USPS New Stamps for 2026–And the Cities They Will Launch In

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has revealed four new stamps for its 2026 lineup, while also confirming more release dates and first‑day ceremony locations across the United States as part of an expansive program celebrating culture, history and the country's 250th birthday.

The latest stamp additions add to a growing roster of stamp issues that have been scheduled throughout the year, with themes ranging from holidays and national heritage to ongoing public health challenges.

New Stamp Designs Announced

Among the newest additions are several stamps highlighting distinct aspects of American life, along with a wide range of cultural and religious holidays.

Among the major new commemoratives is a “U.S. Coast Guard Academy” stamp, marking the institution’s 150th anniversary. The design combines imagery of the USCGC Eagle, the academy’s primary training vessel, and the Bertholf, the Coast Guard’s first national security cutter.

USPS is also issuing a “Know the Facts About Fentanyl” semipostal stamp (which has two purposes: to pay for postage and raise money for a specific cause), intended to raise money for research and awareness efforts tied to the ongoing opioid crisis. Net proceeds will support the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Seasonal releases also feature in the latest update. A new “Christmas Cookies” stamp set celebrates a traditional holiday pastime with images of decorated sugar cookies, while a separate “Christmas: Madonna and Child” stamp features a historic Netherlandish painting, The Virgin and Child Enthroned, dating to around 1500 and now held by the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts.

Rounding out the holiday offerings is a new “Winter Wreath” global stamp, showcasing a decorated wreath with a snowy finish, intended for international mail and designed to evoke a broad, seasonal theme rather than a specific celebration.

The Postal Service is also continuing its long‑running series recognizing major religious and cultural holidays. A new “Diwali” stamp highlights a brightly coloured rangoli design, a traditional art form associated with the Hindu festival of light, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

A redesigned “Hanukkah” stamp features a digital illustration of a dreidel, reflecting both Jewish heritage and folk‑art traditions, while the latest "Kwanzaa" stamp — the 11th in the series — depicts a father and daughter alongside symbolic elements such as the unity cup and a gift. Kwanzaa, which comes from the Swahili phrase, which means "first fruits," is a festival typically celebrated by African Americans from December 26 to January 1.

In addition to these stamps, USPS also confirmed a new “Diagonal U.S. Flag” stamped envelope, featuring a stylized close‑up of the Stars and Stripes rendered in a bold, modern composition.

Cities Hosting 2026 Stamp Launches

USPS has confirmed a range of upcoming first‑day‑of‑issue ceremonies and locations for newly announced 2026 stamps, including:

The Diagonal U.S. flag envelope will be issued at Linthicum Heights in Maryland on August 7, 2026.The U.S. Coast Guard Academy stamp will be issued in New London, Connecticut, on September 12.The Global Winter Wreath will debut in Humble, Texas, on September 18.The Christmas Cookies will launch in Washington, D.C., on September 19.The Kwanzaa stamp will be issued in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 23.The Hanukkah stamp will be introduced in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 29.

Christmas: Madonna and Child will make its debut in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on October 2.The Know the Facts About Fentanyl stamp will be introduced in Bethesda, Maryland, on October 6.

A Broader 2026 Program

The 2026 stamp schedule forms part of a wider initiative that highlights major milestones—including the 250th anniversary of the United States—as well as cultural icons, natural themes and community traditions.

Many of the stamps will be issued as “Forever” stamps, meaning they retain their value regardless of future postage price increases.

Full List of Confirmed 2026 Forever Stamp Releases (To Date)

Below is a list of the 2026 collection stamps that have been issued so far in 2026, with more to come in the fall, including “Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow” and “International Peace” Forever stamps, according to Forever Stamps.

Early 2026 releases

Love Muhammad Ali Colorado Statehood Black Heritage: Phillis Wheatley

Lunar New Year: Year of the HorseBruce Lee Harriet Powers Lowriders Sunflowers

Spring–summer releases

Figures of the American RevolutionHappy BirthdayA Day at the Beach Route 66Bald Eagle: Hatchling to AdultAmerican BisonSummer SunsetDeclaration of Independence