Priority Mail Express: Saturday, December 19, 2026

USPS recommends Priority Mail Express by Saturday, December 19, 2026, for expected delivery before December 25 in the lower 48. As of August 1, 2023, USPS says it no longer processes refund requests for guaranteed service on these items, though loss refunds are still processed. Treat the date as a recommendation.

Updated .

If this date has passed, read what official calendars still offer. For a one-day-earlier option, see Priority Mail. UPS details are on the UPS holiday page.

At a glance

Mail class, lower 48Recommended send-by
Ground Advantage and First-ClassDecember 17, 2026
Priority MailDecember 18, 2026
Priority Mail ExpressDecember 19, 2026

USPS recommends Priority Mail Express by Saturday, December 19, 2026, for expected delivery before December 25 in the lower 48. As of August 1, 2023, USPS says it no longer processes refund requests for guaranteed service on these items, though loss refunds are still processed. Treat the date as a recommendation.

Check a drop-off date

Mail classRecommended send-by date (contiguous U.S.)
USPS Ground AdvantageThursday, December 17, 2026
First-Class MailThursday, December 17, 2026
Priority MailFriday, December 18, 2026
Priority Mail ExpressSaturday, December 19, 2026

USPS footnotes these dates: actual delivery may vary based on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance time, and other conditions. Ship earlier when you can.

Sources

Common questions

What is the Priority Mail Express send-by date for Christmas 2026?

Saturday, December 19, 2026, in the lower 48, for expected delivery before December 25.

Is Priority Mail Express still a money-back guarantee?

USPS says that as of August 1, 2023, it no longer processes refund requests for guaranteed service on these items, though loss refunds are still processed.

Is December 19 later than Priority Mail?

Yes. Priority Mail is recommended by December 18, one day earlier.

What if December 19 has passed?

You are then outside the published USPS Christmas table. Check UPS or FedEx directly for any remaining options, and read their own peak-season terms.