USPS Operation Santa is back for 2026, and letters to Santa are being accepted now. If your family wants to take part, you can mail a letter today. The part where people choose letters and send gifts begins in November.
Operation Santa lets people across the U.S., Hawaii and Puerto Rico write to Santa. Later in the season, verified volunteers can read letters and choose wishes to fulfill. You do not need an online account to send a letter. USPS explains how the program works here.
How to Send a Letter to Santa
Write a letter with your full name, return address and gift wishes. Being specific about things like sizes, colors or book titles can help someone choose a gift. Put your return address on the envelope too, including your apartment number if you have one, and add the correct postage.
Mail your letter to:
- Santa
- 123 Elf Road
- North Pole, 88888
Letters have been accepted since September 14, 2026, and must be postmarked by December 5. If several people in your household are writing, USPS suggests putting the family’s letters together in one envelope, with enough postage for its weight. See USPS’s letter-writing tips.
When Can People Adopt Letters?
Registration and identity verification for people who want to send gifts opens November 2. Letter adoption begins November 16, and the last day to adopt a letter is December 12. Adopters buy gifts and pay for shipping themselves.
Please keep in mind: Mailing a letter does not guarantee it will appear on the website, be adopted or result in a gift. The program depends on volunteers choosing and fulfilling letters. USPS’s 2026 dates and FAQs have the full details.
Ready to write your letter? Visit the official USPS Operation Santa website: https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com/
