USPS Operation Santa is BACK: Adopt Letters & Play Santa Starting November 18th!

Hip2Save may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you via trusted partners and affiliate links in this post. Prices and availability are accurate as of time posted. Read our full disclosure policy here.

More Christmas

Here’s how you can participate in the USPS Operation Santa letter submission & adoption program.

hand holding a wrapped gift with dark hunter green ribbon

Here’s a thoughtful way to give back this holiday season!

Here at Hip2Save, we truly love sharing all the latest deals with you, and we’re so thankful to play a part in making the holidays more affordable for families all over the country! Unfortunately, there are still a lot of families in need who struggle around this time of year while trying to provide their loved ones with a memorable holiday season.

Luckily, the USPS is running its Operation Santa program once again this year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to help others and give back! Pre-registration for the event starts on November 4th, and beginning on November 28th, you can “adopt” letters and help another family.

USPS truck

What is Operation Santa?

Every year, the USPS receives tons of hopeful letters to Santa. Instead of tossing these heartfelt letters, the USPS decided to respond, and the initiative became known as Operation Santa.

USPS collects letters and holiday wish lists from families all over the country. Once the letters are accepted and the writers’ personal information removed, they’re put “up for adoption” for folks from all around the US. Those who adopt can then purchase the wish list items and get them to the families with a little help from the USPS.

It’s a safe way to spread the holiday cheer and help other families have the best holiday possible.

letter to santa

If you’re looking to be a part of the Operation Santa program this year, you’ll be allowed to adopt up to 15 letters starting on November 18th. Starting November 4th, you’ll need to create an account to verify your ID and register to participate.

On November 4th, here’s how to register…

  • Select “register & verify ID” if you haven’t yet. Note that even if you’ve participated in the past, you’ll need to renew your registration each year. Preregistration begins on November 4th.
  • Create an account and verify your ID and password. If you aren’t able to verify your ID online, you can visit one of the 19,000 participating Post Office locations with a Label Broker service.
  • After you’re approved, you’ll receive an email with detailed information on how to join in and make the most of the program by adopting a letter or letters. You can begin adopting letters now!

Businesses are also welcome to take part in the USPS Operation Santa program, but every individual participant will need to go through the verification process.

cookies and milk for santa

Looking to submit a wish list?

Through December 9th, you can write your letter to Santa, enclose it in an envelope with a First-Class Mail stamp, fill in your complete return address, including apartment number and directional information (if necessary, ex. E Main St, Apt 103), and Zip Code, and mail it to Santa’s official workshop address:

Santa Claus
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888

For a family, group all your family’s letters in one envelope and include additional stamps depending on the weight.

If you’d like some inspiration and tips, the USPS has a helpful guide for writing the perfect letter to Santa!

black mailbox

Plan to participate? Here are some key dates to remember:

  • November 4: Preregistration and ID verification begins for adopters
  • November 18: Letters are now available for adoption; make sure you register first.
  • December 9: Last day to place wish list letters in the mail.
  • December 16: This is the last day for adopters to adopt letters and ship their packages. Adoptions close at 8 pm ET.

See our latest deals on all the hottest gifts!


About the writer:

Erika has a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Sonoma State University and 5+ years of writing experience from various deal sites including Hip2Save.


Join The Discussion

Comments 4

  1. Sara

    I’d like to do this, but I’m broke. If my kid puts a hoverboard there, are we obligated to purchase the entire list? I hate to sign up and make a kid actually miss out on something.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Hey Sara! I did find these details in the FAQ if they might be helpful! 🤗❤️

      “Do I have to buy everything the child asked for? :
      No. You can respond however you’re inspired to. Some people fulfill one or two of the child’s wishes, while still others may choose to grant all the wishes listed.”

      “I can’t fulfill my letter! How do I cancel my adoption?:
      You can cancel an adoption under Your Letters in your account profile. This allows the letter to be republished on the site so it can be adopted by someone else.”

      • Sara

        Awesome. Thank you !

        • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

          You’re very welcome! 🥰 Glad to help!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

It's not your Grandma's coupon site!

Sign up for a Hip2Save account (it's free) to access all of the awesome features!

Forgot Password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot Password

Don't have an account? Register

Become a Hip2Save Insider

Don't Miss Out! Join our large community of insiders - it's totally free! Once you join, you'll be able to save & share your favorite deals, rate posts and recipes and add items to your HipList and Cookbook! What are ya waiting for?!



Already have an account? Login

Thank you for rating!

Would you also like to leave us a comment?