I shopped for seasonal offerings at Aldi and Trader Joe's and was surprised by which one felt more festive

Terri PetersJan 14, 2024, 16:48 IST

I shopped at Aldi and Trader Joe's to see what holiday items I could find. Terri Peters

I've been shopping at Aldi and Trader Joe's for years and have plenty of seasonal favorites at each.
Recently, I shopped at both to see which had the best holiday selection right now.

I love shopping at Aldi and Trader Joe's for my family's groceries.

Both chains carry unique specialty items, and the holidays always bring seasonal items that everyone in my house looks forward to.

Recently, I went to Aldi and Trader Joe's to compare each grocery store's seasonal and holiday offerings. I was surprised by which of the two felt more festive in early/mid-November.

Here's what it was like to shop at each.

Aldi had a huge variety of advent calendars.

There were advent calendars filled with all kinds of goodies. Terri Peters

I found fewer at Trader Joe’s.

I liked the pet advent calendar at Trader Joe's. Terri Peters

Aldi had lots of holiday treats from its signature brands.

There were several displays of holiday-themed treats around the store.Terri Peters

There was an array of festive treats at Trader Joe's, too.

I was happy to see some classic Trader Joe's seasonal items back in stock. Terri Peters

Holiday hams and turkeys stocked the freezers at Aldi.

There were plenty of main-course options at Aldi. Terri Peters

Trader Joe’s seemed more focused on turkey.

I found turkeys but not hams at Trader Joe's.Terri Peters

Aldi’s floral section was pretty much all festive.

There were festive red, green, and white blooms for the holidays. Terri Peters

There weren't really any holiday blooms at Trader Joe's — unless you count the fake ones.

Trader Joe's has started selling felt flower decorations. Terri Peters

At Aldi, holiday drink offerings were in full swing.

I found some flavored mulled wines at Aldi. Terri Peters

The selection at Trader Joe's seemed better for Thanksgiving.

Trader Joe's doesn't seem to have unpacked it's Christmas wines yet. Terri Peters

The holiday decor options at Aldi were endless.

There were several festive linen patterns to choose from. Terri Peters

Trader Joe’s had little in the holiday home department.

Other than a few felt decorations, I didn't find much at Trader Joe's. Terri Peters

Overall, Aldi was the winner for holiday spirit.

I was impressed by how festive my Aldi felt already. Terri Peters

But I actually think Trader Joe’s will catch up soon.

Trader Joe's usually brings out its cinnamon brooms in between fall and winter. Terri Peters

I ordered the same meal from Sonic and Dairy Queen. The winner had standout ice cream but a mediocre cheeseburger.

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