By Caleb MorganAre there sales after Christmas? Yes, and they are often some of the most useful deals of the whole year. Retailers clear out holiday inventory, decorations, and leftover seasonal stock in the days after December 25, and many also make room for new winter and spring merchandise. This guide explains when those sales usually happen, which categories tend to be marked down, and how to shop them with a plan instead of impulse.
The short answer: when after-Christmas sales happen
Most post-Christmas sales begin on December 26 and run through the first week or two of January. Some retailers start a few days earlier, while others keep markdowns going until stock is gone. Clearance often deepens in stages, with a new round of reductions roughly every one to two weeks. Late January and February can bring a second wave for winter apparel and seasonal goods that did not sell.
It helps to think of the post-holiday period as three overlapping windows:
- December 26 to December 31: Broad sitewide promotions, gift card and store credit offers, and the first clearance markdowns on decorations and holiday food.
- Early January: The deepest reductions on decorations, gift-wrap, and seasonal home goods, plus the first winter clearance on apparel.
- Mid-January to February: Second-round markdowns, end-of-season winter clothing, and early previews of spring stock.
Keep in mind that the exact timing differs by retailer, region, and store versus online. Checking a retailer’s clearance page before you go can save a trip.
Which categories are most likely to go on sale
Not everything is discounted equally after the holidays. The categories with the strongest post-Christmas reductions tend to share one trait: they have little value once the season ends.
Holiday decorations and seasonal displays
Artificial trees, ornaments, wreaths, string lights, and tabletop decor are the classic post-Christmas bargains. Stores want these off the floor quickly, and few shoppers buy them in January, so clearance is steep. Storage bins and tree bags are often marked down alongside them.
Gift-wrap, cards, and party supplies
Wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, and holiday greeting cards lose value immediately. If you celebrate other winter holidays or plan early for next year, these are easy to stock up on, though they can be bulky to store.
Winter apparel and outerwear
Coats, boots, sweaters, and cold-weather accessories are discounted in January as stores make space for spring. The best selection of sizes is usually earlier in the sale, while the deepest markdowns often arrive later, so the tradeoff is timing against availability.
Home goods and small appliances
Items like space heaters, holiday-themed kitchenware, and seasonal bedding often sit in clearance. Everyday staples such as storage containers and organizers may also be reduced as stores reset their shelves.
Gift cards and store credit
Many retailers issue gift cards or store credit to customers who returned holiday gifts. Check whether you have unused balances on accounts or loyalty programs before shopping, since these can be applied to clearance items.
How to shop after-Christmas sales effectively
Post-holiday shopping rewards preparation. The sale is real, but so is the temptation to buy things you do not need. A simple process keeps your spending on track.
Step 1: Make a list before the sale starts
Write down the specific items you want, their sizes or dimensions, and how many you need. Note any items you plan to buy next year. Having a written list turns vague browsing into targeted buying.
Step 2: Check clearance pages and set alerts
Most retailers have a clearance or sale section that updates as markdowns deepen. Browse it on December 26 and again a week later, since reductions often increase in steps. Many sites let you save items or turn on price-drop notifications.
Step 3: Compare the online and in-store selection
Stores may carry different inventory than websites. Online clearance can sell out in specific sizes, while in-store shelves may hold items that are not listed. If you are buying apparel, check size availability in both places.
Step 4: Confirm the return policy
Post-holiday returns can be stricter. Some clearance merchandise is final sale, and some stores shorten return windows during this period. Read the policy before you pay, especially for electronics and apparel you may need to exchange.
Step 5: Store your purchases properly
If you are buying decorations or wrapping paper for next year, store them in labeled, dry containers. Moisture and pests can damage artificial trees and paper goods, so keep them in a cool, dry closet or a sealed bin.
Checklist for post-Christmas shopping
- Write a list of items you need, including sizes and quantities.
- Check your gift cards, store credit, and loyalty points.
- Visit clearance pages on December 26 and again one to two weeks later.
- Compare online and in-store availability.
- Read return and exchange policies for clearance items.
