Winter sales dates in Belgium 2026: Get ready!
The winter sales in Belgium are a bit like Santa coming back in January — but this time, for our wallets! Everyone looks forward to this period to restock without breaking the bank after the holidays. In 2026, when exactly do they start? And how does it all work? Here's everything you need to know so you don't miss a single great deal.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 winter sales in Belgium start on Saturday, January 3, and end on Saturday, January 31.
- The legal duration of the sales is four weeks, both in winter and summer.
- Belgian law regulates the sales: reference prices, waiting period, and legal warranty all apply.
- It’s the perfect time to renew your wardrobe, buy electronics, or grab seasonal products at reduced prices.
- To make the most of it, set a budget, make a wish list, and keep an eye on both online and in-store offers.
Belgium Winter Sales 2026: The Official Calendar
Start of the 2026 Winter Sales: Saturday, January 3
Bargain hunters, mark your calendars: Belgium’s 2026 winter sales will officially start on Saturday, January 3. This date follows Belgian tradition — the sales begin on the first working day of January, unless that day falls on a Sunday. Since January 3, 2026 is a Saturday, that’s the official kickoff date. Get ready for a highly anticipated month of promotions!
End of the 2026 Winter Sales: Saturday, January 31
The winter sales will last for a full month, ending on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This gives shoppers plenty of time to browse stores and websites for the best deals. It’s smart to start early for more choice, but late in the period you can sometimes find even steeper discounts.
Legal Duration of Winter Sales in Belgium
Belgian law strictly defines the sales period. For winter, it’s set to one month — allowing retailers to clear year-end stock while giving consumers the chance to enjoy real savings.
- Start: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- End: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Total Duration: 4 weeks
Sales are one of the few times when retailers are allowed to sell at a loss — which makes these promotions especially interesting for consumers.
Understanding Sales Regulations in Belgium
About to go shopping during the 2026 Belgian winter sales? Great idea! But before diving in, it’s useful to understand how it all works legally. Sales aren’t just random price drops — there are clear rules designed to protect consumers.
How the Start Date Is Determined
You may have noticed that sales always begin around the same time, but not always the same day. By law, Belgium’s winter sales start on the first working day of January, unless that’s a Sunday — in which case, they move to the Saturday before. For 2026, January 3 is a Saturday, so everything lines up perfectly.
Reference Prices and the Waiting Period
During the sales, the displayed price must include a reference price — the lowest price the product had in the 30 days before the start of the sales. This rule prevents fake discounts.
There’s also a waiting period before sales begin, during which retailers can’t offer discounts or vouchers. This ensures fair competition between shops.
You can check the official sales calendar here.
Legal Warranty and Online Returns
If an item you buy on sale is defective, don’t worry — the two-year legal warranty still applies, whether you bought it online or in-store.
For online purchases, you also have 14 days to change your mind and return the item, sale or not. So shop stress-free — the goal is to save money, not headaches!
What to Buy During the Winter Sales
Winter sales are the perfect time to grab great deals — especially on fashion, electronics, and seasonal goods.
Fashion and Accessories: Refresh Your Wardrobe
Fashion is always the highlight. Expect big markdowns on coats, boots, scarves, and more as stores clear space for new collections.
- Winter coats and jackets
- Warm shoes (boots, ankle boots)
- Fashion accessories (bags, scarves, gloves)
- Sportswear
- Swimwear and beachwear (yes, even in winter!)
The winter sales are strategic for fashion lovers: get trendy items at low prices and quality basics that last multiple seasons.
Electronics and Tech Deals
Sales are also a great time to save on smartphones, laptops, TVs, and appliances. Big brands often join in, offering strong discounts across categories.
Seasonal and Home Items
Beyond fashion and tech, you can score deals on furniture, decor, toys, beauty products, and fragrances.
- Small and large appliances
- Home decor
- Toys and games
- Beauty and perfumes
- Furniture (sofas, tables, etc.)
Preparing for the 2026 Winter Sales
To make the most of the winter sales, preparation is key.
Set a Budget and Make an Inventory
Take stock of what you already own to avoid unnecessary purchases, then decide how much you can spend.
Identify Wants and Compare Prices
Make a list of your desired items and compare prices in advance. This helps you spot real discounts when sales begin.
Check Online and In-Store Offers
Most brands offer sales both online and offline — some even share previews or early access with newsletter subscribers.
A good strategy turns sales shopping from an impulse chase into a smart opportunity to buy what you truly need at the right price.
Maximizing Your Savings
Best Time to Shop
The final weeks often bring the biggest discounts — up to 70% or even 80%. Patience pays off!
Subscribe and Follow Brands
Sign up for newsletters and follow your favorite brands on social media for exclusive early deals and promo codes.
Avoid Scams and Impulse Buys
Stay alert — not every “deal” is a good one. Always check return policies and compare prices.
- Check return policies
- Beware inflated pre-sale prices
- Buy only what you truly need
- Watch out for low-quality items
Ready to Shop?
That’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Belgian winter sales. See you on January 3 — and happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 winter sales start?
They start on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
How long do they last?
Exactly four weeks — until Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Can you buy anything during sales?
Yes! Most items in stock can be discounted — clothing, electronics, furniture, and more.
How to know if a discount is real?
Check the reference price — it must be lower than the lowest price in the 30 days before the sale.
Can I return a sale item?
Yes. You have 14 days for online purchases. In stores, it depends on the shop policy.
Are online sales on the same dates?
Absolutely — online and physical stores follow the same sale periods in Belgium.