air: December 23
- FedEx SameDay: December 24
Does USPS deliver on Christmas?
No, USPS does not deliver on Christmas Day. The United States Postal Service observes December 25 as a federal holiday. All mail services, including Priority Mail Express, are paused on that day.
Does UPS Deliver on Christmas Eve?
Yes, UPS delivers on Christmas Eve, December 24, but only for certain services. Expect limited operations and earlier drop-off deadlines, especially for air and expedited services like UPS Next Day Air. Ground services may not be available in all areas.
What is the last day to ship UPS for Christmas?
The last day to ship with UPS to ensure your package arrives by Christmas Day is December 23 using UPS Next Day Air. This premium service delivers on Christmas Eve and is ideal for urgent shipments, though it comes at a higher cost.
Does FedEx Deliver on Xmas Eve?
Yes, FedEx operates on Christmas Eve, December 24, but only with select services. FedEx SameDay is available for urgent last-minute shipments. Most standard and express services have earlier cutoff times, so plan ahead.
