2026 holiday order-by dates
When should I order and mail holiday cards and gifts in 2026? To arrive by Christmas Day in the lower 48 states, USPS recommends mailing by Thursday, Dec 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, Friday, Dec 18 for Priority Mail and Saturday, Dec 19 for Priority Mail Express, and Hanukkah runs from sundown Friday, Dec 4 to nightfall Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, so order Hanukkah cards and gifts earlier.
When should I mail holiday cards and packages with USPS in 2026?
USPS recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec 25, excluding Alaska and Hawaii:
| USPS service | Send by |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Thursday, Dec 17, 2026 |
| First-Class Mail | Thursday, Dec 17, 2026 |
| Priority Mail | Friday, Dec 18, 2026 |
| Priority Mail Express | Saturday, Dec 19, 2026 |
Source: USPS 2026 holiday shipping dates. Delivery dates may vary; USPS also lists dates for Alaska, Hawaii, military and international mail.
Add these dates to your calendar (.ics) 8 all-day reminders, Black Friday to the last USPS send-by date; works with Apple, Google and Outlook calendars.
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah begins at sundown Friday, Dec 4 and ends at nightfall Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, about two weeks before Christmas, so Hanukkah cards and gifts need ordering earlier than Christmas ones.
Source: Hebcal: Chanukah 2026.
How early should I order personalized items?
- Personalized cards and gifts are made to order, so you need production time plus delivery time before your own mailing date.
- Holiday photo cards: order by early December so they arrive with time to address and mail them.
- Gifts you will ship again yourself: order early enough that they reach you before the USPS dates above.
- Every product page shows its own delivery estimate; check it before you order.
Holiday pages
Holiday & Seasonal Cards
Christmas photo, foil, folded and funny cards, Hanukkah cards, party invitations, wrapping paper, tags and labels.
Christmas Gifts by Recipient
Personalized Christmas gift ideas for mom, dad, grandparents, her, him, teens, kids, best friends, couples and baby's first Christmas.
Stocking Stuffers & White Elephant Gifts
Small personalized gifts: name ornaments, funny socks, mugs, keychains, magnets and coasters, plus white elephant party ideas.
Photo Gifts
Custom photo ornaments, blankets, mugs, puzzles, calendars and pillows made from your own pictures.
Holiday Hosting & Decor
Personalized Christmas stockings, ornaments, tree skirts, pillows, doormats, napkins and holiday party invitations for hosting at home.
Licensed Character & Fan Gifts
Officially licensed character gifts, cards and party supplies from brand stores: Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, Peanuts, Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss and more.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gift Shopping
The personalized gifts most people shop for over Black Friday weekend: photo blankets, ornaments, mugs, holiday cards, name jewelry and family shirts.
Common questions about 2026 holiday dates
What is the last day to mail Christmas cards with USPS in 2026?
For delivery by Dec 25 in the lower 48 states, USPS recommends Thursday, Dec 17 for First-Class Mail, which most cards use.
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah begins at sundown Friday, Dec 4 and ends at nightfall Saturday, Dec 12, 2026.
How early should I order personalized cards and gifts?
Personalized items are made to order, so add production and delivery time before your own mailing date: order holiday cards by early December, and check the delivery estimate on each product page.