Santa Is Accepting Letters Through USPS Operation Santa

Send a letter, adopt a wish, and help make someone’s holiday brighter through USPS Operation Santa.

Santa’s mailroom is officially open, and families can now send their holiday wishes through USPS Operation Santa!

The program connects letter writers with generous people who can anonymously adopt a letter and help make someone’s holiday a little brighter.

Letter adoption begins November 16, so now is a good time to get those letters written and mailed.

💌 How to Send a Letter to Santa

Have your child write a letter that includes:

First and last name
Complete return address
Holiday wishes, listed in order of preference
Helpful gift details, including sizes, colors, or interests

Address the envelope to:

Santa
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888

Add the sender’s full name and return address in the upper-left corner of the envelope, then attach a First-Class stamp.

📮 Letters must be postmarked by December 5, 2026.

Families hoping to have their letters available when adoption opens should send them sooner.

🎄 Tips From Santa’s Mailroom

Write clearly, be specific, and keep gift requests reasonable.
Keep letters flat and skip glitter, beads, macaroni, or glued-on decorations.
Mail letters from the same household together in one larger envelope, with enough postage for its weight.

Need a little help getting started?
USPS offers free printable letter templates in English and Spanish.

Write a Letter to Santa

🎁 Want to Make Someone’s Holiday?

Beginning November 2, anyone who wants to adopt a letter can create and verify an account. Adoption opens November 16, giving individuals, families, coworkers, and community groups a chance to fulfill holiday wishes.

Adopters can shop through Santa’s Gift Shoppe or purchase gifts on their own. The final day to adopt, and the recommended shipping deadline, is December 12.