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 48 | Recommended send-by |
|---|---|
| Ground Advantage and First-Class | December 17, 2026 |
| Priority Mail | December 18, 2026 |
| Priority Mail Express | 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.
Check a drop-off date
| Mail class | Recommended send-by date (contiguous U.S.) |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Thursday, December 17, 2026 |
| First-Class Mail | Thursday, December 17, 2026 |
| Priority Mail | Friday, December 18, 2026 |
| Priority Mail Express | Saturday, 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.