December is one of the busiest times of the year at Costco, and it’s easy to see why. Between stocking up on holiday groceries, buying Christmas presents, and grabbing enough snacks to feed a small army of visiting relatives, the warehouse can feel like a one-stop shop for everything you need. And with bulk discounts, seasonal merchandise, and members-only deals, there are plenty of opportunities to save money during the holiday rush.
But shopping at Costco in December isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Some of the best holiday promotions actually end before the month begins, online prices can be higher than what you’d pay in the warehouse, and those enormous packages of festive treats aren’t necessarily a bargain if half of them go uneaten. Plus, with Christmas approaching, knowing the store’s return policies and holiday hours can save you from some last-minute headaches.
Whether you’re planning a big family gathering or trying to finish your Christmas shopping without overspending, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are 12 things to know before shopping at Costco in December to help you save money and avoid common holiday shopping mistakes.
Some Holiday Deals End Before December Even Begins
If you’re waiting until December to start your Christmas shopping at Costco, you might already be missing out on some of the best discounts. The retailer’s published 2026 Holiday Savings program includes promotions running from October 30 through November 30, with different expiration dates depending on the product. That means a television, appliance, or gift you’ve been eyeing could return to its regular price before December arrives. Before putting off a purchase, check the exact dates of the promotion rather than assuming holiday deals will stick around until Christmas.
Online Prices Aren’t Always the Same as Warehouse Prices
Shopping on Costco.com can be incredibly convenient, especially when you’d rather avoid crowded parking lots and long checkout lines. But there’s a catch: Prices online aren’t always identical to those in the warehouse. Costco sometimes builds shipping and handling costs into its online prices, meaning you could pay more for the exact same product. This can be particularly important when shopping for furniture, appliances, and other expensive gifts. Before checking out, compare the total online price with what you’d pay in person, including any delivery or installation fees.
Same-Day Grocery Delivery Comes With Higher Prices
Having your holiday groceries delivered straight to your door sounds pretty appealing when you’ve got a dozen other things to do. However, Costco explicitly states that prices for same-day delivery are higher than those at your local warehouse. While the difference might not seem like much on individual products, it can add up quickly when you’re ordering a large holiday grocery list. Expensive items like meat, seafood, and party trays can make the markup especially noticeable. Costco also requires a minimum $35 order for same-day delivery, so it’s worth comparing the convenience with the extra cost before placing an order.
Two-Day Delivery Might Be Better for Holiday Essentials
If you don’t need everything immediately, Costco’s two-day grocery delivery service could be a useful alternative for stocking up on nonperishable holiday supplies. Eligible items include pantry staples and household essentials, making it convenient for ordering baking ingredients, paper products, and other things you’ll need throughout December. Costco currently offers eligible two-day orders of $75 or more without a separate delivery fee, although product prices may still be higher than warehouse prices. Just remember to check which products qualify and compare the final cost before assuming delivery is the cheaper option.
You Can’t Always Get a Price Adjustment After a Sale Ends
There’s nothing more frustrating than buying an expensive Christmas gift only to see it go on sale a few days later. Fortunately, Costco generally allows eligible price adjustments when its own price drops within 30 days of purchase. But there’s an important catch during the holidays: For promotions with specific start and end dates, adjustment requests must fall within both the promotional period and the 30-day purchase window. That means waiting until after a holiday sale ends could leave you out of luck. Costco also doesn’t match competitors’ prices or adjust online purchases to warehouse prices, so pay attention to where and when you buy.
Trending on Cheapism
Buying Holiday Food in Bulk Isn’t Always a Bargain
Costco’s enormous cheese trays, oversized desserts, and giant packages of appetizers can look like fantastic deals when you’re planning a holiday gathering. But buying in bulk only saves money if you’re actually going to use what you purchase. That massive container of spinach dip might seem inexpensive per serving, but not if half of it ends up in the trash after Christmas. Before filling your cart, think about how many guests you’re expecting and how much food they’ll realistically eat. And if you only need part of a bulk package, consider splitting it with a friend or family member.
