Does USPS Deliver on Christmas Eve? What You Need to Know
The short answer is no, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not provide regular mail delivery services on Christmas Eve (December 24th). However, some special delivery options are still available. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about USPS operations and shipping during the Christmas Eve holiday.
Christmas Eve marks the day before Christmas, celebrated annually on December 24th. It’s a cherished time for festive traditions like decorating trees, attending church services, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. As Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday, businesses and services operate with modified schedules.
USPS Delivery Services on Christmas Eve
While the USPS doesn’t offer regular mail delivery on Christmas Eve, certain shipping services remain operational to accommodate last-minute holiday needs. Here’s what to expect:
Regular Mail Delivery
The USPS suspends regular mail delivery services, including letters and most package deliveries, on Christmas Eve. No letters, catalogs, or periodicals will arrive at homes or businesses.
Priority Mail Services
Although regular mail pauses, the USPS still delivers some of its Priority services on Christmas Eve:
- Priority Mail Express: This expedited option guarantees delivery on Christmas Eve, as long as packages were dropped off before the local cut-off time.
- Priority Mail: Most Priority Mail items will be delivered on Christmas Eve, but delivery is not guaranteed.
Before sending any Priority packages, verify the anticipated delivery date and check drop-off deadlines with your local post office to ensure on-time Christmas Eve arrival.
Retail Services
Mail carriers won’t deliver on Christmas Eve, but many USPS locations will be open with shorter hours, offering services like:
- Buying stamps
- Picking up mail/packages from P.O. Boxes
- Shipping packages
- Requesting Certified Mail service
Since hours vary by location, contact your neighborhood post office or check online to confirm Christmas Eve operating times.
Planning for Holiday Shipping in 2024
If you need to ship gifts or packages for delivery by Christmas, being aware of USPS holiday shipping deadlines is crucial. The USPS publishes recommended send-by dates each year to help ensure on-time arrival.
| Destination | Global Express Guaranteed® Service | Priority Mail Express International® Service | Priority Mail International® Service | First-Class Package International Service® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Mexico | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Europe | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Central & South America | December 15 | December 6 | November 29 | November 29 |
| Caribbean | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Canada | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Australia / New Zealand | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Asia / Pacific Rim | December 15 | December 13 | December 6 | December 6 |
| Africa | December 15 | December 6 | November 29 | November 29 |
As you can see, planning well in advance is essential if relying on USPS to ship gifts abroad for Christmas delivery.
Alternatives to USPS on Christmas Eve
With USPS operating on a limited schedule Christmas Eve, you may need to explore other options for expedited or last-minute shipments:
- FedEx and UPS: Major private carriers often operate on Christmas Eve, though hours and services can be modified. Check with your local branches.
- Regional couriers: Local and regional delivery companies may also be available for rush shipments on December 24th.
- Retail in-store pickup: Many retailers offer in-store or curbside pickup of online orders until the last minute. This avoids shipping delays.
Do your research on fees, cut-off times, and guaranteed services to choose the best Christmas Eve delivery option for your needs.
Christmas Day and Holiday Operations
On Christmas Day itself (December 25th), there will be no USPS services or operations of any kind. All post offices and processing centers will be completely closed in observance of the federal holiday.
You can expect:
- No mail delivery or package pickup
- Post office lobbies and retail counters closed
- No Priority Express or other special services
Regular mail delivery and retail operations will resume on the next business day following Christmas (likely December 26th unless it falls on a weekend).
Mail Delivery After Christmas
Once regular operations restart after the Christmas holiday, be prepared for potential delays as the USPS works through its backlog of undelivered mail and packages. Depending on volume, it may take several days for services to return to normal schedules.
To avoid packages getting stuck in this post-Christmas shipping wave, be sure to mail items well in advance using the recommended send-by dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USPS deliver mail on Christmas Eve?
No, the United States Postal Service does not provide regular mail delivery services on Christmas Eve (December 24th). However, Priority Mail Express packages are still delivered.
Are post offices open on Christmas Eve?
While mail delivery is suspended, many local post office retail locations will be open with modified hours on Christmas Eve to offer services like shipping packages and purchasing stamps.
What USPS services are available on Christmas Eve?
The only USPS delivery service available on December 24th is Priority Mail Express. Other offerings like counter services (buying stamps, package pickup, etc.) are available with limited hours.
Can I pick up a package on Christmas Eve?
Yes, you should be able to pick up packages from your local post office on Christmas Eve, as long as the retail counter is open during modified holiday hours.
Plan Ahead for Smooth Holiday Shipping
The holiday season is the busiest time of year for shipping carriers like USPS. While regular mail services pause on Christmas Eve, being prepared with the right shipping options is key.
Remember to check recommended send-by dates well in advance, especially if shipping internationally. Consider alternatives like Priority Express, retail carriers, or in-store pickup for any last-minute Christmas Eve or Christmas Day deliveries.
By understanding the USPS holiday schedule and planning accordingly, you can relax and focus on celebrating with family instead of worrying about shipping delays. With proper preparation, the holiday season can stay merry and bright!
