Q: Is FedEx closed on holidays? → A: FedEx typically suspends pickup and delivery on six major US holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day (the last Monday of May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (the first Monday of September), Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November), and Christmas Day (December 25). FedEx Home Delivery also skips Sunday delivery on Easter Sunday. FedEx Holiday Schedule Shippers plan around the FedEx holiday schedule to avoid missed cutoffs.
The FedEx holiday schedule determines when millions of packages reach their destinations during peak shipping seasons. For ecommerce sellers, real estate agents, and small businesses relying on timely deliveries, understanding FedEx’s exact holiday operations prevents costly delays and disappointed customers. Checking the FedEx holiday schedule early keeps seasonal orders on track.
FedEx operates modified services around major holidays, with some services suspended entirely while others keep limited availability. During the peak season, which typically runs from early fall into mid-January, FedEx usually applies additional demand surcharges to many residential and oversized packages. To compare carrier options, review the UPS holiday schedule and USPS holiday schedule for comprehensive shipping planning. The FedEx holiday schedule shifts pickup and delivery days around major holidays.
What Holidays Does FedEx Observe?
FedEx follows its own holiday calendar, which differs from the full list of federal holidays. Because most of these holidays are defined by a rule rather than a fixed date, the calendar dates move each year, but the pattern stays the same. FedEx typically suspends standard pickup and delivery on these holidays: Knowing the FedEx holiday schedule helps you promise realistic delivery dates.
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Easter Sunday – the Sunday after the first full moon of spring (no Sunday Home Delivery)
- Memorial Day – the last Monday of May
- Independence Day – July 4
- Labor Day – the first Monday of September
- Thanksgiving – the fourth Thursday of November
- Christmas Day – December 25
FedEx typically operates normally on several other federal holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday of January), Presidents Day (the third Monday of February), Good Friday, Juneteenth (June 19), Columbus Day (the second Monday of October), and Veterans Day (November 11). Christmas Eve (December 24), New Year’s Eve (December 31), and the day after Thanksgiving usually run on a modified schedule with earlier cutoffs or limited Ground and Home Delivery service. When a fixed-date holiday falls on a weekend, check how FedEx observes it that year. If you need to know about specific holidays, check does FedEx deliver on Martin Luther King Day or is FedEx closed for Columbus Day for detailed information. Businesses sync promotions with the FedEx holiday schedule to protect transit times.
Is FedEx Open on Each Major US Holiday?
| Holiday | When It Falls | Typical FedEx Service |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Closed (Custom Critical only) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday of January | Open, normal service |
| Presidents Day | Third Monday of February | Open, normal service |
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March or April) | No Sunday Home Delivery |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday of May | Closed |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Open, normal service |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Closed |
| Labor Day | First Monday of September | Closed |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday of October | Open, normal service |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Open, normal service |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday of November | Closed |
| Day after Thanksgiving | Fourth Friday of November | Express open; Ground and Home Delivery modified |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Modified, earlier pickup cutoffs |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Closed (Custom Critical only) |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Modified, earlier pickup cutoffs |
This table reflects FedEx’s usual pattern. FedEx publishes an official holiday schedule on fedex.com each year, and that schedule is the source to check for the current year’s exact closures and cutoffs. FedEx Office hours on holidays are set by location.
Mini Q&A:
- Q: Does FedEx Custom Critical operate on holidays? A: Yes, FedEx Custom Critical maintains limited availability for urgent shipments on most holidays.
- Q: Are FedEx drop boxes accessible on holidays? A: Drop boxes remain accessible, but packages won’t be collected until the next business day.
When Should You Ship for Christmas Delivery?
FedEx publishes its Christmas shipping deadlines each fall, and they generally fall in the second and third weeks of December, with slower ground services needing the earliest ship dates and overnight services the latest. Because Thanksgiving lands on the fourth Thursday of November, the number of shopping days between Black Friday and Christmas changes from year to year, and a late Thanksgiving leaves a noticeably shorter window.
How FedEx Christmas deadlines typically line up, from earliest to latest:
- FedEx Ground Economy: the earliest cutoff, often around the middle of December
- FedEx Ground: roughly the middle of December, depending on transit days to the destination
- FedEx Express Saver: a few business days before Christmas Eve
- FedEx Home Delivery: close to Christmas for nearby zones, earlier for long distances
- FedEx 2Day: two business days before Christmas Eve
- FedEx Priority Overnight: the business day before Christmas Eve, typically the last option
On Christmas Eve (December 24), FedEx typically runs a modified schedule with earlier pickup cutoffs in many areas. Check fedex.com’s holiday schedule for the current year’s exact Christmas deadlines, and expect peak-season surcharges on many shipments. For more information about Christmas delivery, see is FedEx delivering on Christmas Eve.
How Do FedEx Peak Season Surcharges Work?
