The holiday season is in full swing and with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday this year, the clock is ticking for your gifts to be sent in the mail! Otherwise, the packages you send may not be placed under the tree in time. To ensure your gifts arrive before the 25th, follow this Holiday shipping deadlines according to UPS, USPS and FedEx is crucial. However, if you’re able to send your gifts before the deadlines, that’s even better, because while December’s snowy weather can make the season seem magical, it can also cause delays and impacts when your mail arrives. Therefore, the earlier you send your presents, the less stress you will have in the last few days before Christmas.

If you’re not sure whether to use USPS, UPS, or FedEx, it really depends on how quickly you want your package delivered and which destination is closest to you. For example, FedEx is the top choice for same-day delivery, which can be a lifesaver for those sending last-minute gifts. However, UPS is a great option when it comes to large, heavy shipments that you may need to track, while USPS is good when sending smaller packages, Christmas cards, or gifts to rural/remote areas.

If you’re pressed for time and have a location nearby, you may also want to consider bypassing the post office and going directly to UPS or FedEx if you can’t send your shipments until after hours. Why? Many UPS and FedEx locations stay open until 7:00 p.m. or later, giving you the option of getting your gifts in the mail for last-minute deliveries, unlike USPS, which can close as early as 4:00 p.m These two options could be your secret weapon when it comes to sending your Christmas gifts.

Read on to find out all the shipping deadlines you need to know. Below we’ve put everything together based on the provider. This way you can avoid having to pick up your packages at the last minute – and have enough time to enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.

Related: 135 of the Best “Merry Christmas!” Wishes You’ll Want to Write in Your Christmas Cards This Year

USPS 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

When sending your letters and gifts through USPS, you have several deadlines to keep in mind, including specific dates if you’re sending something to someone in Alaska or Hawaii.

• December 16: Last day for Standard Ground Advantage for Alaska and Hawaii

• December 16: Last day for Priority Mail Express military service

• December 18th: Last day for Standard Ground Advantage

• December 18th: Last day for First Class Mail

• December 19th: Last day for Priority Mail

• December 20: Last day for Priority Mail Express for Alaska and Hawaii

• December 21st: Last day for Overnight Priority Mail Express

FedEx 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

If you plan to send your Christmas mail via FedEx, it should arrive by December 24th if you send it by the following dates:

• December 13th: Last day for Standard Ground Economy

• December 17: Last day for Five-Day Ground

• December 18th: Last day for four-day shipping

• December 19: Last day for three-day freight services

• December 19th. Last day for Express Saver

• December 20th: Last day for two-day shipping

• December 20: Last day for two-day AM shipping

• December 23rd: Last day for overnight stay

• December 23: Last day for one-day cargo

• December 23rd: Last day for night duty

• December 24th: Last day for same day shipping

UPS shipping deadlines for the 2024 holidays

To get your mail to your friends and family before Christmas, UPS recommends these US dates where packages should be delivered the day before Christmas.

• December 15th: Standard Ground

• December 19th: Last day for Three-Day Select

• December 20: Last day for Second-Day Air

• December 21st. Last day for overnight shipping

• December 23rd: Last day for Next-Day Air

Next:

Related: 50 Fun Christmas Quiz Questions (with Answers) for Family Gatherings