USPS Operation Santa opens for holiday season

Sep 30, 2025, 12 PM

Washington Postal Scene by Linn’s Staff

On Sept. 15, the United States Postal Service opened its Operation Santa program for the 2025 holiday season.

According to the USPS, the program “makes it possible for people from across the nation to help fulfill the holiday wishes of families and children in need by adopting their letters to Santa Claus.”

New this year, Operation Santa is offering the option for adopters to select family letters, allowing participants to provide gifts for an entire household at once. In addition, the USPS has expanded its online “Santa’s Gift Shoppe,” giving adopters access to a wide range of toys, clothing, books and more that can be purchased and shipped directly.

“Operation Santa is a treasured tradition that continues to grow,” said Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president. “By expanding to include family letters and adding more options in the catalog, we are making it easier for people to spread holiday joy and for more families to experience the magic of Christmas.”

Children are invited to send letters to Santa Claus by addressing them to Santa, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Each letter must include the writer’s full name, return address, and a forever stamp, and must be postmarked no later than Dec. 6.

Once received, letters are reviewed and identifying information is removed before they are posted on the Operation Santa website for adoption. Registration for adopters begins Nov. 3, and the adoption period runs from Nov. 17 through Dec. 13. The USPS recommends mailing packages containing gifts by Dec. 13 to help ensure on-time holiday delivery.

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