One of the simplest ways to avoid holiday delays is to send your package(s) well before the postal cut-off dates. Giving yourself a buffer means less stress and a better chance that your orders arrive on time.
For any e-commerce or shipping business, meeting delivery deadlines is crucial to keeping customers satisfied – particularly during busy seasons. Yet, postal service holidays can disrupt even the most carefully planned schedules.
The good news? By knowing postal holiday dates in advance, you can avoid unexpected delays and ensure smooth operations. Here’s a guide to the key mail holidays and practical shipping tips for 2025–2026.
Major Global Postal Holidays
Below is an overview of key postal holidays around the world in 2025 and early 2026, along with typical shipping cut-off recommendations:
Christmas
Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025
Christmas is one of the busiest times for postal services. Most carriers suggest sending packages at least a week in advance to prevent delays.
Boxing Day
Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
Many post offices remain closed or operate with limited hours following Christmas, so plan shipments accordingly.
New Year’s Day
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Observed worldwide, postal services often pause on this day. Sending items a few days earlier is recommended.
Lunar New Year
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Widely celebrated in Asia, this holiday can lead to extended postal closures. Consider sending packages a week or more in advance.
Eid al-Fitr
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (dates vary by lunar sighting)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated across many countries. Postal services often pause for one or more days, so it’s best to send shipments early.
Good Friday
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries. Postal deadlines typically move earlier in the week to avoid weekend delays.
Easter Monday
Date: Monday, April 6, 2026
Closures following Good Friday can affect shipping schedules, with cut-offs typically several days in advance.
Labor Day (“International Workers’ Day”)
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Widely recognized internationally, Labor Day can impact shipping times. Plan shipments well ahead of this date.
Upcoming postal holidays in North America
Shipping in North America means keeping a close eye on these key postal holidays:
- Thanksgiving (US): Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Boxing Day (Canada): Friday, December 26, 2025
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Labor Day (US & Canada): Monday, September 7, 2026
Postal services tend to slow down or close on these days. To avoid delays, aim to send shipments at least 3–5 business days before the holiday, especially during peak seasons.
Upcoming postal holidays in South America
South America’s postal calendar includes:
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Labor Day: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Independence Day (varies by country): For example, Brazil’s Independence Day is on Monday, September 7, 2026
Because holidays can differ widely, it’s smart to check local post office calendars and send shipments early – usually 5+ days before major holidays – to keep deliveries on track.
Upcoming postal holidays in Europe
Europe’s postal systems observe several major holidays:
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Boxing Day / St. Stephen’s Day: Friday, December 26, 2025
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026
- Labor Day: Friday, May 1, 2026
Postal cut-offs typically come 3–7 days before these holidays, so it pays to send your shipments early to avoid bottlenecks.
Upcoming postal holidays in Asia
Asia’s mail holidays vary widely but here are the big ones to mark:
- National Holidays: For example, China’s National Day is on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025 (observed in some countries)
- Lunar New Year: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (dates vary)
Due to long closures around Lunar New Year and Eid, send shipments at least a week in advance, especially for international deliveries.
Upcoming postal holidays in Australia
Australia’s main postal service holidays include:
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, December 26, 2025
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026
- ANZAC Day: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Australians typically experience postal slowdowns around these dates, so plan your shipments 3–5 business days ahead.
Upcoming postal holidays in Africa
Postal holidays across Africa reflect diverse national calendars, but some widely observed include:
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, March 19, 2026 (dates vary)
- Labor Day: Friday, May 1, 2026
Given varied local holidays, it’s best to check specific country calendars and send shipments at least 5 days before major holidays to avoid delays.
What Businesses Should Expect During Postal Holidays
Postal holidays often mean temporary closures or reduced operating hours at post offices and courier hubs. For businesses, this can lead to:
- Slower processing
Delayed pickups
Longer transit times
During peak seasons, these disruptions can affect delivery schedules and customer satisfaction. Planning shipments ahead and keeping customers informed is key.
Tips for Managing Deliveries Around Postal Holidays
To ensure smooth operations during holidays:
Not all post offices follow the same holiday schedule – even within the same country. Some may close for a full day; others might operate on reduced hours. Before shipping, check local post office holiday hours so you can plan drop-offs and pickups accordingly. A quick check can save you from missed dispatches and unexpected delays.
Honesty is the best policy. Let your customers know about potential delays and provide clear delivery cut-off dates upfront. That way, they’re not left guessing, and will appreciate your transparency.
Consider giving customers choices like expedited shipping, in-store pickup, or scheduled deliveries. Flexibility can help balance demand during postal holidays and improve the overall shopping experience.
Postal holidays and logistics schedules can sometimes change, especially during peak seasons. Keep an eye on DHL’s official service updates so you’re always in the loop and can adjust your plans as needed.
Stay Ahead of Postal Holidays with DHL
With careful planning, postal holidays don’t have to disrupt your business. DHL Express provides reliable global shipping, flexible delivery options, and real-time updates to help you maintain timely deliveries.
When holiday periods arrive, you’ll be ready to deliver – on schedule.
For fast, dependable shipping worldwide, open a DHL Express Business Account today.
Apply Here
Share