FedEx typically applies peak or demand surcharges from early fall through mid-January, and announces the exact dates and amounts each year. These surcharges can significantly affect shipping costs during the holiday rush:
- Residential Delivery Surcharge: a per-package surcharge
- Additional Handling Surcharge: a higher per-package surcharge
- Oversize Charge: a per-shipment surcharge
- Ground Unauthorized Package Charges: a premium per-shipment surcharge
Mini Q&A:
- Q: When do peak season surcharges end? A: FedEx peak season pricing typically ends in mid-January; check FedEx’s announcement for the current season’s end date.
- Q: Do surcharges apply to all FedEx services? A: Most surcharges apply to Ground and Express services, with specific rates varying by service type.
How Does Memorial Day Affect FedEx Shipping?
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May, creating a three-day weekend that impacts shipping schedules. FedEx typically suspends FedEx Express, Ground, and Home Delivery pickup and delivery on Memorial Day.
To get packages delivered before the Memorial Day weekend, plan to ship:
- FedEx Ground: early in the week before, since Ground transit is counted in business days
- FedEx Express Saver: by Wednesday or Thursday of the week before
- FedEx 2Day: by Wednesday of the week before for Friday delivery
- FedEx Priority Overnight: by Thursday for Friday delivery, or Friday for Saturday delivery where available
FedEx Office locations set their own weekend and holiday hours, and many close on Memorial Day. Plan alternative drop-off arrangements or use FedEx drop boxes for packages collected on the next business day.
For businesses shipping Memorial Day weekend sales items, consider understanding delivery times and schedules to set accurate customer expectations and avoid disappointment. Understanding what time do FedEx deliver helps plan around holiday closures effectively.
What Independence Day Service Changes Should You Expect?
Independence Day is always July 4, so the day of the week changes every year. When it falls on a Friday or Monday, it creates an extended weekend; when it falls midweek, expect a one-day pause in the middle of the week. FedEx typically suspends Express, Ground, and Home Delivery pickup and delivery on July 4.
FedEx Office locations observe modified schedules:
- Most FedEx Office locations close on July 4
- Selected locations in high-traffic areas may maintain reduced hours
- FedEx SameDay City shipments have limited availability
- Drop box collections resume on the next business day
| Service | July 4th Status | Weekend Impact |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Express | Closed | Saturday delivery may be available when July 4 falls on a Friday |
| FedEx Ground | Closed | No weekend service |
| FedEx Home Delivery | Closed | Saturday delivery may be available when July 4 falls on a Friday |
| FedEx Custom Critical | Limited | Emergency service only |
Mini Q&A:
- Q: Does FedEx work on Labor Day? A: No, FedEx suspends all standard pickup and delivery services on Labor Day, the first Monday of September.
- Q: Can I still drop off packages at FedEx locations on July 4th? A: Drop boxes remain accessible, but packages won’t be processed until the next business day.
How Does Labor Day Weekend Impact Shipping Schedules?
Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September, marking the traditional end of summer and the beginning of back-to-school shipping demand. All FedEx services suspend operations on Labor Day, including pickup, delivery, and most customer service functions.
How to plan around Labor Day:
- Last pickup day: Typically the Friday before Labor Day
- Service resumes: Typically the Tuesday after Labor Day
- FedEx Ground for pre-Labor Day delivery: Ship early in the week before, since Ground transit is counted in business days
- FedEx 2Day: Ship by midweek before the holiday weekend
- Exact cutoffs: FedEx typically modifies service around Labor Day, so check fedex.com’s holiday schedule for the current year’s dates
Labor Day coincides with peak back-to-school shipping, creating increased demand for electronics, textbooks, and dormitory supplies. This combination often results in processing delays even after services resume. To verify delivery status during this period, check did FedEx deliver today for real-time updates.
What Thanksgiving and Black Friday Shipping Changes Occur?
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of November, is one of the days FedEx typically closes before the holiday shipping rush begins. Black Friday shipping generally operates, but increased package volumes often cause delays.
The typical FedEx Thanksgiving week pattern:
- Wednesday before Thanksgiving: Normal service, though volume is heavy
- Thanksgiving Day: Pickup and delivery suspended
- Black Friday: FedEx Express typically operates; Ground and Home Delivery often run a modified schedule
- Saturday: FedEx Home Delivery typically operates in its usual weekend service areas
- Sunday: Limited weekend service in covered areas
Black Friday shipping considerations:
- Package volumes rise sharply compared with normal days
- Ground services can see delays even when operating
- Express services tend to stay more reliable, at a higher cost
- FedEx Office locations extend hours in many markets
Because Thanksgiving can fall anywhere from November 22 to November 28, some years leave a much shorter window between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plan holiday inventory shipments the week before Thanksgiving to avoid Black Friday bottlenecks.
