Is USPS Open Today: Full Postal Service Schedule and Delivery Update for December 26, 2025

The question many Americans are asking this morning is simple: is USPS open today? As of Friday, December 26, 2025, all United States Postal Service (USPS) facilities across the country are open and operating on normal business hours. After being closed on Christmas Day, post offices have resumed regular mail delivery, package drop-offs, and retail services nationwide.

Whether you’re sending out late holiday gifts, returning packages, or waiting for important mail, today marks the full return of USPS operations following one of the busiest shipping weeks of the year. Below is the complete breakdown of today’s schedule, the 2025–2026 USPS holiday calendar, delivery timelines, and helpful mailing tips to navigate the post-holiday rush.

USPS Status for Friday, December 26, 2025

Here’s the official USPS operating status for today:

• Post Office Branches: Open
• Mail Delivery: Normal delivery on all routes
• Retail Counters: Open during standard weekday hours
• Blue Collection Boxes: Pickups operating on regular schedules
• Priority Mail Express: Fully active with on-time service guarantees

Every postal district in the United States is functioning normally today. Mail carriers are out on their routes, processing facilities are running at full capacity, and retail counters are open to assist customers.

This includes all regions—urban, rural, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why USPS Was Closed on Christmas Day

The United States Postal Service (USPS), as a federal agency, observes all official U.S. government holidays each year. On Thursday, December 25, 2025, all post offices, mail processing centers, and carrier routes across the country were closed in observance of Christmas Day. This closure ensured that USPS employees could celebrate the holiday with their families while maintaining the agency’s long-standing tradition of following the federal holiday schedule.

Read Also:- The 2025 Post-Christmas Service Guide: Is USPS Open on December 26, 2025?

What the Christmas Day Closure Meant for Customers

During the Christmas Day holiday, regular postal operations were temporarily paused. This included both in-person and delivery services.

Here’s what customers experienced on December 25:

• No regular mail delivery or package pickup: Letter carriers and package delivery trucks were not operating on Christmas Day. Any mail or parcels scheduled for delivery on that date were automatically rescheduled for the next business day.
• Post office retail counters were closed: Local post offices did not offer retail services, such as postage sales, P.O. box access, or money orders.
• No customer service support: Phone-based and in-person postal support services were unavailable during the closure.
• Mail processing centers were paused: Sorting and transportation operations were temporarily halted, except for urgent mail services.

While most USPS services were on hold, the organization ensured that critical deliveries still had a way to reach their destinations.

Services That Remained Available on Christmas Day

Although most USPS operations paused for Christmas, Priority Mail Express—the Postal Service’s fastest shipping option—continued to run as usual.

• Priority Mail Express is the only USPS service that operates 365 days a year, including all federal holidays.
• It guarantees overnight delivery to most U.S. locations, ensuring time-sensitive packages such as medications, legal documents, and essential correspondence can arrive on time.
• Delivery on Christmas Day is supported by a limited number of postal workers who handle express mail in key urban and regional centers.

In addition, self-service kiosks located in select 24-hour post office lobbies remained open for customer use. These kiosks allowed people to:

• Purchase postage.
• Weigh and label packages.
• Drop off pre-paid parcels in secure collection bins.

This gave customers an option to handle essential shipping needs even while retail counters were closed.

When USPS Reopened After the Holiday

Today, Friday, December 26, 2025, marks the first full business day after Christmas, and USPS has resumed standard service nationwide.

• Mail delivery and pickup have returned to regular schedules.
• Post office lobbies and counters are fully open for in-person transactions.
• Mail processing facilities are operating at full capacity to manage the surge of post-holiday packages.

Many customers can expect minor delivery delays due to the large volume of mail that accumulated during the holiday, but USPS has additional staff and extended operating hours in some regions to help manage the seasonal rush.

A Look Ahead: Upcoming USPS Holidays

The next scheduled federal holiday for the Postal Service will be New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026. USPS locations nationwide will again close for that day, with normal operations resuming on Friday, January 2.

Here’s a quick list of USPS holidays for early 2026:

These closures align with the federal calendar observed by all U.S. government agencies.

