This comprehensive Home Depot Christmas clearance guide explains exactly when holiday markdowns usually start, which products get cut first, and low-risk strategies to capture the deepest discounts. Whether you want cheap trees, ornaments, lighting, or decor storage, knowing the timing and where to look will save both time and money.
When does Home Depot Christmas clearance start?
Home Depot typically begins holiday markdowns in late December, immediately after peak shopping days. Major slashes often appear on December 26 and continue in waves through January. Retailers use staged markdowns: initial reductions after Christmas, larger cuts into late December, and final clearances in January. If you prefer earlier selection, watch the first post-Christmas drop; if you want the deepest discounts, target late-January clearances.
Weekly timeline and markdown patterns
Markdowns usually follow a pattern: modest cuts right after the holiday, moderate discounts one to two weeks later, and large clearance prices as stores make room for seasonal inventory. For a visual overview of the typical schedule, see our detailed timeline resource.
Check the Home Depot holiday clearance timeline for week-by-week expectations and top categories to watch.
What goes on sale during Home Depot Christmas clearance?
Not every holiday product follows the same schedule. Here are the categories that commonly drop first and those that hold value longer:
- Decor and ornaments: Small decor, ornaments, and tabletop items often see early markdowns and stack well with clearance coupons.
- Indoor lighting and trees: Artificial trees and string lights drop in stages; full-price favorites sell out, then standard models reduce.
- Outdoor inflatables and yard decor: Bulky items frequently remain until larger cuts because they take up space—watch for deep discounts once stores commit to new seasonal stock.
- Gift wrap and storage: Low-cost items clear quickly and are great for last-minute shoppers; price reductions can exceed 50%.
For a deeper breakdown on which pieces usually mark down first, read our post on what goes on sale during Home Depot Christmas clearance.
How Home Depot decides markdowns
Home Depot’s markdown algorithm balances demand, SKU size, and the space a product occupies. High-turn, low-margin decor drops quickly; large seasonal items may wait for deeper cuts. Staffing and regional demand also affect local markdown timing, so check both online and in-store prices.
Strategies to score the best Home Depot Christmas clearance deals
Use these tactics to increase your chances of finding high-value clearance items without overspending on time or effort.
- Know the markdown windows: Hit stores early on the first post-Christmas week for selection, and again in late January for lowest prices.
- Check both online and in-store: Some locations move items to the sales floor while online inventory still shows full price. Conversely, the site occasionally lists clearance-only SKUs.
- Use the Home Depot app: Scan barcodes in-store to confirm clearance pricing and search nearby stores for additional stock.
- Call local stores: Employee insight can reveal when a store schedules larger clearance pulls or when truck deliveries arrive.
- Bundle for shipping or pickup: If an item is only available online, combine purchases to hit free shipping thresholds or use curbside pickup to avoid delivery delays.
Coupon and membership stacking
Stacking coupons and promotions can increase savings on clearance items. Use verified promo codes, Pro Xtra perks, or Home Depot credit offers when eligible. For coupon strategies and applying codes, see our Home Depot Cyber Monday and promo code guide for timing and stacking tips that still apply during clearance events.
Where to look: online vs in-store for Home Depot Christmas clearance
Both channels have strengths. In-store clearance lets you inspect bulky goods like trees and inflatables before purchase. Online often lists markdowns sooner and provides a broader view of remaining inventory across stores.
- In-store: Ideal for large items, immediate pickup, and inspecting quality. Staff can often hold items briefly if you call ahead.
- Online: Best for comparing multiple locations, showing exact SKU discounts, and finding clearance-only markdowns. Use product page history and reviews to verify value.
When in doubt, combine approaches: locate clearance pricing online, then confirm availability and condition in your nearest store.
Safety, recalls, and returns during clearance
Clearance deals are great, but safety and return policies matter. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission for product recalls before purchasing lights or electrical decorations. For recalls and safety alerts, refer to CPSC.gov.
Home Depot’s return policy still applies to most clearance purchases, but final-sale items may be excluded. If a clearance item presents a safety concern, contact store management and consult Home Depot’s customer service at HomeDepot.com.
Checklist: How to prepare for Home Depot Christmas clearance
- Decide whether you want selection (early) or lowest price (late January).
- Make a short list of must-have categories: trees, lights, ornaments, inflatables.
- Set app alerts and watch online inventory daily after Christmas.
- Call local stores for expected clearance days and ask staff to hold items if possible.
- Bring space for large items in your vehicle or plan pick-up/delivery.
Conclusion
Home Depot Christmas clearance is predictable enough to exploit if you understand the timing and common markdown patterns. Use the post-Christmas window for selection and late-January for the deepest discounts. Combine online monitoring, in-store checks, coupon stacking, and safety verification to maximize savings. For more specifics on which items decline first and a detailed markdown schedule, see our timeline and category guides linked above. Happy bargain hunting—plan your visits and you’ll walk away with real value on holiday decor and essentials.