Christmas sales are one of the highlights of the entire shopping calendar. Every year, shoppers wait for those magical weeks when brands drop their prices, launch irresistible bundles, and bring out holiday-exclusive products. Yet, one question returns again and again:
When do Christmas sales actually start, and which retailers run the biggest discounts?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as “the week before Christmas.” Over the past few years, retailers have changed their strategies. Sales start earlier, some stores run phases of discounts, and many deals hit long before the first Christmas song plays on the radio.
This guide breaks down:
- The real start date for Christmas sales
- Retailers with the biggest Christmas promotions
- Pre-Christmas sale patterns
- The best month to buy Christmas gifts
- And how to stretch every dollar even further with a christmas discount code or Christmas coupon code.
Let’s start with the timeline.
When Do Christmas Sales Start? (Spoiler: Earlier Than You Think)
In the past, Christmas sales usually began after the first week of December. But retail has changed dramatically.
Today, the bulk of major Christmas discounts start in late October and early November.
Why so early?
Because brands discovered that spacing out discounts prevents:
- Stock shortages
- Delivery delays
- Customer frustration
This is especially true during the weeks before Black Friday. Many retailers now offer “Holiday Preview Sales” or “Early Christmas Deals” before the famous Black Friday weekend has even arrived.
Key milestones for Christmas sale start dates
| Sale Phase | Typical Timing |
| Early Holiday Sales | Late October – Mid November |
| Black Friday & Cyber Monday | Fourth week of November |
| Main Pre-Christmas Sales | December 1 – December 20 |
| Last-Minute & Clearance | December 21 – December 31 |
While Black Friday is huge, many of the best pre-Christmas sale dates are actually spread out before and after it.
Retailers learned that shoppers don’t want one chaotic weekend – they want a full season of savings.
Why Do Retailers Start Christmas Discounts Early?
There are three big reasons:
1. Competition has become intense
If one store starts early, others follow. Brands don’t want to miss out.
2. People shop sooner than before
Families now plan for:
- Travel
- Food
- Gifts
- Decorations
Getting ahead of the rush makes life easier.
3. Most shoppers look for deals weeks before December
Search trends reveal a surge for:
- “When do christmas sales start”
- “biggest christmas sales by retailer”
- “best month to buy christmas gifts”
… as early as September.
Retail follows demand, so sales show up early.
The Biggest Christmas Sales by Retailers (Who Wins the Discounts?)
Some retailers go bigger than others. Based on yearly patterns, the following brands usually run the biggest Christmas sales:
1. Amazon
Amazon starts early. Expect:
- Lightning deals
- Daily rotating discounts
- Holiday home page with Christmas sections
Their “Early Holiday Deals” often begin late October.
2. Target
Target runs multiple waves:
- Toys
- Clothing
- Home décor
- Electronics
They also offer price match guarantees during the season, which increases confidence at checkout.
3. Walmart
Walmart may not be the flashiest, but the savings are real.
Expect:
- Deep grocery discounts
- Gaming bundles
- Home essentials
Walmart is huge for families planning holiday gatherings.
4. Macy’s
Macy’s Christmas Sale has become a tradition. Expect:
- Fashion markdowns
- Homeware deals
- Seasonal décor
Many shoppers wait for the Macy’s One Day Sale events, which happen repeatedly in December.
5. Best Buy
Best Buy dominates electronics:
- Laptops
- TVs
- Smart home devices
- Gaming consoles
Biggest drops happen mid-December and continue through clearance.
6. Costco & Sam’s Club
Members get:
- Bulk food discounts
- Gift baskets
- Electronics bundles
These clubs shine for gift packaging and holiday food shopping.
Where to Find Christmas Discount Codes Easily
Prices are already lower during Christmas, but a good coupon often knocks a little extra off the total. One of the simplest ways to do that is by visiting GetTopDiscounts, where we collect codes from all the major retailers, update them regularly, and make them easy to browse in one place.
Most people prefer having everything in one spot rather than hunting around the internet, and that’s exactly what our site is built for.
Pre-Christmas Sale Dates: Why They Matter
Most shoppers assume the best deals arrive right before Christmas.
But the opposite is usually true.
The biggest discounts often happen before December 10.
After that, prices tend to rise – especially on:
- Toys
- Electronics
- Seasonal décor
Retailers know last-minute shoppers are desperate.
So if you’re planning gifts, wrapping paper, lights, or even a new TV, aim to shop early.
The Best Month to Buy Christmas Gifts: Timing Tips
There is no single perfect day. But there is a perfect window.
- Best month: November
Why?
- Almost every retailer runs big sales
- Inventory is plentiful
- Shipping times are comfortable
- Early deals are often just as big as Black Friday – or bigger
When should you avoid waiting?
The week right before Christmas. Prices rise.
Shoppers who wait until December 21-24 end up paying more, unless they settle for leftovers.
What Happens After Christmas? (A Secret Sale Window)
One of the most overlooked periods is December 26 through early January.
Retailers suddenly have:
- Returned items
- Unsold décor
- Seasonal packaging they must get rid of
That means: Clearance galore.
If you want:
- Decorations for next year
- Gift wrap
- Artificial trees
- Specialty food items
The two weeks after Christmas are a bargain hunter’s paradise.
And that is why Sales often hide their best deals; learn our tips for unlocking hidden Christmas Deals: Price Drops & Clearance.
Will Every Store Start at the Same Time?
Absolutely not.
Some begin early:
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
Others hold back and create anticipation:
- Apple
- Luxury brands
- Certain toy stores
Each business has its reason.
Luxury brands prefer late December to drive impulse gift buying. Mass retailers spread sales out to maximize volume.