How Customers Can Plan Ahead for USPS Holidays

To avoid shipping disruptions around federal holidays, USPS encourages customers to:

• Check the USPS holiday schedule early: Visit your local post office or check USPS.com for the most recent operating hours and service alerts.
• Mail early during peak seasons: Especially around December, sending holiday cards and gifts in advance helps prevent delays.
• Use Priority Mail Express for urgent deliveries: This service guarantees delivery even on Sundays and holidays.
• Leverage self-service kiosks: Available in many 24-hour post office lobbies, they’re a great option for after-hours mailing.

Planning ahead helps ensure that your mail and packages reach their destinations on time, even during busy holiday periods.

Why USPS Holiday Closures Are Important

Federal holidays like Christmas are crucial for postal workers, who play an essential role in connecting the nation year-round. These dedicated employees handle billions of letters, packages, and business deliveries every year—especially during the peak holiday season when volume surges dramatically.

Giving USPS employees time off on Christmas Day allows them to rest and spend time with loved ones, ensuring they return ready to continue providing reliable service for communities across the country.

It’s also part of the Postal Service’s commitment to aligning with federal workforce standards, which provide designated holidays for public sector employees nationwide.

Customer Support After the Holiday

For customers needing assistance after the Christmas closure, USPS offers multiple ways to get help:

• Visit local post offices: Open during regular business hours.
• Call USPS Customer Service: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) for package tracking, delivery inquiries, or service issues.
• Use USPS.com: Available 24/7 for tracking, scheduling pickups, or printing shipping labels.
• Informed Delivery service: Allows customers to preview incoming mail and manage deliveries online.

These tools help ensure smooth mailing experiences, especially after major holidays when mail traffic is at its highest.

The Bottom Line

The closure of the United States Postal Service on Christmas Day 2025 was part of its observance of federal holidays—a long-standing policy that allows employees to enjoy the season while ensuring the public continues to receive dependable service.

With Priority Mail Express still active on Christmas and regular services resuming today, USPS continues to demonstrate its commitment to balancing employee well-being with customer convenience.

As operations return to normal across the country, customers can expect their mail, packages, and holiday returns to move quickly through the postal network once again.

Did you visit your local post office today after the holiday? Share your experience with USPS service after Christmas in the comments below!

Regular USPS Hours of Operation

Most USPS post offices follow consistent weekday and weekend hours, though times may vary slightly by location.

• Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (some open earlier or close later)
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (limited hours at select branches)
• Sunday: Closed, except for Priority Mail Express delivery and self-service kiosk access.

Customers can confirm hours for specific branches through USPS’s online location tool or by checking posted lobby notices at their local post office.

Mail Delivery Services Operating Today

As of this morning, all standard USPS mail and shipping services have resumed normal delivery schedules. Customers can expect the following to be active today:

• First-Class Mail: Delivery resumes for letters, cards, and standard mail.
• Priority Mail: Operating at full capacity, including two- and three-day delivery.
• Priority Mail Express: Guaranteed overnight delivery remains available.
• USPS Ground Advantage: Running on regular schedule for packages and returns.
• Business and Bulk Mail: Active for corporate clients and marketing shipments.
• PO Box Services: Accessible in all branches during open lobby hours.

Customers waiting for mail that was held or delayed due to the Christmas Day closure should expect delivery today or tomorrow, depending on regional volume.

Post-Holiday Delivery Delays

The days following Christmas consistently mark one of the busiest postal periods of the year. With millions of holiday packages, returns, and late shipments moving through the system, minor delays can still occur in select areas.

USPS processing centers are currently managing higher-than-average parcel loads as they clear backlogged shipments from Christmas week. Weather may also affect delivery speeds in northern and Midwestern states where snow and ice remain common during late December.

While delivery teams are working extended hours to ensure timely service, customers are encouraged to allow a little extra time for deliveries, especially for long-distance ground shipments.

USPS Holiday Schedule for 2025–2026

The next official USPS holiday closure will be on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2026. No mail delivery or retail services will take place on that day.

Here’s the updated federal holiday calendar for USPS through 2026:

Outside of these dates, USPS will maintain its standard business operations.

