USPS Operation Santa Opens for the 2026 Holiday Season

It may only be September, but the holiday season is already underway at the North Pole—or at least at the United States Postal Service.

USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters for its 2026 holiday season, giving children and families across the country an opportunity to send their holiday wishes to Santa while allowing generous individuals and groups to help make some of those wishes come true.

The program works by collecting letters addressed to Santa and making eligible letters available for adoption, with personal identifying information removed. Beginning November 16, registered participants can browse letters online, select one or more to adopt and purchase gifts for the letter writers. Gifts can be purchased through the program's online Santa's Gift Shoppe or independently and shipped through participating USPS locations.

How to Write to Santa

Letters should be addressed to:

Santa123 Elf RoadNorth Pole, 88888

Writers should include their full name and return address, including an apartment number when applicable, and place a First-Class stamp on the envelope. USPS recommends that letters be written legibly and that gift requests be specific and listed in order of preference.

Families may send several letters together in one envelope, using additional postage if necessary. Letters submitted by organizations or classrooms should each be mailed separately in a standard letter-size envelope with a First-Class stamp and the child's holiday return address. USPS also asks writers to keep letters flat and avoid glitter or glued-on decorations that could interfere with processing.

The deadline to mail letters for the 2026 program is December 5. Mailing a letter does not guarantee that it will be posted for adoption, selected by an adopter or result in a gift.

Want to Be One of Santa's Helpers?

Those who would rather give than write can participate as letter adopters. Registration for adopters opens November 2, with letter adoption beginning November 16.

Individuals can adopt a single letter, an entire family or work together as a team to fulfill holiday wishes. The final day to adopt a letter is December 12, which is also USPS's recommended shipping date for gifts expected to arrive before Christmas.

USPS Operation Santa reminds participants that adopters are not required to fulfill expensive requests. Even when a child's complete wish list cannot be provided, participants can still choose meaningful gifts within their own budgets.

For generations, letters to Santa have been part of the excitement of the holiday season. Operation Santa turns those letters into an opportunity for people across the country to share some holiday cheer with families they may never meet.

Letters are being accepted now, so children hoping to get their wishes to the North Pole can start writing.

For complete instructions, important dates and information about adopting a letter, visit https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com/.