Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

When does after Christmas sales start? Most major retailers begin marking down holiday merchandise on December 26, the day after Christmas, though some launch their clearance events a few days earlier and others wait until the first week of January. This guide explains the typical timeline, the factors that shift it from year to year, and how to build a simple calendar so you can shop the markdowns at the right moment.

The Short Answer: Usually December 26

For most US shoppers, after Christmas sales begin on or around December 26. That is the date when many department stores, discount chains and big-box retailers move seasonal and gift merchandise into clearance. Some chains start a day or two before Christmas with “pre-clearance” signage, while others hold their main post-holiday event through New Year’s Day. The exact start depends on the retailer, the category and how well the holiday inventory sold.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Does Best Buy Have After Christmas Sales? (2026): What to Expect and When.

Typical Timeline Across the Holiday Season

The post-Christmas period is not a single sale. It unfolds in stages, and knowing the stages helps you decide when to buy.

  1. Late December (around the 23rd to 25th): Some stores begin marking down gift sets, seasonal decor and holiday apparel. These early markdowns are usually modest and limited to slow sellers.
  2. December 26 to 28: This is the core window. Most retailers launch broader clearance, with holiday decor, wrapping supplies, winter clothing and small electronics among the most visibly reduced items.
  3. December 29 to 31: Deeper markdowns often appear on remaining seasonal stock as stores prepare for year-end inventory counts.
  4. January 1 to mid-January: Some stores continue clearance, and new-year promotions begin to replace holiday signage. Stock is thinner, but sizes and colors that remain can be good value.

Factors That Shift the Start Date

The calendar above is a reliable baseline, but several factors can move the start date earlier or later.

Day of the Week

When Christmas falls on a weekend, stores sometimes extend the holiday selling period and delay clearance by a day or two. Conversely, a midweek Christmas can allow the markdown push to begin immediately on the 26th.

Retailer Type

Department stores and mall-based chains tend to run formal post-holiday events with printed circulars. Discount and off-price chains often restock clearance continuously, so markdowns can appear at any point after the 26th. Warehouse clubs may run their own seasonal rotation.

Product Category

Items tied tightly to Christmas, such as ornaments, wrapping paper and Christmas trees, usually move first because they have no value after the holiday. Winter apparel and outdoor gear may hold their prices longer, while electronics often follow their own release cycle and may not be marked down until new models arrive.

Store Inventory Levels

Retailers that overstocked for the season have more reason to start clearance early. Chains that sold through well may hold back markdowns for a few days.

How to Build Your Post-Christmas Shopping Calendar

Planning ahead is easier than chasing deals on the fly. Use this process to map out the week.

  1. List your targets. Write down the specific items you want, such as a particular appliance, winter coat or set of storage bins. Vague goals lead to impulse buys.
  2. Match each target to a retailer. Check which stores carry the item and whether they tend to discount that category.
  3. Sign up for store email lists and app notifications a few weeks before Christmas so you receive early clearance alerts.
  4. Mark the 26th through the 31st on your calendar as your primary window, and add a reminder for the first week of January.
  5. Set a maximum you are willing to spend for each item before you start looking, so the markdown does not talk you into more.
  6. Check return policies before buying, since holiday returns often have shorter or different windows.

Sample Timeline Table

Date Range What Usually Happens Best For
Dec 23 to 25 Early markdowns on gift sets and decor Shoppers who need selection
Dec 26 to 28 Main clearance launch across most chains Broadest selection of deals
Dec 29 to 31 Deeper cuts on remaining seasonal stock Patient buyers willing to accept leftovers
Jan 1 to mid-Jan Continued clearance, thinner inventory Winter items and flexible-size shoppers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming every store starts on the same day. Check each retailer’s website or app rather than relying on a single rule.
  • Waiting too long for the best selection. Popular sizes and colors sell out quickly in the first days of clearance.
  • Buying items you would not otherwise want. A markdown is only a good deal if you planned to buy the product.
  • Ignoring return windows. Some stores shorten return periods during the holiday season.
  • Overlooking online-only clearance. Many retailers run separate web-exclusive markdowns that do not appear in stores.

Tips for Getting the Most From the Post-Holiday Window

  • Check the clearance section on a store’s website first thing in the morning on December 26, when inventory updates are most visible.
  • Compare two or three retailers for the same item before committing.
  • Keep receipts and gift receipts organized in one folder for easy returns.
  • Consider buying winter clothing and storage in January, when the selection of basics often remains.
  • Track seasonal items you plan to buy next year so you know what to watch for during the next clearance cycle.

A few simple tools make tracking post-holiday markdowns easier. A basic label maker or dedicated receipt folder helps you keep purchases and return windows organized, and a small notebook or a spreadsheet app lets you map the calendar above. For shoppers who want to compare stores on the go, a reliable phone with the retailer apps installed is often the most useful tool of all.

  • Accordion document organizer: keeps gift receipts and return paperwork sorted by store and date. View on Amazon
  • Dry-erase wall calendar: lets you map your December 26 to January shopping window at a glance. View on Amazon
  • Label maker: helpful for tagging returns and marking which holiday purchases need to be exchanged. View on Amazon

FAQ

When do after Christmas sales start for most stores?

Most major retailers begin their main clearance on December 26. Some start a day or two earlier with partial markdowns.

Do all stores start on December 26?

No. Start dates vary by retailer, category and inventory levels. Off-price and discount chains may markdown continuously, while department stores often follow a formal schedule.

Are after Christmas sales better than Black Friday?

They serve different purposes. Black Friday focuses on new-season gift shopping, while after Christmas sales focus on clearing seasonal and holiday stock. Selection differs, so the better choice depends on what you need.

Do after Christmas sales last until New Year’s Day?

Many do, and some continue into mid-January. Stock thins out over time, so buying earlier usually gives you more options.

Are electronics included in after Christmas sales?

Some electronics are marked down, but many products follow their own release and clearance cycle. Check specific models rather than assuming a broad discount.

Can I return items bought during after Christmas sales?

Return policies vary. Some stores shorten the window or limit returns on clearance items, so read the policy before you buy.

Does the start date change every year?

The general pattern of starting around December 26 stays consistent, but the exact day can shift based on the calendar and how each retailer plans its holiday season.

Should I wait for January clearance?

January can offer deeper cuts on remaining winter items, but popular sizes and colors may be gone. Waiting makes sense for flexible shoppers who are not attached to a specific item.

Conclusion

After Christmas sales usually begin on December 26 and continue through New Year’s Day, with some stores extending markdowns into January. Use the timeline and calendar in this guide to plan your window, check each retailer’s clearance section, and keep return policies in mind. A little preparation ahead of December 26 will help you shop with purpose rather than impulse.

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Caleb Morgan

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.