Most people assume the best Christmas clearance starts on December 26. And yes, that’s when you see 50–75% off signs everywhere. But deal trackers have noticed something interesting: Lowe’s quietly starts serious markdowns on holiday decor before Christmas every year.
Coupon and deal sites that watch these patterns say Lowe’s has historically rolled out up to 75% off holiday decor around December 19, while other stores wait until after December 25 to hit those numbers.
If you’re willing to decorate late—or shop for next year while everyone else is still in the thick of it—this is where you can really save.
What goes on sale early at Lowe’s
According to clearance schedules compiled by sites like The Krazy Coupon Lady and Hip2Save, Lowe’s typically drops prices on:
- Artificial trees
- Ornaments and tree toppers
- Wreaths and garlands
- Outdoor decor and inflatables
- Holiday-themed home decor
Those roundups show Lowe’s hitting steep markdowns—around 75% off—starting December 19 in past seasons, while places like Walmart and Target officially launch 50% off on December 26.
Of course, exact timing can vary a little by year and store, but the pattern is clear enough that deal hunters plan for it.
Why the deals hit before the holiday is even over
Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot stock a ton of bulky seasonal items—trees, lights, big inflatables. By the time you hit the week before Christmas, most people who needed those items have already bought them. Anything left is at risk of sitting there until someone drags it off to clearance storage.
So instead of babysitting it through the last few days, stores start dropping prices hard. The goal is to send it home with somebody, even if it’s at a steep discount, rather than haul it all away and store it for a year.
How to shop it without driving yourself crazy
If you want to catch the pre-Christmas clearance at Lowe’s, a little planning helps:
- Start checking tags around mid-December. Look for yellow or red clearance labels and aisle-end displays.
- Use the app or website to check prices on specific SKUs; sometimes markdowns show online even if signage is slow to follow.
- Aim for that third week of December—roughly the 18th–21st—based on previous years’ patterns.
- Be flexible about style. If you want one exact tree, you’ll have fewer choices. If you’re open, you’ll save more.
It’s not a neat, curated display anymore. It’s more like a treasure hunt. But the discounts make the digging worth it.
Great things to grab now for next year
Even if your house is already decorated, pre-Christmas clearance is perfect for stocking up for next year at a fraction of the price. Focus on:
- Simple LED light strands you know you’ll always use
- Neutral ornament sets (golds, silvers, whites, greens)
- Classic greenery—plain wreaths and garlands you can dress up
- Outdoor extension cords, timers, and stakes
Those are all items that stay relevant year after year, no matter what colors are “in” or what theme you’re tired of.
Don’t forget the other stores—in the right order
Lowe’s is the star here because it tends to go aggressive before Christmas. But it’s not the only place worth watching. Deal guides point to:
- Home Depot: often 50% off around December 20.
- Target and Walmart: big starts to post-Christmas clearance on December 26 (usually 50% off and deeper discounts a few days later).
If you’re trying to stretch your budget, hit Lowe’s first for the early deep cuts, then circle back to other retailers after Christmas for whatever you couldn’t find.
The bottom line: shop like the season isn’t over yet
Most people think “sale season” starts after Christmas. The truth is, if you watch stores like Lowe’s, the real deals on decor often show up before you’ve even thawed the Christmas turkey.
So if you’re willing to decorate on the late side—or you’re okay shopping for next year while everyone else is still wrapping—mark that third week of December on your calendar. A little strategic timing turns holiday decor into a once-a-year bargain instead of a yearly splurge.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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