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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →No. December 26 is a familiar start date for post-Christmas events, but it is not a universal rule. Retailers set their own schedules, and some holiday discounts appear before Christmas. A sale label alone does not tell you whether a deal is worthwhile: check the price, stock and return terms before buying.
Why December 26 is a reference date, not a rule
Some retailers have advertised post-holiday events beginning on December 26. Target called its 2023 event the annual Clearance Run and promoted selected categories at up to 50% off, while supplies lasted. That announcement describes Target’s offer that year, not a standing promise about future dates or discounts. Target’s December 2023 announcement listed clothing, shoes, beauty items and toys among the categories.
Macy’s also scheduled a post-holiday event, Week of Wonderful, for December 26 through January 1 in 2012. It is a dated historical example, not evidence of Macy’s current schedule. Macy’s 2012 announcement described savings alongside new merchandise.
Some holiday markdowns begin before Christmas
A discount on seasonal merchandise can arrive before December 25, even if it is not marketed as an “after-Christmas sale.” The National Retail Federation says retailers have launched holiday sale events as early as October in response to early shopping demand; that refers to the broader holiday-shopping season, not necessarily post-Christmas clearance. NRF’s winter holiday FAQ defines its winter-holiday retail period as November 1 through December 31.
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#1 Best Overall
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In a specific pre-Christmas example, the Associated Press reported that Michaels discounted holiday trees by up to 75% on December 15, 2023. That rate applied to the reported offer at Michaels on that date; it is not a typical discount for other retailers or products. The AP report illustrates why shoppers may see seasonal reductions before Christmas.
Buy earlier for choice, or wait for possible markdowns?
ConsumerAffairs’ December 2025 guide describes a general tradeoff: selection may be better near December 26, while clearance prices may fall later and popular items may sell out. Its suggested discount ranges are illustrative guidance, not measured results across retailers or guaranteed savings.
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| Timing in ConsumerAffairs’ guide | Illustrative discount guidance | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| December 26–28 | 25%–50% | Potentially more selection, but discounts vary by retailer and item. |
| December 29–January 1 | Often 50%–70% | Deeper reductions may come with less choice. |
| First full week of January | As much as 70%–90% | These are possible markdowns, not a promise that a particular item will remain available or reach that price. |
ConsumerAffairs’ guide also identifies common clearance candidates such as décor, lights, wrapping supplies, gift sets and seasonal pajamas. Whether a particular item is discounted—and when—depends on the store, year and remaining stock.
How to decide whether a sale is worth your money
- Start with what you would buy anyway. A useful item at a price you can afford may be a better purchase than a steep discount on something you do not need. For Christmas-branded décor, consider whether you will actually use it next year.
- Compare the final price. Look at the amount you will pay, including any shipping charges, rather than relying on a displayed percentage or reference price.
- Read the return terms before checkout. ConsumerAffairs warns that clearance purchases can have final-sale or no-return terms. Confirm the policy for the specific item and store.
- Choose your timing based on priorities. Shop earlier if having a wider selection matters; waiting may bring further markdowns, but a popular item could sell out.
- Verify current dates and offers. Historical events show that schedules differ; they do not establish what any retailer is offering this season.
December 26 and Boxing Day
December 26 is also Boxing Day, a shopping holiday in some markets. Amazon Ads describes Boxing Day as primarily a shopping holiday today, but that does not mean every retailer or country follows the same sale calendar. Amazon Ads’ overview provides the date and general context, not a store-specific schedule.
Rank #3
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The NRF estimates that about 19% of total retail sales over the last five years occurred during the winter holidays. Its FAQ does not specify the ending year for that five-year period, and the figure concerns November–December holiday sales overall—not sales on December 26. NRF says its calculation uses U.S. Census Bureau data and excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. NRF’s FAQ explains the measure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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