Las Vegas Girl Scout Cookie Season Kicks Off Early 2026

The Return of Girl Scout Cookies: What You Need to Know

As the holiday season approaches, many people are preparing for a feast of Christmas cookies. However, there’s another set of once-a-year baked goods that might soon be on your radar: the classic Girl Scout cookies. This year, the iconic Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and other favorites are making their return, along with a brand-new cookie called Exploremores.

Girl Scouts across the country are already gearing up for the annual cookie sale, which is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Depending on where you live, you may have already seen Girl Scouts with order forms or heard about upcoming sales. For others, it could take a few weeks—or even nearly two months—before you can get your hands on a box of these beloved treats.

Cookie Season Varies by Region

The timing of the cookie season can vary significantly from one area to another. Each local Girl Scout council sets its own schedule, which means the start date can differ depending on where you live. According to the official Cookie Finder tool from the Girl Scouts of the USA, the cookie season has already begun in several regions across the country.

For example, in areas like Chicago, central Illinois, the District of Columbia, parts of North Carolina, and coastal South Carolina, the cookie season has already started. In western New York and Virginia, as well as southern Kansas and Massachusetts, the season is also underway. Meanwhile, in central Michigan and Alabama, the sales have just begun.

In some cities, the cookie season kicks off on specific dates. In Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; and Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee, the season starts on Wednesday. In Providence, Rhode Island, sales begin on Saturday, and some troops have already scheduled booth locations.

A New Addition: Exploremores

This year, the Girl Scouts introduced a new cookie called Exploremores, which is available for the 2026 season. While the exact details of this new treat are still being shared, it adds an exciting twist to the traditional lineup of cookies.

The first few days of the cookie season are typically limited to online sales. After that, Girl Scouts can sell their cookies in person at booths or through direct sales.

Regional Differences in Start Dates

While some areas have already started their cookie sales, others will have to wait until later in the year. In northern Tennessee, Lexington, Kentucky, McAllen, Texas, and Burlington, Vermont, the cookie season doesn’t begin until 2026. In Richmond, Virginia; much of Georgia; and Panama City, Florida, sales start on January 2. In Las Vegas, the season begins on January 3.

Across multiple metropolitan areas, the cookie season starts during the second week of January. Cities such as Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Colorado Springs, Grand Rapids, and Sacramento all fall into this category. If you live in New York City, Philadelphia, or Columbus, Ohio, you can expect the cookie season to start on January 15.

Wait Times Can Vary Widely

Even if the season starts in January, the wait for certain cookies can be longer than expected. In Madison, Wisconsin, for instance, Thin Mints and Tagalongs won’t be available until February 21—more than 60 days from now. This is well after sales begin in Rockford, Illinois, which is just 70 miles away. In North Dakota and South Dakota, troops will start offering cookies slightly earlier on February 9.

How to Find Local Sales

To find out when your local Girl Scouts will be selling cookies, you can use the official Cookie Finder tool. Simply enter your zip code, and it will provide you with the schedule for your area.

Pricing Varies by Location

The price of the cookies can also vary depending on where you live. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA, each of the 111 councils in the country sets its own prices. These prices reflect the current cost of the cookies as well as the cost of providing quality Girl Scout programming and experiences in an ever-changing economic environment.

All funds raised through cookie sales stay with local councils and troops, helping to support their programs and activities throughout the year.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Thin Mints or excited to try the new Exploremores, the Girl Scout cookie season is an event that brings communities together. With the right information, you can plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite treats.