Black Friday
Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, November 27. In 2027, Black Friday falls on Friday, November 26.
The dates of Black Friday, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Black Friday?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, November 28, 2025 |
| 2026 | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
| 2027 | Friday, November 26, 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday, November 24, 2028 |
| 2029 | Friday, November 23, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, November 29, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, November 28, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, the fourth Thursday in November. Retailers offer big discounts, and the day is seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season. The term is often explained as the day when shops went 'into the black', or into profit, although it was first used by police in Philadelphia to describe the crowds and traffic on that day.
Black Friday always falls between the 23rd and November 29. It's usually followed by Cyber Monday, with deals aimed at online shopping.
In 2026 it falls on Friday, November 27.
Black Friday in the United States
Black Friday is not a federal holiday, but many people have the day off: some states give state employees the day after Thanksgiving off, and many schools and employers do the same. That makes it a popular day for shopping, with stores opening early and online sales starting days or weeks before.
For many families, it's also simply the second day of a long Thanksgiving weekend, spent with leftovers, football and the first Christmas decorations.
Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday follow, and the Tuesday after has become known as Giving Tuesday, a day for donating to charity.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Friday 2026?
In 2026, Black Friday falls on Friday, November 27.
Is Black Friday a day off?
No, Black Friday is not a public holiday in the United States.
Why is it called Black Friday?
The name was first used in Philadelphia to describe the crowds on the day after Thanksgiving. It's often explained as the day when retailers went 'into the black', or into profit.
Is Black Friday a federal holiday?
No, but some states give state employees the day off, and many schools and employers close too.