Holiday Gift Bundles Aren’t Automatically Better Deals
Costco is known for selling gift bundles that combine popular products with extra accessories, and they can be especially tempting during the holidays. You might find electronics packaged with additional equipment, kitchen appliances paired with accessories, or beauty products sold in coordinated sets. But just because a bundle includes more items doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better value. If the recipient already owns the extras or won’t use them, you could be paying for things they don’t need. Compare the bundle price with the cost of buying the main product separately before deciding whether the extras are worth it.
Electronics Have a Different Return Window
Costco has a reputation for its generous return policy, but that doesn’t mean every Christmas gift can be returned whenever you want. Many electronics, including televisions, computers, tablets, and cameras, fall under a 90-day return policy. And here’s something worth remembering: The return period is based on when the product is received, not when the person you’re buying it for finally opens the package. If you’re shopping for electronics well before Christmas, it’s worth checking the specific return rules so nobody ends up with a gift they can’t exchange or return.
Sign up for our newsletter
Discounted Gift Cards Can Be Worth Checking
If you’re struggling to find the perfect present for someone who already seems to have everything, Costco’s selection of gift cards and experience certificates might be worth a look. The warehouse sells cards for restaurants, entertainment, travel, and other services, and some offers are priced below their redemption value. That means you could potentially give someone a gift worth more than what you actually paid. Of course, not every gift card is discounted, and availability changes throughout the year. Make sure the recipient can use the card and check for restrictions before adding it to your cart.
Christmas Eve Hours Might Be Shorter Than You Expect
Planning to make one last Costco run on Christmas Eve? You’d better check the store hours before heading out. Costco adjusts its operating schedule around major holidays, and individual warehouses may close earlier than they do on a typical weekday. That could be a problem if you’re counting on picking up a forgotten ingredient, last-minute gift, or extra dessert before the family arrives. Your safest bet is to check your specific warehouse’s holiday schedule through Costco’s website or app. And don’t assume the pharmacy, gas station, or other services will follow exactly the same hours.
Executive Members May Get an Earlier Start
If you’re a Costco Executive member, you might have an advantage when it comes to navigating December’s holiday crowds. In 2025, Costco introduced earlier shopping hours for Executive members at participating warehouses, giving eligible shoppers a chance to get inside before regular members. That extra time could be especially useful when you’re trying to grab popular seasonal merchandise or finish your grocery shopping before the aisles get packed. However, hours can vary by location, so check your warehouse’s schedule before showing up early. And if you’re not already an Executive member, early access alone probably isn’t a good enough reason to upgrade.
Waiting for Christmas Decoration Clearance Can Backfire
It’s tempting to hold off on buying Christmas decorations until Costco starts marking down its seasonal merchandise. After all, who doesn’t love getting wrapping paper, ornaments, and holiday decorations at a discount? But waiting too long comes with a risk: Popular items can sell out before prices drop. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular Christmas tree or decoration, you might be better off buying it when you find it at a reasonable price. On the other hand, if you’re flexible about colors and styles, waiting for potential markdowns could pay off. Just remember that Costco doesn’t have a fixed nationwide clearance schedule, and availability can vary from warehouse to warehouse.
A Little Planning Can Make December Shopping Easier
Shopping at Costco during the holidays can be a great way to save money, but only if you know what you’re getting into. Between limited-time promotions, bulk packages, delivery markups, and special return policies, there are plenty of small details that can make a big difference in your final bill.
The good news is that you don’t need an elaborate shopping strategy to avoid overspending. Comparing prices, checking promotional deadlines, and making sure you’re buying only what you’ll actually use can help you get more value out of your membership. And with a little planning, you might even manage to finish your Costco holiday shopping without making three extra trips for things you forgot.