Mini Q&A:
- Q: Does FedEx deliver on Christmas Day? A: No, FedEx typically suspends standard delivery services on December 25 every year.
- Q: Should I use expedited services during Black Friday week? A: Yes, FedEx Priority Overnight and 2Day services maintain better reliability during peak volume periods.
How Do Weekend and Extended Holiday Services Work?
FedEx offers enhanced weekend delivery options during peak seasons and around major holidays. FedEx Home Delivery provides Saturday and Sunday delivery to over 50% of U.S. addresses, with a standard per-package surcharge regardless of delivery day.
Weekend service availability by FedEx option:
- FedEx Home Delivery: Saturday and Sunday delivery available
- FedEx Priority Overnight: Saturday delivery with additional fees
- FedEx Standard Overnight: Saturday delivery in select markets
- FedEx Ground: Monday through Friday only (no weekend delivery)
- FedEx Express Saver: Monday through Friday business delivery
During holiday periods, FedEx often expands weekend services to handle increased demand, while Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve typically run on modified schedules with earlier cutoffs. Understanding what is end of day for FedEx helps plan shipments more effectively around these extended holiday services.
For high-volume shippers seeking consistent shipping savings, ParcelPath offers discounted USPS and UPS rates up to 89% off retail prices (ParcelPath does not ship FedEx). The platform lets you compare USPS and UPS holiday shipping options side by side without subscription fees or minimum volume requirements.
| Service Type | Saturday Delivery | Sunday Delivery | Holiday Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Home Delivery | Yes (surcharge applies) | Yes (surcharge applies) | Limited during major holidays |
| FedEx Priority Overnight | Yes (market dependent) | No | Modified on Christmas Eve |
| FedEx 2Day | Yes (additional fee) | No | Available most holidays |
| FedEx Ground | No | No | Suspended on major holidays |
What Policy Changes Affect Holiday Shipping?
FedEx typically announces seasonal policy changes each fall that affect holiday shipping reliability and costs. In past peak seasons, these have included suspending or limiting the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee for some time-definite services.
Peak-season policy changes FedEx has used in past years:
- Money-Back Guarantee Suspension: Some time-definite FedEx Express services lose delivery guarantee protection for part of December
- Extended Delivery Commitments: A.M. delivery commitments for some services have been extended during peak season
- Increased Handling Surcharges: Additional handling fees rise during peak season
- International Service Modifications: Some international lanes lose money-back protection during peak season
These changes reflect FedEx’s response to heavy holiday shipping volumes and operational constraints. Check FedEx’s service announcements for the current season’s policies. Businesses relying on guaranteed delivery times should implement alternative contingency plans or consider multiple carrier strategies. For those needing slower but more economical options, understanding how long does economy shipping take helps set realistic expectations during peak periods.
When FedEx extends A.M. delivery commitments, it typically means:
- Morning commitments shift later in the day
- Afternoon commitments usually remain unchanged
- Saturday delivery commitments usually keep their original timeframes
- Exact commitment times are listed in FedEx’s peak-season notice
Mini Q&A:
- Q: Does the Money-Back Guarantee suspension affect FedEx Ground? A: No, FedEx Ground services don’t typically include time-definite guarantees.
- Q: Is FedEx open tomorrow during extended delivery periods? A: On non-holiday weekdays, yes, though some delivery commitments may be extended during peak season.
How Can You Track Holiday Shipments Effectively?
FedEx processes over 600 million tracking requests daily during peak holiday seasons, making robust tracking tools essential for managing holiday shipments. The FedEx Delivery Manager provides comprehensive shipment visibility and delivery customization options at no additional cost.
Advanced tracking features during holidays include:
- Real-time location updates: GPS-based tracking shows package location every 2-4 hours
- Delivery window notifications: 2-hour delivery windows sent via text or email
- Signature release options: Pre-authorize deliveries for trusted locations
- Delivery address changes: Redirect packages to FedEx Office locations or alternate addresses
- Weekend delivery scheduling: Modify delivery preferences for Saturday/Sunday service
FedEx Delivery Manager allows customers to:
- Hold packages at FedEx Office locations for up to 14 days
- Schedule specific delivery dates within a 14-day window
- Request evening delivery (after 5 PM) in select markets
- Authorize release without signature for trusted locations
- Receive proactive notifications about weather or service delays
During holiday periods when FedEx is closed today for major holidays, packages in transit maintain tracking visibility but won’t advance through the network until services resume. For Easter Sunday specifically, check does FedEx deliver on Easter Sunday to understand service availability. Similar to understanding UPS business days shipping schedules, knowing FedEx operational hours during holidays helps businesses plan shipments more effectively. For specialized shipments requiring longer transit times, learning how long car shipping takes provides context for managing customer expectations across different shipping scenarios.
