Illustration of felt volunteers in Santa hats sorting wrapped presents into baskets beside a small decorated tree (USPS Operation Santa)
Christmas Giving Opportunities

USPS Operation Santa

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Participate in the heartwarming 113-year-old tradition of USPS Operation Santa. Children and families can write letters to Santa, sharing their holiday wishes, with letters accepted until December 6th. Generous individuals and organizations can adopt these letters starting November 17th, fulfilling wishes through an expanded online gift catalog or by shopping independently. This program brings communities together to make the holidays brighter for many.

All ages FREE

Plan Your Visit

Last year

Location

Nationwide · Washington, DC Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, children, gift-givers

Vibe

Heartwarming, generous, community-focused

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (1/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Not applicable

Tips & Advice

  • To ensure your letter reaches Santa in time for adoption, mail it by December 6th, following the program's guidelines available on USPSOperationSanta.com.
  • Consider adopting a family letter to fulfill the wishes of multiple children within a single household, maximizing your impact.
  • Sign up for program updates on USPSOperationSanta.com to be notified when registration opens for adopters and when letters become available.
  • Utilize the expanded online gift catalog for a streamlined shopping and shipping experience, making it easier to send gifts directly.
  • If shopping independently, ensure gifts are shipped by the recommended date of December 13th for expected delivery before December 25th.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Expanded online gift catalog for 2025
  • Option to adopt family letters
  • Community and team adoption opportunities

Links & Contact

Run by U.S. Postal Service

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 website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I write and send my letter to Santa?

Letters can be written and mailed starting September 15th, with the last day to send them being December 6th.

When does letter adoption begin?

Letter adoption begins on November 17th, allowing individuals and organizations to select letters to fulfill.

What are the options for fulfilling wishes?

You can fulfill wishes through the convenient online gift catalog, Santa's Gift Shoppe, or by shopping for gifts independently and shipping them.

Can I fulfill wishes for more than one person?

Yes, you have the option to adopt a family letter, which allows you to fulfill the wishes of multiple people within a single household.

What is the deadline for shipping gifts?

The recommended last day to ship gifts is December 13th to ensure they arrive before December 25th.

Browse Christmas in Washington

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