Holiday travel tips for packing and shipping gifts
Learn how to pack gifts for flights and check gift shipping deadlines to ensure everything reaches its destination.
This week is Christmas. If you need to mail a gift to someone or perform a banking transaction, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Almost all grocery stores, restaurants and retail chains will be open on Christmas Eve this year, but most have adjusted their hours, and banks and post offices are no exception. The stock market will remain open on December 24th, but the market will close early at 1pm (Eastern time) in anticipation of Christmas.
Most UPS and FedEx delivery services will be available the same day, and retail stores will remain open, the companies said.
Here’s what you need to know about banks, post offices and delivery services and whether they’ll be open this Wednesday, December 24th.
When is Christmas Eve in 2025?
This year’s Christmas Eve is Wednesday, December 24th.
Is the post office open on Christmas Eve? Will my mail be delivered?
U.S. Postal Service post offices are open and mail is expected to be delivered on Dec. 24, according to the USPS website. Mail will also be collected from the blue collection box by the scheduled collection time.
The Postal Service recommends checking with your local post office for specific hours on December 24th.
Are banks open on Christmas Eve?
Most bank branches will be open on Christmas Eve. However, we may have shortened or adjusted our business hours.
We recommend checking with your local bank branch for specific holiday hours.
Are UPS and FedEx open on Christmas Eve?
According to the company’s website, delivery for all services by UPS will be available starting Dec. 24, and UPS Store locations will be open until at least 3 p.m. local time.
UPS Store hours vary by location, so the company recommends customers check its store locator to find the hours and contact information for the UPS Store closest to you.
UPS pickup for Air Service and International Air Service is available only by prior arrangement by December 18th, and UPS Ground Service pickup is not available on Christmas Eve. The company says UPS Express Critical is available 24/7. For more information, call 1-800-714-8779 or visit mnx.com.
Most FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on Christmas Eve, and FedEx office hours will also change, according to the company’s website. Please contact your local FedEx office for specific holiday hours.
FedEx Custom Critical is also available 365 days a year. For more information, call 1-800-762-3787.
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