For businesses managing multiple holiday shipments, ParcelPath’s platform provides consolidated shipment visibility for USPS and UPS packages. This eliminates the need to check multiple tracking numbers across different carrier websites while offering discounted shipping rates. To check if FedEx stores are open on Martin Luther King Day, visit is FedEx open on MLK Day for specific location hours.
Does FedEx Work on Labor Day?
No. FedEx does not pick up or deliver on Labor Day, the first Monday in September. FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Home Delivery all pause for the day, and anything scheduled for delivery that Monday moves to the next business day with no extra charge.
A few things still run:
- FedEx Custom Critical operates around the clock for urgent shipments, at premium pricing.
- Drop boxes still accept packages, but nothing is scanned or moved until Tuesday.
- FedEx Office locations set their own holiday hours; some open on a reduced schedule and some close, so check the location before you go.
Because the holiday follows a weekend, a package handed over after Friday’s last pickup may not move again until Tuesday. Ship time-sensitive packages early in the week before, and check FedEx’s published holiday schedule for the current year’s cutoffs. Labor Day is also a postal holiday, so USPS does not deliver regular mail that day either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FedEx deliver on holidays?
FedEx operates on a modified schedule around major holidays. It typically suspends standard pickup and delivery on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, and FedEx Home Delivery skips Sunday delivery on Easter. Limited services may be available through FedEx Custom Critical for urgent shipments. For specific holiday information, check FedEx deliver on Christmas details.
Which holidays does FedEx observe?
FedEx typically closes on New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day (the last Monday of May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (the first Monday of September), Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November), and Christmas Day (December 25), with no Sunday Home Delivery on Easter. Services usually operate normally on MLK Day, Presidents Day, Juneteenth, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day. Check fedex.com’s holiday schedule for the current year.
When should I ship for Christmas delivery?
FedEx publishes Christmas deadlines each fall. Ground services typically need to ship around the middle of December, Express Saver and 2Day a few business days before Christmas Eve, and Priority Overnight is usually the last option. Check fedex.com’s holiday schedule for the current year’s exact dates, and expect peak-season surcharges.
Does FedEx work on Thanksgiving?
No, FedEx typically suspends standard pickup and delivery on Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of November. Service resumes on Black Friday, when Express usually operates and Ground and Home Delivery may run a modified schedule amid heavy volumes. FedEx Office locations typically close on Thanksgiving but may extend hours on Black Friday.
Is FedEx open on New Year’s Day?
No, FedEx is typically closed on New Year’s Day (January 1), except for limited FedEx Custom Critical service for urgent shipments. Standard pickup and delivery resume on the next business day, and New Year’s Eve usually runs on a modified schedule with earlier cutoffs.
Does FedEx deliver on weekends during the holiday season?
Yes, FedEx Home Delivery provides Saturday and Sunday delivery to many U.S. addresses for an additional per-package fee (see current FedEx pricing). FedEx Priority Overnight offers Saturday delivery in many markets. FedEx often expands weekend service during the peak holiday season.
What are FedEx holiday shipping deadlines for Christmas?
FedEx sets new Christmas deadlines each year. They typically run from the earliest cutoff for FedEx Ground Economy in mid-December, through FedEx Ground, Express Saver, and 2Day, to FedEx Priority Overnight as the last option shortly before Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve usually runs on a modified schedule with earlier cutoffs.
Does FedEx offer holiday shipping guarantees?
In past peak seasons, FedEx has suspended or limited its Money-Back Guarantee for some time-definite services and extended some A.M. delivery commitments. Check FedEx’s service announcements each fall for the current season’s guarantee policy.
Are FedEx drop-off locations open on holidays?
Most FedEx Office locations close on major holidays like Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. Some high-traffic locations maintain limited hours on holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. Drop boxes remain accessible but packages aren’t collected until the next business day.
How can I avoid shipping delays during the holidays?
Ship early (by the middle of December for ground services to Christmas destinations), choose expedited services during peak periods, avoid shipping on days preceding major holidays, and use FedEx Delivery Manager for tracking and delivery customization. Expect peak-season surcharges on many shipments.
For more shipping tips, follow us on Pinterest: ParcelPath.
Read more: FedEx Customize Delivery Grayed Out: 5 Quick Fixes.
Read more: FedEx Office Services: What You Can Do In-Store.
Read more: Non-Machinable Surcharge: Fee Guide.
Holiday schedules affect Sunday delivery distinctly from regular weekly schedules — FedEx Home Delivery typically runs on most Sundays year-round but suspends operations on observed holidays. The full Sunday-window plus holiday exceptions for whether does fedex deliver on sunday during holidays is in our Sunday-delivery reference.
Part of our What Time Does FedEx Deliver guide. Related: FedEx Delivery Schedule, FedEx Delivery Policy, FedEx Closing Time.