How Long Do Christmas Sales Last?
Depending on the store:
- Some end December 24
- Some continue through Christmas Day
- Many stretch into New Year’s clearance
In general:
- Electronics → early December is best
- Toys → late November is best
- Clothing → December is best
- Décor → after Christmas is best
Knowing the category matters as much as knowing the date.
Practical Tips for Shoppers
To make the most of pre-Christmas deals:
1. Track prices early
Use wish lists or price watching tools.
2. Shop the biggest categories
The deepest discounts usually hit:
- Tech
- Toys
- Clothing
- Beauty gift sets
3. Use stacking strategies
The savvy move is stacking:
- Discounted price
- coupon
- cash back
- free shipping
This can reduce costs by 40-70% without even trying.
And Regardless of the sale start date, ensure you maximize your savings with an active christmas discount code from our hub.
What About Shipping Cut-Off Dates?
Many people panic about shipping, so retailers publish shipping deadlines earlier each year.
Typically:
- Standard shipping: December 14-16
- Express: December 18-20
- Pickup in store: December 22-24
But the closer you get to Christmas, the higher the risk of:
- Delays
- Sold-out items
- Limited color or size options
Shopping early avoids stress – and saves money.
Christmas Sales vs. Black Friday: Which Wins?
Black Friday hype is huge. But Christmas sales are surprisingly competitive.
Here’s what most shoppers don’t realize:
Some Christmas deals beat Black Friday prices.
Why?
Because brands want to clear seasonal stock before inventory counts.
Two categories often drop lower in December than Black Friday:
- Toys
- Home décor
If you’re torn, ask yourself:
- Is it an evergreen item? (TV, laptop → buy on Black Friday)
- Is it seasonal? (Christmas lights, ornaments → buy mid-December)
How to Avoid Christmas Sale Traps
Sales can be distracting. Here are smart strategies:
- Don’t get fooled by “original price”
Sometimes, original prices are inflated just before a sale.
- Read return policies
Some stores shorten return windows for seasonal items. That’s why Beyond the big sales, you must understand the fine print on retailer Christmas offers comparison to secure the final price.
- Check price match policies
Many retailers will match lower prices if you ask.
The Psychology Behind Early Sales
Retailers want to:
- Build excitement
- Spread spending over weeks
- Capture different types of buyers
There are three types:
- Planners: Shop in October and November.
- Promo seekers: Wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
- Last-minute shoppers: Pay whatever it costs on December 23.
Sales exist to target all three.
What Drives the Biggest Discounts?
Two things:
1. Inventory Pressure
Retailers don’t want leftover stock. It’s expensive to store, so they discount aggressively.
2. Competitive Advertising
Once one brand offers 30% off, others must follow. It becomes a race.
How to Stretch Your Budget Even More
Even after discounts, you can save further.
- Use coupon codes
Sites that collect discount codes are a goldmine. Stacking a christmas discount code or christmas coupon code often reduces the price by another 10-30%.
What About Cheap Gift Ideas?
Not every gift has to be expensive. Budget-friendly gifts are incredibly useful during the season.
For truly budget-friendly options, consult our list of the Top 15 Cheapest Christmas Gifts Under $25 That Look Pricey.
Understanding Retailer Promotions
Some sales look better than they are. To avoid disappointment, compare:
- Price after discount
- Shipping cost
- Warranty
- Bonuses
Everything counts. Many “deals” are only great if you examine the details.
Where Shoppers Miss Out
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too late.
- Toys disappear first
- Popular clothing sizes sell out
- Electronics have longer delivery times
The best plan:
- Start watching prices in October
- Buy in November
- Use codes and stacking
- Avoid December panic
You’ll spend less and enjoy Christmas more.
Final Thoughts
Christmas sales are no longer just a week in December. They arrive in waves, start early, and often continue into January.
To recap:
- When do Christmas sales start?
Late October & early November. - Which are the biggest?
Amazon, Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Best Buy, Costco & Sam’s Club. - Best month to buy Christmas gifts?
November. - How to maximize savings?
Stack discounts, shop early, and use codes.
Shopping smart means shopping informed. With the right strategy, you’ll enjoy the season, save money, and avoid stress – the true Christmas victory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sales & Shopping
Christmas sales now begin earlier than ever. Major early deals arrive in late October, followed by huge waves during November and Black Friday weekend. Most stores keep rolling discounts right up to Christmas.
The best time is mid-November to early December, when stock is full and prices are at their lowest. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Buying early helps avoid shipping delays and last-minute price increases.
Yes – Boxing Day and post-Christmas sales are very popular. Stores clear leftover stock, décor, and gifts. Great for wrapping paper, ornaments, and next year’s decorations.
November is the strongest month for sales because of Black Friday, Cyber Week, and early holiday promotions. December is great for toys and fashion, while January is best for clearance.
Historically, Black Friday is the biggest single shopping day. However, the Saturday before Christmas (often called “Super Saturday”) is also huge for last-minute shoppers.
Top sellers include:
Toys and games
Electronics and gadgets
Fashion and beauty gift sets
Festive décor and holiday food
One easy option is browsing GetTopDiscounts, where codes from major retailers are collected and updated daily.
It saves time compared to hunting around the internet, and a working coupon can reduce the final price at checkout.
The 7-gift Christmas rule is a simple budgeting method. You give:
Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear
Something to read
A surprise gift
A shared experience
A charity/meaningful gift
A popular list is:
Toys
Clothing
Tech gadgets
Beauty or self-care products
Gift cards or vouchers
Set a spending limit per person
Shop early to avoid price spikes
Use discount codes and cashback
Track purchases so you don’t overspend
