Are Post Offices Open Today? Mail Delivery, USPS Holiday Schedules, and What You Need to Know After Major Holidays
Navigate seasonal mail with clear hours, kiosk access, and early pickup insights.
Are Post Offices Open Today? Your Guide to USPS Holiday Schedules and Mail Delivery After Major Holidays
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is the post office open today?”—especially around the bustling holiday season—you’re not alone. After Christmas, New Year’s, and other major federal holidays, both individuals and businesses rely on timely mail delivery and need accurate information about USPS hours and services. This comprehensive guide covers USPS operating schedules, when you can expect your mail, and what services remain available, especially on and after December 26.
Understanding USPS Holiday Closures
The United States Postal Service (USPS) observes 11 official federal holidays throughout the year, during which post offices nationwide close and most mail services pause. These closures can affect how and when your letters and packages are delivered, especially over the winter holidays when demand is highest.
List of USPS Official Holidays (2025)
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20 (Monday)
- Presidents’ Day – February 17 (Monday)
- Memorial Day – May 26 (Monday)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19 (Thursday)
- Independence Day – July 4 (Friday)
- Labor Day – September 1 (Monday)
- Columbus Day – October 13 (Monday)
- Veterans Day – November 11 (Tuesday)
- Thanksgiving Day – November 27 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Thursday)
On these days, no regular mail or package delivery occurs, and retail counters are closed at all USPS locations.
What Happens to Mail Delivery After Christmas and Other Holidays?
When Christmas or New Year’s falls on a Sunday, the holiday is federally observed on the following Monday, resulting in an extended closure for most government offices, including post offices.
Is the Post Office Open on December 26—and Other Days After Federal Holidays?
Here’s how it typically works:
- If Christmas Day or New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, USPS observes the holiday on Monday (December 26 for Christmas and January 2 for New Year’s).
- No mail delivery or retail services occur on the observed holiday (e.g., Dec. 26), except for Priority Mail Express in select locations with an added fee.
- Regular operations resume the day after the observed holiday (e.g., Dec. 27 for Christmas, Jan. 3 for New Year’s).
USPS Holiday Example Table: 2025 Year-End Schedule
| Date | Holiday | Post Office Status | Mail Delivery | Priority Mail Express |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Dec. 25 | Christmas Day | Closed | No | Yes (in select locations) |
| Friday, Dec. 26 | Day After Christmas | Open | Yes | Yes |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | New Year’s Day | Closed | No | Yes (in select locations) |
| Thursday, Jan. 2 | Day After New Year’s | Open | Yes | Yes |
After any federal holiday closure, the USPS reopens the next business day with normal operations.
What If You Need to Send Mail on a USPS Holiday?
Even when the post office is closed for a federal holiday, a range of USPS services are available to help you stay on track.
- Online Services: You can buy postage, print shipping labels, schedule package pickups, and track shipments 24/7 on USPS.com.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Many USPS locations offer automated kiosks in the lobby, allowing you to weigh, stamp, and mail packages even when the retail counter is closed.
- PO Box Access: Most lobbies with PO Boxes remain accessible, though you should check local hours online.
- Mailbox Drop-Off: While you can deposit mail in blue collection boxes or lobby bins, mail will not be collected or processed until the next business day.
Priority Mail Express: The Exception on Holidays
The only USPS service offering delivery on every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays, is Priority Mail Express—and only for an added fee. Its availability is limited to select locations and major markets, so always verify coverage before choosing this option.
Key Features of Priority Mail Express Holiday Delivery
- 365-day delivery including holidays and Sundays, in covered areas
- Guaranteed overnight delivery to most U.S. addresses
- Added fee typically applies, up to $12.50 or more
- Tracking and up to $100 insurance included
- Not available in all regions
How Federal Holidays Affect Blue Collection Boxes
Blue USPS collection boxes are a popular way to deposit outgoing mail. Here’s how holidays or early closures affect them:
- No collection on Sundays or official federal holidays
- On days before a holiday or early closing, final pickup times may be earlier than posted. To ensure timely delivery, deposit mail before noon if possible on these days.
- Use the USPS Postal Locator tool online to find locations with later hours or to check blue box schedules near you.
Pro Tip:
If you miss the final pickup on a holiday eve, your mail will wait until the next business day for collection and processing.
