25 Senior Discounts to Help Stretch the Holiday Budget

Holiday merriment comes with a price, even (and in some cases especially) during a pandemic, when prices have gone up on some essentials and other items due to high demand. Spending can be challenging for seniors on a fixed income. But with a bit of digging, there are deals to be had starting at age 50. "Getting older definitely has its perks," said Ivy Chou as a content manager at DealsPlus. "You get access to all kinds of discounts for restaurants, retailers, travel, and more. Coupled with hot holiday sales, it just might be the best time of year to be a senior."

Inquire about the Senior Circle at Alamo when planning holiday travel. Discounts apply to the base rate at participating car rental locations and vary by rental date, location, and type of vehicle.

Related: 24 Tips and Tricks to Save You Money on Car Rental

Trains can beat planes when it's time to visit family and friends. Amtrak offers 10% off most fares for travelers who are at least 65 years old.

Related: 40 Spectacular Train Trips Across America and Beyond

Take a break from the holiday madness with a weekend getaway. AARP members enjoy up to 10% off the best available rate with advance reservations at Cambria Hotels & Suites. (Free continental breakfast and free local calls are included.)

Related: The 20 Best Free Hotel Breakfasts in America

Treat the family to a holiday dinner at a Chart House seafood restaurant. AARP members get 10% off their check for them and up to six guests. Chart House has locations in 16 states.

Related: The Best Seafood Restaurant in Every State

Many Cicis pizza franchises offer senior discounts. Find out if your local Cicis is one of them.

Related: Best Hole-in-the-Wall Pizza Joints Across America

Dressbarn's senior discount of 10% goes to shoppers age 55 and up for in-store purchases on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on the store.

Related: 30 Places to Find Cheap, Plus-Size Clothing Online

Greyhound passengers age 62 and older with ID can ask for a fare 5% lower.

Looking for more ways to save when you travel? Be sure to check out 45 Travel Discounts for Seniors.

What are the holidays without great grub? Supermarket chain Harris Teeter cuts prices 5% on Thursdays for customers who are at least 60 years old.

Related: These Beloved Grocery Stores Are Gone Forever

For the crafters on your gift list, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores are treasure troves. Seniors 55 and over save 20% on purchases. Call the local store to find out which day is senior day.

Related: Great Gifts for People Who Love Crafting

La Quinta Inns and Suites offers AARP members up to 10% off the best available room rates.

Related: Marriot and Other Major Hotels That Now Require Guests to Wear Masks

Kohl’s is typically a hotbed of holiday sales. Starting at age 55, Kohl's shoppers can show an ID to claim a 15% discount on Wednesdays at this department store chain.

Related: The Best Time to Buy Almost Anything in 2020

This craft retailer sells holiday decorations, cards, calendars, and a variety of unique, inexpensive gifts. Shoppers 55 and older save 10% on Michaels purchases (regular and sale merchandise) every day, with some exclusions.

Related: Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids for Christmas

The holidays can be of time of heavy decision making. Give the brain a break and pop in to Old Country Buffet, where diners can try a little of everything. Seniors are eligible for discounts every day.

Related: Amazing All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants in Every State

Seniors age 60 and older can get 10% off.

Related: Best Under-the-Radar Steakhouses in All 50 States

Weary from all the holiday hubbub? Head to a socially-distanced performance. AARP members can get 2-for-1 tickets and some select events under $40 through Ticketmaster. 

Related: 16 Ways to Save Money at the Movies

Tuesday is the best time for the 55-and-up crowd to hit Ross stores. Save 10% on gifts, holiday attire, and more.

Related: 11 Stores With Comfortable Clothes That You Can Wear for Years

Seniors are beloved in Santa Fe. Find special discounts at museums and outdoor attractions and and hotels such as the Drury Plaza.

Related: From Santa Claus to Mistletoe: 20 Towns With Festive Names

Passengers 65 and older get discounted fares. Seniors no longer get to board early, but the airline will refund their fares in full should they have to cancel.

Related: Airline Fees Comparison

The promo code­ AMAC1519, found on the website of the politically conservative Association of Mature American Citizens, can get golfers a 15% break on tee fees when booking through TeeOff.com.

Related: 20 Must-Have Accessories for Your Golf Bag

Road warriors age 60-plus rack up savings off the best available rate at participating Travelodge hotels.

When mailing gifts and other packages at UPS Stores, AARP members save 15% on eligible products and services and 5% on domestic and international shipping services.

Related: Shipping Cost Comparison: USPS vs. UPS vs. FedEx

Belong to AARP or hit age 55 and flash a Balance Rewards card at Walgreens for 20% off purchases on certain days.

Related: Which is the Cheapest Pharmacy? Comparing Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and More

People age 60-plus can find savings booking at Wyndham hotels.

Related: How to Avoid Travel Snafus in 2020

For those who need a car for a few hours at a time, Zipcar lets AARP members join for $40 for a year — a 15% discount over the regular monthly rate after a $25 application fee. The company also throws in $40 of free driving time, and says that for each subsequent year, the savings top 40%.

Related: Do You Qualify for These Car Rental Discounts?

American Airlines is coy about senior fares but has claimed to offer them for certain international routes — although not for tickets booked online.

Looking for more ways to save year-round? Check out our complete guide to senior discounts.