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USPS Operation Santa
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.
What to Expect
Nationwide letter-writing and gift-fulfillment program for children.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near Washington
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, children, gift-givers
Vibe
Heartwarming, generous, community-focused
Energy Level
Low
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Not applicable
Special Events & Promotions
- Expanded online gift catalog for 2025
- Option to adopt family letters
- Community and team adoption opportunities
Location
Event Details
Duration
Seasonal (September - December)
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
U.S. Postal Service
Food & Drink
Not specified
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.
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.
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.