When Is the Best Day to Shop Clearance After Christmas?
Shop twice for holiday clearance: pick popular items Dec. 26-28, then save on leftovers in early January.
Shop December 26-28 for the widest choice of decor, wrap, toys and winter apparel, according to GiftList's holiday shopping calendar. Shop the first week of January for the deepest cuts before stock is salvaged. Christmas clearance means leftover holiday goods marked down after December 25.
Prices fall as shelves empty, so the date shapes both price and choice.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
What to grab December 26-28?
Buy trees, lights and popular toys first. Those items sell out early among shoppers buying for next Christmas. Look for wrap, ornaments and winter apparel while colors and sizes remain.
Early shoppers see the fullest racks in those aisles.
When do leftover prices fall further?
Visit again in the first week of January for leftover decor and apparel. GiftList reports those leftovers can reach 70-90% off in that window with its holiday discount guide. Expect picked-over shelves and missing sizes.
Savings grow because fewer choices remain.
Why is the week after Christmas so busy?
About 71% of consumers plan to shop the week right after December 25, according to the National Retail Federation's Super Saturday survey. About 48% cite sales, 26% redeem gift cards and 16% make returns or exchanges. Carry gift cards and receipts that week.
Crowds run high because shoppers combine deals, redemptions and returns.
How to plan two quick trips?
Use two short trips instead of one long hunt. Each trip has a clear job. Buy for next Christmas on the first trip, then fill gaps on the second.
You pay more early but keep choice.
- Dec. 26-28: trees, lights, popular toys, wrap and apparel in your colors and sizes.
- First week of January: leftover decor and apparel for extra cuts.