North Dakota Christmas Shipping Deadlines Announced For 2026

It's almost the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season is quickly approaching, and many of us are buzzing around Bismarck, trying to get a jump start on holiday shopping. While some of us prefer to shop in person, many of us do our shopping online.

If you plan to mail gifts to family members who live far away and want them to arrive by or before December 24th, you should plan ahead and check this year's holiday shipping deadlines.

USPS, UPS, & FedEx Shipping Deadlines 2026

USPS

If you're planning to take the more budget-friendly route, you'll want to pay attention to USPS deadlines.

USPS Ground Advantage - Thursday, Dec. 17th

First-Class Mail - Thursday, Dec. 17th

Priority Mail - Friday, Dec. 18th

Priority Mail Express - Saturday, Dec. 19th

Keep in mind, holiday shipping deadlines for international mail, are much earlier. For more info on USPS's deadlines, check out its website.

UPS

Next, let's look at UPS. Depending on how far your package is traveling, you might have a little extra time to send it.

UPS Ground - Check by ZIP Code

Ground shipping deadlines depend on your package's destination; you can check those zip codes on its website. 

UPS 3-Day Select - Monday, Dec. 21st

UPS 2nd-Day Air - Tuesday, Dec. 22nd

UPS Next Day Air - Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

Keep in mind that UPS warns customers that some packages may take longer to transit during the holiday season. The shipping dates do not guarantee Christmas Eve delivery.

FedEx

If you're running behind on your holiday shopping, FedEx is probably the best option.

FedEx Ground Economy - Tuesday, Dec. 15th

FedEx Ground/Home Delivery (5-Day Transit) - Thursday, Dec. 17th

FedEx Ground/Home Delivery (4-Day Transit) - Friday, Dec. 18th

FedEx Ground/Home Delivery (3-Day Transit) - Monday, Dec. 21st

FedEx Ground/Home Delivery (2-Day Transit) - Tuesday, Dec. 22nd

FedEx Ground/Home Delivery (1-Day Transit) - Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

FedEx Express Saver - Monday, Dec. 21st

FedEx First Overnight/Priority Overnight/Standard Overnight - Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

FedEx Same Day - Thursday, Dec. 24th

There you have it. If you're planning on sending some holiday gifts to family member who lives across the country, consider this your friendly reminder to get those packages labeled and on their way.

Keep in mind all of these dates are subject to change as we get further into the holiday season.