The Post Office Isn't The Only Place To Drop Off Your Letter To Santa

Around this time of year, millions of children write letters to Santa, ensuring those bids for toys are submitted in writing. It's smart, really. Many kids put a lot of thought, time, and effort into crafting these messages, too. When your kid finishes this important letter, then you still need to make sure it reaches jolly old St. Nick himself. That's when it's handy to know where to drop off Santa letters in time for the holidays. Fortunately for busy parents everywhere, there are many ways to get your post to the North Pole.

Where can kids mail letters to Santa?

For starters, the United States Postal Service looks like it's pretty tight with Santa. In fact, if your kid sends a letter to Santa by December 11, then there is a good chance you will get a personalized response from Santa back, according to the USPS. The exact steps to follow are outlined on the USPS website, and it will cost you a stamp, but your kid will receive a letter in the mail postmarked from Santa’s helpers in Anchorage, Alaska (the closest place within the U.S. you can get to the North Pole) which is pretty dang cool. Best of all, these letters can be sent from any mailbox, anywhere, so you won't have to make any extra trips to get the message sent.

Next, there is another way to mail Santa a letter and get a response back from the Arctic Circle. Simply mail a letter to Santa Claus' Main Post Office, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle, FINLAND, and your kid can get a response back with the awesome Arctic Circle postmark. Your whole family can enjoy this international and unique holiday tradition, which just might kick off an interest in collecting cool stamps and letters from around the world.

Where can you drop off a letter for Santa in person?

If you are going to the mall anyway, then you may want to swing by the department store Macy's. Historically, they’ve had big red mailboxes in several locations specifically for letters to Santa, but details have yet to be released for 2023.

In addition to these big players in the Santa mail game, you may want to search for more local opportunities to mail out those letters. I would start with your local library. For instance, the public libraries in Hurt, Texas offer designated mailboxes to mail Santa letters, and those sent before Dec. 15 will even get a personalized reply. Consider visiting your own local library to see about similar programs, and maybe check out some holiday books while you’re there.

Bass Pro Shops across the country also open up their Wonderland area for those who want some holiday cheer and want a free photo with Santa himself. Inside these areas are mailboxes where you can drop a letter to Santa. If you use the provided Bass Pro letterheads, there is a space to write your email and you’ll receive a response from Santa and his helpers.

How to find a Santa mailbox near you

A quick Google search for “Santa mailbox + your city” should give you a good idea of where to find a Santa mailbox near you. Local shopping centers, toy stores, and malls are also good places to check out for Santa mail drop off locations. For one, Cambridge Market shopping center in Wichita, KS has a mailbox specifically for letters to Santa that will get a reply if dropped off during the first two weeks of December, according to the blog Wichita Mom. Check your local shops for similar offerings.

If you are pressed for time, you can always email Santa. Hey, even Santa had to embrace technology at some point.

Whether you drop your letter in a special location, or have a postal worker pick it up from your own mailbox, you and your kids are taking part in a tradition millions of children have enjoyed for decades. This activity with a handwritten letter will create holiday memories that will last your child a lifetime, so cherish these moments while you can.