- Set a spending limit for the trip and stick to it.
- Store next-year purchases in clean, dry, labeled containers.
Comparing timing options
| Shopping window | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| December 26 to 31 | Broad selection, sitewide promotions | Markdowns are often smaller than later rounds |
| Early January | Decorations, gift-wrap, first winter clearance | Some sizes may already be gone |
| Mid-January to February | Deepest winter apparel markdowns, spring previews | Limited sizes and colors remain |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying something just because it is marked down. A reduced price on an item you would not otherwise use is still an expense.
- Ignoring the return policy. Clearance items are often final sale, and many people discover this at the register.
- Stocking up on perishables or items that expire. Holiday food and candy may be discounted, but they lose quality quickly.
- Forgetting storage space. Bulk decorations and wrap take up room. Measure your storage before buying in quantity.
- Waiting too long for a size. The deepest markdowns can mean the size you need is gone.
- Shopping without a plan. Post-holiday sales are designed to encourage browsing. A list keeps you focused.
Tips for getting the most from the season
- Plan next year’s holiday purchases now, since decorations and wrap are reliable post-season bargains.
- Consider whether a seasonal item will get enough use to justify storing it.
- Combine post-holiday shopping with a review of your household needs. Our Christmas Season Household Shopping List (Beyond Gifts) covers items worth buying during the same period.
- If you are budgeting for the whole holiday season, reviewing How to Set a Christmas Gift Budget can help you decide how much room to leave for January purchases.
How after-Christmas sales fit into the wider calendar
After-Christmas sales are one part of a longer pattern of seasonal discounting. Understanding how these events connect can help you decide where to spend and where to wait. For a broader view of the year, see How Seasonal Sales Work and How to Use Them. If you want to plan the other major events, Holiday Sales Calendar: When the Big Sales Events Happen lays out the year in order. For guidance on what is worth buying once the clearance begins, After-Christmas Sales: What Is Worth Buying goes into more detail on individual categories.
Recommended gear
Two practical tools make post-holiday storage easier to manage:
- Clear plastic storage bins with lids. Clear containers let you see contents without unpacking, and sealed lids protect decorations from dust and moisture. View on Amazon
- Artificial tree storage bag. A padded bag with a zipper and handles protects branches from crushing and keeps the tree dry. View on Amazon
FAQ
Are there sales after Christmas every year?
Yes. Retailers consistently run post-holiday clearance because seasonal inventory loses value quickly. The exact discounts and product mix change from year to year.
When do after-Christmas sales start?
Most begin on December 26, though some retailers start a few days before Christmas. Deeper markdowns often arrive in early January.
Is there after-Christmas sales for clothing?
Yes. Winter apparel and outerwear are commonly reduced in January. Sizes are more limited later in the sale, so check availability early if you need a specific size.
Are after-Christmas sales better online or in stores?
It depends on the retailer. Online clearance can be broader, but in-store shelves sometimes hold items that are not listed. Compare both before you buy.
Do I get a refund on items bought during after-Christmas sales?
Return policies vary. Many clearance items are final sale, and some stores shorten return windows during this period. Read the policy before purchasing.
Should I buy holiday decorations after Christmas for next year?
Often yes, if you have storage space and plan to use them. Store them in clean, dry, labeled containers to keep them in good condition.
Are gift cards worth using during the post-holiday sales?
They can be, since they allow you to buy clearance items without new spending. Check balances and expiration dates before shopping.
Conclusion
Are there sales after Christmas? Yes, and the best ones usually run from December 26 through January, with a second wave in late winter. Focus on decorations, gift-wrap, and winter apparel, make a list before you shop, and check return policies. A planned approach lets you take advantage of real markdowns without buying things you will not use.
Related reading
- After-Christmas Sales: What Is Worth Buying
- How to Set a Christmas Gift Budget
- How Seasonal Sales Work and How to Use Them
- Holiday Sales Calendar: When the Big Sales Events Happen
- Holiday Cleaning Supplies Checklist: Before and After Guests
Ready to choose one?
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our holiday shopping calendar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
