Illustration of Santa checking a long list at a desk with an elf while children peek around a door (USPS Operation Santa)
Other Christmas Activities

USPS Operation Santa

Participants write letters to Santa detailing their holiday wish lists, including specific preferences like book titles, clothing sizes, and colors. Letters are mailed with standard postage and include the sender's full name and return address. Eligible letters have personal information redacted and are published online for generous adopters across the country to fulfill.

Sep 14 – Dec 5, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

See more Christmas events near North Pole

Illustration of a harbour-side Christmas market on a pier with lit fishing boats bobbing beside the stalls (Christmas in Valley Center) Christmas in Valley Center Valley Center · 24 mi Illustration of a Christmas market in a town square with wooden stalls, string lights and a vendor serving cocoa (Santa's Coming! Craft Fair Holiday Market) Santa's Coming! Craft Fair Holiday Market Valley Center · 24 mi

Browse Christmas in Ramona

Illustration of knitted felt figures in sweaters raising mugs of cocoa around a small table near a lit holiday tree Parties8 events Illustration of felt figures in Santa hats holding wrapped presents near a snowman and small decorated trees Giving Opportunities1 event Illustration of a small red house and a snowman in a red scarf among snowy trees with glowing warm string lights at dusk Lights20 events Illustration of a Christmas market stall with ornaments, wooden toys and a smiling vendor Markets17 events Illustration of felt figures in red winter outfits and snowmen on a small holiday stage with curtains and a fireplace Shows10 events Illustration of a seaside promenade with Christmas lights between lamp posts and a family walking a dog Unique & Unusual32 events MapNearby

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
North Pole 88888 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and children writing holiday wish lists

Vibe

Hopeful and heartwarming

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Address the envelope to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888, and write a clear return address on both the envelope and letter.
  • Use correct postage, placing a First-Class stamp in the envelope’s upper-right corner, so USPS can deliver your letter.
  • Keep your letter flat and avoid glitter or glued-on objects, which can prevent it from being scanned and uploaded online.
  • Name specific gifts, including titles, sizes, and colors, to help adopters understand what would suit the writer.
  • Mail by December 5, 2026; letters must be postmarked by the last-call deadline to be considered for this season.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Adopter registration and ID verification opens November 2
  • Letter adoption begins November 16, with new letters added daily through December 12
  • December 12 is the last day to adopt and the recommended ship-by date for delivery before December 25
  • Adopters can take on a whole family or form a team to adopt letters as a group

Links & Contact

Run by United States Postal Service (USPS)

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can write a letter to Santa?

Anyone in the continental U.S., Hawaii or Puerto Rico, at any age. A parent, guardian, teacher or caregiver can help write it.

What should my letter include?

Be specific about game and book titles, sizes and colors. Include your full first and last name and a clear return address with your apartment number. Mail it in an envelope with the correct postage to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.

Does sending a letter guarantee a gift?

No. Not every letter gets posted, and posted letters aren't always adopted. Personal details are blacked out before any letter goes online.

Can my family send letters together?

Yes. Put all of your family's letters in one envelope with extra stamps for the weight. Letters sent together have a better chance of being posted together.

How do I adopt a letter?

Create an account and get ID-verified starting November 2, then adopt online from November 16. Each person can adopt up to 20 letters, and families and teams can adopt together.

View More FAQs

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: