USPS
Last day to ship within the US.
| Service | Last day to ship | Days left |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage (lower 48) | Thursday 17 December 2026 | In 50 days |
| USPS First-Class Mail | Thursday 17 December 2026 | In 50 days |
| USPS Priority Mail | Friday 18 December 2026 | In 51 days |
| USPS Priority Mail Express | Saturday 19 December 2026 | In 52 days |
UPS
Domestic air services. For UPS Ground, check the transit time for your route on ups.com.
| Service | Last day to ship | Days left |
|---|---|---|
| UPS 3 Day Select | Monday 21 December 2026 | In 54 days |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | Tuesday 22 December 2026 | In 55 days |
| UPS Next Day Air | Wednesday 23 December 2026 | In 56 days |
FedEx
Last day to ship within the US.
| Service | Last day to ship | Days left |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Ground Economy | Tuesday 15 December 2026 | In 48 days |
| FedEx Ground / Home Delivery, 5-day transit | Thursday 17 December 2026 | In 50 days |
| FedEx Ground / Home Delivery, 3-day transit | Monday 21 December 2026 | In 54 days |
| FedEx Express Saver | Monday 21 December 2026 | In 54 days |
| FedEx 2Day and 2Day AM | Tuesday 22 December 2026 | In 55 days |
| FedEx Ground / Home Delivery, 1-day transit | Wednesday 23 December 2026 | In 56 days |
| FedEx Priority, Standard and First Overnight | Wednesday 23 December 2026 | In 56 days |
| FedEx SameDay | Thursday 24 December 2026 | In 57 days |
Royal Mail (UK)
Last recommended posting dates within the UK.
| Service | Last posting date | Days left |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For | Thursday 17 December 2026 | In 50 days |
| Royal Mail Tracked 48 | Saturday 19 December 2026 | In 52 days |
| 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For | Sunday 20 December 2026 | In 53 days |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | Monday 21 December 2026 | In 54 days |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Wednesday 23 December 2026 | In 56 days |
Tips for getting it there on time
- Send a week early. Deadlines assume no delays, and December has plenty.
- International parcels need much longer, often early December or before. Check your carrier's international dates.
- Missed it? Choose a gift card or experience, or order for local collection. See gift ideas.
What a shipping deadline means
A carrier's Christmas shipping deadline is the last day you can send a parcel with a given service and still expect it before Christmas. It is not a guarantee. Weather, record volumes and remote addresses can all add days. Treat the dates in the tables above as the very last moment, and aim to send at least a few days earlier.
Choosing the right service
- Sending early (before about 15 December): ground and economy services, like USPS Ground Advantage, FedEx Ground Economy or Royal Mail 2nd Class, are the cheapest.
- Running late: USPS Priority Mail Express, UPS Next Day Air or Royal Mail Special Delivery cost more but buy you a few days.
- Last-minute local gifts: FedEx SameDay, courier services or click-and-collect in a shop near the recipient.
International parcels
Sending abroad takes far longer. International cut-offs are usually in early December or even late November, and customs checks can add delays. If you are sending to family overseas, post in the first week of December at the latest, include a clear customs description, and consider sending a gift card or ordering from a shop in their country instead.
Missed the deadline?
- Order online for in-store pickup near the person.
- Send an e-gift card or an experience voucher by email.
- Print a "gift coming soon" card to open on the day.
- Make a personalised picture with the countdown image maker and send it digitally.
Keep an eye on time with the shopping days countdown and the key dates.
Questions people ask
Quick answers about this countdown.
What is the last day to ship USPS for Christmas 2026?
For Priority Mail Express, Saturday 19 December 2026. Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail are earlier, on Thursday 17 December.
What is the last day to ship FedEx for Christmas 2026?
It depends on the service. FedEx overnight services run to Wednesday 23 December and SameDay to Thursday 24 December.
What is the last posting date for Royal Mail 2nd Class?
Reported as Thursday 17 December 2026. Confirm on royalmail.com before posting.
Are shipping deadlines guaranteed?
No. They are the carriers' recommended last days. Ship earlier when you can.
Does UPS deliver on Christmas Day?
No. UPS does not deliver on 25 December.
Keep exploring
More countdowns, tools and Christmas reading on Christmas Days Left.