When Do New Year's Clearance Sales Typically Begin?
Learn when holiday clearance starts, how discounts deepen, and when to shop for variety versus lower prices.
New Year's clearance sales typically begin December 26, the day after Christmas. They run through the first one to two weeks of January with progressively deeper markdowns. Holiday clearance covers leftover seasonal goods such as decor, gift sets, and winter apparel.
January clearance adds linens, TVs, and fitness gear tied to new-year shopping patterns.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
What day do the sales start?
Many large chains open holiday clearance on December 26 at about 50% off seasonal goods. Best Life reports that Walmart and Target follow this pattern, then cut prices further by early to mid-January in its after-Christmas sales guide. That first week sets the tone for January.
Early discounts clear shelf space for winter staples and incoming spring inventory.
How do prices change in January?
Discounts often deepen to 70-90% off by early to mid-January as stock thins. Best Life notes this second markdown phase applies to remaining holiday goods in its after-Christmas sales guide. Shoppers face a clear tradeoff between choice and price.
ConsumerAffairs explains in its after-Christmas playbook that Dec. 26-28 offers the best assortment, while early January brings deeper bargains on what remains.
What is a January white sale?
January white sales discount bedding, towels, and linens. Mattress Clarity traces the tradition to Philadelphia merchant John Wanamaker in January 1878 in its white sales guide. The event was created to draw shoppers during slow post-holiday traffic.
Today it remains a practical time to replace sheets, comforters, and bath towels.
Why are TVs on clearance in January?
TVs are a key January clearance category because new models shown at January's Consumer Electronics Show push prior-year sets into clearance before the February Super Bowl. NerdWallet describes this cycle in its best time to buy a TV guide. Consumer Reports also identifies January as a strong-buy month for TVs, fitness equipment, and winter apparel, with TV deals strengthening in the second half of January.
That timing suits shoppers who can wait past the first clearance week.
- Shop Dec. 26-28 for decor, sizes, and giftable sets.
- Shop early January for the lowest prices on leftovers.
- Shop mid-to-late January for TVs and linens.