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After Halloween Clearance Sales Guide

After-Halloween Clearance Sales 2026: When Prices Drop and Where to Shop

By Isabella Reed • October 20, 2026

When do after-Halloween sales start? See when costumes, decor and candy drop 50% to 90% at Spirit Halloween, Target, Walmart and more, plus what to buy for next year.

After-Halloween Clearance Sales 2026: When Prices Drop and Where to Shop

The cheapest day to buy Halloween costumes and decorations is not in October. It is the day after Halloween. Once October 31 passes, stores need the shelf space for Christmas, so leftover costumes, animatronics, inflatables and candy get marked down fast, often by 50% to 90%. Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, which means the clearance rush starts on Sunday, November 1. This guide explains when prices drop at each major store, what is worth buying for next year and how to get the best pick before the shelves are empty.

When Do After-Halloween Sales Start?

Most stores follow a similar pattern, though exact timing changes from store to store and even from one location to the next:

The last week of October. Some stores start early markdowns of around 30%, mostly on decorations they have too much of.
November 1. The main clearance begins. Discounts of 25% to 50% are common on costumes, decor and candy.
November 3 to 7. Prices usually drop again to 70% off, and at some stores up to 90% off, but most of the good stock is gone by then.
Mid-November. Seasonal stores close, and what is left online sits in permanent clearance sections.

The trade-off is simple: shop on November 1 for the best choice, or wait a few days for the lowest prices and accept whatever is left.

Best Stores for After-Halloween Clearance

Spirit Halloween

Spirit's seasonal stores run one of the biggest clearance events of the year before they close. Based on past seasons, many items drop about 25% the day after Halloween, and discounts grow to 50% to 70% over the following week. Animatronics and licensed costumes sell out first. Keep in mind that clearance purchases are final sale. Our Spirit Halloween guide covers the full return rules and store closing timeline, and you can check the latest Spirit Halloween coupons before you shop online.

HalloweenCostumes.com

Unlike pop-up stores, HalloweenCostumes.com sells online all year, so its sale and clearance pages keep going long after October. The sale section advertises up to 90% off select merchandise, and the clearance page lists last season's costumes at lower prices. It is a good option if you do not want to fight store crowds on November 1. Read our HalloweenCostumes.com review for its return rules and restocking fee, and check our HalloweenCostumes.com promo codes before you order.

Costumes.com

Costumes.com keeps an Outlet section with reduced costumes, accessories and decorations, plus a "Deals and Steals Under $10" collection for cheap masks, hats and small props. These are handy for building a dress-up box for kids or stocking up on party extras for next year. See the current Costumes.com coupons for any extra savings.

FUN.com

FUN.com, the company behind HalloweenCostumes.com, has its own clearance section with pop culture costumes, accessories and fan merchandise at deep discounts. It is worth a look if you shop for gifts as well as costumes. Find the latest offers on our FUN.com coupons page.

Target

Target is one of the most popular stores for Halloween clearance. In 2025, its markdowns started at about 30% roughly a week before Halloween, reached 50% on November 1 and hit 70% a few days later, with some stores going up to 90% off by early November. Decor, kids' Halloween pajamas, costume kits and candy are all included. The deepest cuts are usually in store rather than online. Check our Target coupons for offers you can use on regular-price items in the same trip.

Walmart

After Halloween, many Walmart stores mark costumes, decorations and candy down by about 50%, and some locations go lower on candy. Prices and stock differ a lot from store to store, and some items do not get a clearance sticker, so scan them with the Walmart app or at a price checker before you assume the shelf price. Candy tends to sell out by mid-morning on November 1. See our Walmart coupons for current deals.

The Home Depot

If you want giant skeletons, animated props or large inflatables, The Home Depot is worth watching. Its big outdoor decor often gets marked down even before Halloween. In 2025, some stores had select animatronics and LED decor at around 50% to 75% off about a week before October 31, in store only and with prices varying by location. Leftover stock usually drops further after Halloween. Check our Home Depot coupons before you buy.

Still need something for this year? If Halloween has not happened yet, our Halloween 2026 savings guide lists the best stores for costumes, makeup, decor and candy, and you can browse all our Halloween coupons and promo codes in one place.

What to Buy at After-Halloween Sales

Outdoor decorations and animatronics. These are the most expensive Halloween items and keep their value for years. Buying them at 50% to 75% off saves the most money.
Lights and lighting effects. String lights, spotlights and fog machines can be reused every year, and many work for other parties too.
Classic costumes. Witches, vampires, pirates, skeletons and animals never go out of style, so they are safe to buy a year ahead.
Kids' costumes one size up. Children grow fast, so buy the next size for next October.
Basic accessories. Capes, hats, wigs, masks and props are cheap after Halloween and great for a dress-up box.
Party supplies. Plates, cups, tablecloths and treat bags without a year printed on them can be used next season.
Candy for later. Discounted candy is good for parties, baking and lunch boxes. Check the best-by date first.

What to Skip

Trendy licensed costumes. A character that is popular this year may be forgotten by next October.
Makeup and fake blood. Face paint and special-effects makeup can dry out or expire before next Halloween.
Exact-size costumes for small kids. Unless you size up, they will likely not fit next year.
Anything you have no space for. A bargain is not a bargain if it ends up damaged in the garage. Plan your storage before you buy big props.

Tips to Get the Best Halloween Clearance Deals

Make a list before November 1. Walk around your home and note what broke, what is missing and what you want to replace.
Go early on November 1. Popular items, especially animatronics and candy, are often gone within hours.
Check the store app for local prices. Clearance prices are set by each store, so the app or a price scanner gives you the real price.
Visit more than once. If an item you want is still there after a few days, it will often be cheaper.
Remember clearance is usually final sale. Check that animatronics work and that costumes are complete before you pay.
Shop online if you hate crowds. Online costume stores keep their sale pages open after Halloween, and stock is often bigger than in a local store.
Keep some budget for Black Friday. Black Friday is on November 27, 2026, only a few weeks later, so do not spend everything on Halloween leftovers.

After-Halloween Sales FAQs

When do Halloween costumes go on sale?

Many costume stores run promo codes in September and early October, but the biggest price drops come after Halloween. Clearance usually starts on November 1, with prices often falling to 50% to 90% off in the first week of November.

How much do Halloween decorations drop after Halloween?

Most stores start at 25% to 50% off on November 1 and go to 70% off or more within a few days. Some stores have reached 90% off on leftover stock in past years.

Is it better to buy Halloween decorations online or in store after Halloween?

In-store clearance at big retailers is usually deeper, but stock is limited and varies by location. Online costume stores have smaller markdowns on some items but a wider choice and no crowds.

Can I return Halloween clearance items?

Usually not. Clearance and seasonal items are often final sale, especially at Spirit Halloween. Check the store's return policy before you buy.

Does Halloween candy go on sale after Halloween?

Yes. Big stores such as Target and Walmart often cut Halloween candy by 50% or more starting November 1, but it sells out quickly.

Next Up: Black Friday

After Halloween clearance comes the biggest shopping weekend of the year. Read our guide on how to spot real Black Friday deals and avoid fake discounts so you are ready when November 27 arrives.