Holiday Decorations for Less: When Lights, Wreaths, and Ornaments Are Cheapest

Holiday decorations can add up quickly. A few strands of lights, a fresh wreath and a box of ornaments may not seem like much, but replacing or adding decorations every year can stretch a budget. Timing your purchases can help you pay less.

Retailers do not publish exact sale schedules, and prices vary by store and region. But some general patterns are common. Here is when lights, wreaths and ornaments are often cheapest, and how to decorate for less this year.

The biggest discounts come after the holidays

The deepest discounts on holiday decorations usually come after Christmas, when stores clear out seasonal inventory. Many retailers mark down remaining decorations in late December and January.

If you can wait, buying next year's decorations after the holidays can save money. The selection may be limited, but basics such as lights and ornaments are often available.

Store your purchases carefully so they are ready next year.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

Many retailers offer sales on decorations around Black Friday, November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday, November 30, 2026. These sales can be a good time to buy if you need decorations for this season.

Compare prices before you buy. Some sales are deeper than others, and some items may be cheaper at other times.

Our separate guide on the day-after-Halloween sales noted that some stores start holiday promotions early. Keep an eye on weekly ads.

Lights

LED lights cost more up front than older incandescent lights but use less energy and often last longer, according to the US Department of Energy. Over time, they may save money on electricity.

Look for sales on LED lights around Black Friday and after the holidays. Buying in bulk or in multipacks can lower the cost per strand.

Check whether your old lights still work before buying new ones. A light tester can help find bad bulbs on incandescent strands.

Wreaths and fresh greenery

Fresh wreaths and greenery are perishable, so stores do not usually discount them steeply in advance. Prices may drop closer to Christmas as stores try to sell remaining stock.

Consider making your own wreath with trimmings from a Christmas tree lot or your own yard. Many tree lots give away or sell branches cheaply.

Artificial wreaths can be reused for years. Buying one after the holidays at a discount can save money over time.

Ornaments

Ornaments are often discounted after the holidays. Basic shatterproof ornaments in multipacks are usually the most affordable.

Handmade ornaments can be a fun family activity. Salt dough, paper and pinecones are inexpensive materials.

Thrift stores and secondhand shops often have decorations at low prices, especially in late fall.

Ways to decorate for less

Shop your own storage first. Many families have decorations they forgot about.

Swap decorations with friends or family. A decoration exchange can refresh your look without spending money.

Use natural materials such as pinecones, branches and citrus slices. They are inexpensive and add a festive touch.

Return policies and quality

Check return policies on decorations, especially lights and inflatables. Some items may not work when you get them home.

Buy lights and electrical decorations that are certified by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL. This helps ensure safety.

Keep receipts until you have tested electrical decorations. Our separate guide on holiday return windows covers how long you have.

Safety tips

Inspect lights for frayed wires or broken sockets before using them. Replace damaged strands.

Do not overload electrical outlets. Use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords outside.

Turn off decorations when you go to bed or leave home. Timers can make this easier and save energy.

Storing decorations to save money next year

Good storage protects decorations so you do not need to replace them. Wrap lights around cardboard or a reel to prevent tangles.

Store ornaments in divided boxes or egg cartons. Keep decorations in a cool, dry place.

Label boxes so you know what you have. That helps prevent buying duplicates next year.

Buy quality items that last

Cheap decorations that break after one season can cost more over time. Look for sturdy materials and good reviews, especially for lights and outdoor decorations.

Commercial-grade lights may cost more but often last longer. Check warranties on lights and inflatables.

Decorate in phases

You do not need to buy everything in one year. Choose a few new items each year and add to your collection over time.

Start with what matters most to your family, such as tree lights or a wreath for the door. Add other decorations as your budget allows.

Outdoor decorations and inflatables

Outdoor decorations can be costly. Inflatables, projectors and large displays are often discounted after the holidays.

Consider energy use when choosing outdoor decorations. LED lights use less power, and timers can limit how long decorations run.

Dollar stores and discount retailers

Dollar stores and discount retailers can be a good source for basic decorations, ribbons, gift bags and craft supplies. Quality varies, so look closely before buying.

These stores can be especially useful for items that are used once, such as table decorations or party supplies.

Christmas trees

If you buy a real tree, prices vary by size, type and location. Shopping at a local tree farm or lot may offer more choices. Some tree lots lower prices closer to Christmas, though selection shrinks.

Artificial trees cost more up front but can be reused for many years. Many are discounted after the holidays.

Create a decoration budget

Set a budget for decorations each year. Include lights, ornaments, greenery and any outdoor items. Track what you spend so you can plan for next year.

Involve the family

Decorating together can be a fun tradition. Let children make paper chains, popcorn garlands or handmade ornaments. These cost little and often become treasured keepsakes.

Don't forget the electric bill

Holiday lights add to your electric bill, especially if you use older incandescent strands for many hours. Switching to LEDs and using timers can help keep this cost down.

A decoration plan by season

Here is one way to time your purchases across the year. In early November, take stock of what you have, test your lights and make a short list of what needs replacing. Around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, buy only the items you need for this season, comparing prices across stores.

In December, look for fresh greenery and wreaths closer to Christmas if you are comfortable with less selection. After Christmas, shop the clearance aisles for next year's ornaments, artificial wreaths and lights, sticking to your list.

Over a few years, this approach lets you build a collection you like without paying full price for most of it.

Common mistakes when buying decorations

One common mistake is buying new lights before testing the ones you already have. Another is grabbing clearance items you do not need just because they are cheap. A third is storing decorations carelessly, so they break or tangle and must be replaced.

Mixing light types can also cause problems. Check the manufacturer's instructions before connecting strands, and do not connect more strands than the package allows.

What to do this week

Pull out your decoration boxes, test every strand of lights and make a list of what you actually need. Note which items you could wait to buy after the holidays.

The bottom line

Holiday decorations are often cheapest after the holidays, with good deals also around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Fresh items may drop in price closer to Christmas.

Plan ahead, reuse what you have and store decorations carefully. A festive home does not need to be expensive.