Best December Freebies & Sales: FREE Santa Photos, Cookies, Kids Crafts + More!
December sales are here, and we’ve rounded up what to buy in December 2025!
We’re sharing the latest December sales! Download our convenient and FREE calendar printable to know what to buy in December before the best sales end! Plus, there are lots of free events you can attend this month, with fun for the whole family, including your pets!
Here’s a list of notable 2025 December sales that you may want to shop:
Cyber Monday fell on December 1st this year, and the deals are still going!
Be sure to check out our Cyber Monday page for all the hottest deals and must-haves. Many deals were extended but will end soon, so shop now for the best deals before they’re gone! 🛍️✨
Bath & Body Works Candle Day is expected to start the first weekend in December.
The popular Bath & Body Works Candle Day sale only happens once a year, and when you combine it with coupons, it’s usually the very BEST time to stock up on the store’s 3-wick candles!
This year’s sale will start in-store on December 5th, with most stores opening at 6 a.m. local time. In previous years, Rewards members scored early access, but this year, everyone can shop online early starting at 10 p.m. on December 4th.
December 8th is Green Monday, and it’s like Cyber Monday for shopping procrastinators.
Green Monday is your chance to check off all the last-minute items on your list if you skipped or missed out on all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Historically, Green Monday emerged as the third-largest shopping day of the year, behind Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but last year the deals were slightly lackluster. Nonetheless, we still found some deals to shop so we have our fingers crossed that better deals will roll around for all those checking off their lists last minute.
Bookmark our Green Monday post to get the latest info in 2025 as we near.
There will be multiple days in December when Michaels craft stores will be offering FREE kids’ workshops.
Looking for fun ways to keep young crafters busy this holiday season? Michaels is offering FREE Holiday Craft Workshops, and this year, they’re not just limited to kids.
While the classes are free, enrollment is required. Register on the right side of the workshop page by choosing your location, checking the box, and clicking the Set Reminder button. Then, sign in to your account or continue as a guest to complete registration.
Here are the upcoming events:
- Ornament Painting (all ages) – Saturday, December 6th, 13th, and 20th from 1-3 PM
- Gnome Jars (over 13+ years old) – Sunday, December 7th from 2-4 PM (mason jar purchase required)
- Clay Trinket Tray (all ages) – Sunday, December 14th from 2-4 PM
Kids can register for a free DIY project at both Home Depot & Lowe’s.
In addition to the crafts at Michaels, both The Home Depot and Lowe’s host Free Kids Workshops every month! To participate in these fun and free events, you will need to register online, as spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As a bonus, this month, Home Depot is offering TWO free kids workshops, so you can register for both!
Here are the upcoming FREE kids workshops for December:
- The Home Depot: Register here for kids to make a Holiday Cocoa Mug on December 6th.
- Lowe’s: Register here for kids to make a Sleigh Ride on December 20th.
On December 13th and 14th, any pets can get a FREE photo with Santa at PetSmart.
Pet parents, get excited! The PetSmart FREE Photos with Santa event is back on December 13th & 14th, and all pets are welcome!
Every PetSmart store nationwide is participating, and you can book your free session now at PetSmart.com (spots fill quickly, so book soon!). A PetSmart associate dressed as Santa will snap a festive pic of your pet in front of a seasonal backdrop… perfect for holiday cards or Instagram!
Hip Tip: Add the $10 holiday salon package to any grooming service, which includes a plush toy, festive bandana, and holiday spritz so your pet looks extra adorable for their big moment with Santa.
Kids can also get a free photo with Santa and more until Christmas Eve at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s.
Through December 24th, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will be hosting Santa’s Wonderland, where you can participate in free activities and giveaways, watch a tree lighting, score a free Bass Christmas Plush Toy (while supplies last), and try some yummy seasonal treats!
Even better, families who visit Santa will receive a FREE 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a FREE digital video greeting card featuring their photo with Santa to share on social media.
Read more about the free Santa photos over on our full post.
The Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale is expected to start towards the end of the month.
Historically, Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale comes twice a year – once starting in June and again towards the end of December and into January. Historically, the sale starts immediately after Christmas, so we anticipate this year’s sale to start again on December 26th, 2025.
During Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual sale, you’ll be able to score amazing savings on bras, lingerie, accessories, perfumes, and more! This highly anticipated sale happens both in-store and online, with up to 80% off many items.
Bookmark our Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale post for our best sale savings tips and to know when the 2025 sale is live!
If you’re in the market, December is a good time to buy a car.
December is one of the best times to buy a car if you’re in the market. Older models are usually discounted as the dealership prepares for the next year’s inventory. Plus, some dealers who need to meet their quota will be more motivated to offer deals. Consider starting your shopping towards the beginning of the month so there’s plenty of time for negotiation. If you’re patient, it can really pay off!
Score the deepest discounts on Christmas clearance after the 25th.
After Christmas is over, capitalize on the after-Christmas clearance events. You can stock your gift closet for next year and pick up some cute decorations, too! Be sure to keep an eye out for items included in Christmas clearance that could be used for any holiday or everyday use, like red or green paper goods, winter-themed items, and more.
Check out our after-Christmas clearance tips for even more ways to rack up the savings!
Shop December’s seasonal produce to score the best prices during your market trips.
When you shop seasonally, you’re likely to get the best prices on produce, especially if you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market. This time of year, farmer’s markets are starting to get more sparse as the year comes to an end so don’t hesitate to scoop up your favorites before they’re gone!
Here’s a list of some seasonal produce to shop for in December:
- Apples
- Artichoke
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Chestnuts
- Collards
- Fennel
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Kohlrabi
- Lemons
- Mushrooms
- Mustards
- Oranges
- Pears
- Pomegranates
- Turnips
- Romanesco
- Rutabagas
- Winter squashes
- and more!
Learn how to get cheap produce year round!
Keep these National Holidays in mind in November:
National Cookie Day is December 4th.
Thursday, December 4th, is National Cookie Day 2025! This sweet food holiday happens annually, with select restaurants and retailers offering free cookies, discounts, and other deals. Last year, we found sweet deals from popular chains like Insomnia Cookies, Subway, and more!
Bookmark our National Cookie Day post to know when the 2025 cookie deals drop!
Don’t miss other notable free & cheap things in December 2025:
- December 13th – Kids can decorate a FREE toucan or monster truck at the JCPenney Kids Zone.
- Saturdays/Sundays in December – Barnes & Noble will have a FREE storytime at select locations.
- Middle of December – We drop new FREE Roblox codes towards the middle of every month.
- All Month Long – Don’t miss our Kids Eat Free post for all the deals & freebies kids can score every month, all month long!
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