USPS Operation Santa
Participants write letters to Santa detailing their holiday wish lists, including specific preferences like book titles, clothing sizes, and colors. Letters are mailed with standard postage and include the sender's full name and return address. Eligible letters have personal information redacted and are published online for generous adopters across the country to fulfill.
What to Expect
Mail holiday wish lists to the North Pole for adoption.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
United States Postal Service (USPS)
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and children writing holiday wish lists
Vibe
Hopeful and heartwarming
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Tips & Advice
- Address the envelope to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888, and write a clear return address on both the envelope and letter.
- Use correct postage, placing a First-Class stamp in the envelope’s upper-right corner, so USPS can deliver your letter.
- Keep your letter flat and avoid glitter or glued-on objects, which can prevent it from being scanned and uploaded online.
- Name specific gifts, including titles, sizes, and colors, to help adopters understand what would suit the writer.
- Mail by December 5, 2026; letters must be postmarked by the last-call deadline to be considered for this season.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adopter registration and ID verification opens November 2
- Letter adoption begins November 16, with new letters added daily through December 12
- December 12 is the last day to adopt and the recommended ship-by date for delivery before December 25
- Adopters can take on a whole family or form a team to adopt letters as a group
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can write a letter to Santa?
Anyone in the continental U.S., Hawaii or Puerto Rico, at any age. A parent, guardian, teacher or caregiver can help write it.
What should my letter include?
Be specific about game and book titles, sizes and colors. Include your full first and last name and a clear return address with your apartment number. Mail it in an envelope with the correct postage to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.
Does sending a letter guarantee a gift?
No. Not every letter gets posted, and posted letters aren't always adopted. Personal details are blacked out before any letter goes online.
Can my family send letters together?
Yes. Put all of your family's letters in one envelope with extra stamps for the weight. Letters sent together have a better chance of being posted together.
How do I adopt a letter?
Create an account and get ID-verified starting November 2, then adopt online from November 16. Each person can adopt up to 20 letters, and families and teams can adopt together.
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