How Today’s Schedule Affects Businesses and Residents

Friday, December 26, is one of the most active shipping days of the year as customers return to work and begin sending post-holiday mail and returns. USPS is handling:

• Gift returns and exchanges from major retailers and online orders.
• Late holiday cards and thank-you notes mailed after Christmas.
• Business shipments resuming after the two-day holiday pause.
• Government and utility correspondence delayed by the Christmas closure.

Businesses relying on USPS for invoices, contracts, and packages will see operations return to normal today. However, commercial clients should anticipate slightly longer processing times through the weekend as volume remains elevated.

Comparison: USPS, UPS, and FedEx Operations Today

For customers comparing postal services, all major carriers have resumed full operations today.

While USPS follows the federal holiday calendar, both UPS and FedEx often modify their schedules around major holidays but have resumed standard service today.

Self-Service and Online USPS Options

For customers unable to visit a post office during business hours, USPS offers several 24/7 tools and digital alternatives that remain available every day of the year.

• Self-Service Kiosks: Many post offices feature indoor kiosks that allow customers to buy postage, print shipping labels, and drop off prepaid packages after hours.
• USPS.com Online Portal: Customers can create labels, calculate postage, and schedule pickups directly from home.
• Informed Delivery: This free service provides digital previews of incoming mail and allows users to manage package tracking online.
• USPS Mobile App: The app offers real-time tracking updates, post office locator tools, and delivery notifications.

All digital and self-service options are operational and fully accessible today.

Handling Returns and Holiday Shipments

The week following Christmas is known as the “return season” for USPS. Millions of Americans are now mailing back gifts or exchanging online purchases. USPS has simplified this process with several convenient options:

• Prepaid Return Labels: Many retailers include USPS return labels in packages for quick drop-offs.
• Package Pickup: Customers can schedule free home pickups for outgoing Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express returns.
• Flat Rate Boxes: An efficient way to send returns at fixed pricing, regardless of destination.
• Tracking and Insurance: USPS provides tracking numbers and optional insurance for higher-value returns.

To avoid delays, USPS recommends dropping off return packages before noon at local branches or arranging pickups early in the day.

Weather and Regional Service Updates

As of today, there are no nationwide USPS service disruptions, but a few local weather advisories remain in effect in parts of the Midwest and Northeast due to winter conditions.

Postal officials report that operations are continuing as scheduled, though customers in affected regions should allow an additional day for deliveries if roads are icy or snowy. USPS continues to monitor forecasts closely and adjust routes to prioritize safety for mail carriers.

Tips for Efficient Mailing During the Holiday Week

The days following Christmas can be hectic for postal customers, but a few simple steps can help ensure smooth mailing and delivery:

• Double-check addresses for accuracy before shipping.
• Use proper packaging materials to prevent weather or transit damage.
• Attach prepaid labels securely and remove old barcodes from reused boxes.
• Track packages regularly to stay informed about transit status.
• Ship early in the day to avoid long afternoon lines at post offices.

For heavy return traffic and business shipments, early morning visits or online scheduling will save time.

USPS in 2025: Modernization and Reliability

The United States Postal Service continues to evolve as it adapts to increased e-commerce demand. Throughout 2025, USPS has expanded its Ground Advantage service, modernized delivery vehicles, and improved mail tracking infrastructure.

Key USPS initiatives this year include:

• Fleet Renewal: New electric delivery trucks introduced to improve efficiency.
• Enhanced Tracking: More accurate real-time updates for packages.
• Facility Upgrades: Streamlined sorting centers in major U.S. cities.
• Extended Hours in Select Areas: Added evening and weekend options in high-demand markets.

These efforts aim to make USPS more competitive and reliable while continuing its mission of connecting every household and business in America.

Summary: Is USPS Open Today?

Yes, USPS is open today, Friday, December 26, 2025.
Post offices, mail carriers, and package processing centers are operating on normal schedules after the Christmas Day closure. Mail delivery and retail services have resumed nationwide, with only minor delays possible due to heavy post-holiday volume.

The next federal holiday closure will be New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026), when all postal facilities will again close for one day.

Are you mailing returns or expecting packages this week? Share your experience and let others know how USPS service is performing in your area!