# 2026 holiday order-by dates

Canonical: https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/holiday-order-by-dates/  
Updated: 2026-11-10T13:22:07+00:00

**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.

## USPS send-by dates for delivery by Dec 25 (2026, lower 48 states)

| 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: https://www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm

Add to calendar (.ics, 8 all-day reminders): https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/holiday-order-by-dates-2026.ics

## Hanukkah 2026
Hanukkah begins at sundown Friday, Dec 4 and ends at nightfall Saturday, Dec 12, 2026.
Source: https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/chanukah-2026

## How early to order personalized items
Personalized cards and gifts are made to order: allow production plus delivery time, order holiday cards by early December, and check the delivery estimate on each product page.

## Common questions

**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.

## Holiday pages

- [Holiday & Seasonal Cards](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/holiday-cards/)
- [Christmas Gifts by Recipient](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/christmas-gifts-by-recipient/)
- [Stocking Stuffers & White Elephant Gifts](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/stocking-stuffers-white-elephant/)
- [Photo Gifts](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/photo-gifts/)
- [Holiday Hosting & Decor](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/holiday-hosting-decor/)
- [Licensed Character & Fan Gifts](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/licensed-character-gifts/)
- [Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gift Shopping](https://personalized-gifts-guide.vercel.app/black-friday-cyber-monday/)