Post Office Hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Other Eves
Operating hours around the holidays can vary by location. USPS sometimes offers extended hours during peak season and may limit hours on major holiday eves like Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Eve (December 31). In years when these dates fall on Sundays, standard closure policies apply.
- Check your local post office’s schedule in advance—some offices may offer special hours, while others operate as usual or are closed.
- There are usually no service changes for blue collection boxes unless otherwise announced. On Christmas Eve, pickups scheduled after noon may happen earlier. Plan to deposit mail before noon or visit a location with extended hours.
How to Find Local Post Office Hours & Mail Collection Times
Since post office hours and services can differ significantly by city or branch, use these resources for up-to-date information:
- USPS.com Postal Locator: Enter your ZIP code for local hours, addresses, and available self-service kiosks.
- Holiday Newsroom: For official announcements about schedule changes and holiday guidelines, check the USPS Newsroom online.
- Call your local post office or check posted notices at the branch.
Tips for Managing Your Holiday Mail
With millions of cards and packages moving through the postal system during the holidays, advanced planning is vital. Here’s how you can make the holiday mailing season easier:
- Check Deadlines: USPS publishes recommended holiday shipping dates for domestic and international mail. Mailing early avoids delays.
- Use Online Tools: Access USPS’s suite of online options for postage, pickup scheduling, and package tracking.
- Label Clearly: Ensure addresses are legible, use accurate ZIP codes, and affix correct postage.
- Track Your Packages: Save receipt numbers and use tracking to follow your shipments’ progress, especially after a holiday closure.
- Be Aware of Delays: Inclement weather, high volume, and federal holiday closures can all contribute to shipping delays—even with some express options.
USPS Services That Remain Available When Offices Are Closed
- USPS.com account management (purchasing postage, supplies, label creation)
- Informed Delivery email notifications
- Lobby-accessed PO Boxes (subject to local building hours)
- Self-service kiosks for weighing/stamping packages
- Blue collection box drop-off (mail processed next available business day)
Plan Ahead: Shipping, Mailing, and Post Office Alternatives
Other shipping carriers like FedEx and UPS may offer limited services on holidays when USPS is closed. Always verify with each provider for cutoff dates and available holiday shipping options if you have urgent needs. However, most major carriers observe the same federal holidays as USPS for full closure of many retail locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the post office open the day after Christmas?
A: For most years, if Christmas falls on a weekday, Dec. 26 is a regular business day and all USPS locations reopen. When Dec. 26 falls on a Monday (as an observed holiday), post offices remain closed and operations resume the following day.
Q: Will my mail be delivered on the day after a holiday?
A: Regular mail and package delivery resumes on the next business day after a federal holiday. Priority Mail Express deliveries may still be made on the holiday itself in select areas, for an additional fee.
Q: Which post office services are available when USPS locations are closed?
A: Online postage purchasing, label printing, PO Box access, and self-service kiosks typically remain available even when the retail counter is closed. Blue collection boxes can be used for drop-offs, but mail will not be processed until the next business day.
Q: How can I find out when my local post office is open?
A: Use the Postal Locator tool on USPS.com, call your local branch, or consult posted hours in-person to find the most current information for your area. Hours may change during holiday weeks or due to local staffing.
Q: Does the USPS deliver on Sunday or holidays?
A: Generally, USPS does not make regular deliveries on Sundays or holidays except for Priority Mail Express, which is available in many major markets for an added fee.
Conclusion
Whether you’re sending gifts, important documents, or holiday cards, knowing the USPS holiday schedule will help you avoid frustration and ensure your mail arrives on time. Always check local hours, plan ahead, and use available online services to streamline your experience—especially after major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, rely on official USPS resources before making your holiday mail runs.
References
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2022/1201-usps-closed-monday-dec-26-and-monday-jan-2.htm
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/ny/2023/1206-usps-announces-holiday-operating-schedule.htm
- https://www.virtualaddressfinder.com/learn/usps-holidays-schedule/
- https://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2025/08/27/1060754_is-the-post-office-closed-on-labor-day.html
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/events/
- https://www.easyship.com/blog/usps-holiday-schedule
- https://www.aarp.org/government-elections/post-office-holidays-closed/
- https://uspsfcu.org/hours-holiday-schedule/
- https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/usps-holiday-schedule
- https://www.letterstream.com/2025-usps-postal-holidays
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