Holiday guide

Black Friday Guide

Black Friday takes place on the Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving; in 2026 it falls on November 27. It is not a religious holiday or federal holiday, but a major shopping and promotion period connected with the broader holiday season.

November 27, 2026United States and increasingly global retail marketsShopping and commercial observanceReading time: 6 min

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the retail event associated with the day after U.S. Thanksgiving. It grew from a U.S. shopping tradition into a wider promotional period shaped by online commerce and regional calendars.

Why it matters

Why Black Friday matters

Black Friday matters because it influences retail planning, household budgets, logistics and the timing of seasonal purchases. Its modern form includes online sales and extended campaigns, not only one day of in-store shopping.

Explore Black Friday

Go deeper by topic

HistoryExplore Black Friday history.TraditionsExplore Black Friday traditions.SymbolsExplore Black Friday symbols.FoodExplore Black Friday food.FAQExplore Black Friday faq.FactsExplore Black Friday facts.Around the WorldExplore Black Friday around the world.MoviesExplore Black Friday movies.MusicExplore Black Friday music.

Today

How Black Friday is celebrated today

Retailers may offer discounts online and in stores, often beginning before Friday and continuing through Cyber Monday. Shoppers compare prices, set budgets and consider delivery, returns, stock and whether a purchase is genuinely useful.

GatheringRetailers may offer discounts online and in stores, often beginning before Friday and continuing through Cyber Monday. Shoppers compare prices, set budgets and consider delivery, returns, stock and whether a purchase is genuinely useful.

Family customsHouseholds adapt the celebration to local and personal traditions.

Community lifePublic events and shared participation vary by region.

Food and symbolsMeals, colors and objects reflect local customs and family meaning.

Public eventsParades, worship, performances or markets may shape public observance.

Personal meaningPeople choose religious, cultural, family or quieter ways to take part.

Key facts

Black Friday facts

Black Friday follows U.S. Thanksgiving.
In 2026 it falls on November 27.
Online and in-store promotions are both common.
The event often extends across a longer promotional period.
Cyber Monday follows on the next Monday.

Questions

Black Friday FAQ

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving. In 2026, it is November 27.

Is Black Friday a public holiday?

It is generally a retail observance rather than a federal or religious holiday.

How is Black Friday different from Cyber Monday?

Black Friday traditionally centers on the Friday after Thanksgiving, while Cyber Monday follows on Monday and is especially associated with online promotions.

Why is it called Black Friday?

The shopping term is commonly traced to Philadelphia police use for heavy post-Thanksgiving crowds and traffic. Retailers later promoted the red-to-black profit explanation.

Is Black Friday a public holiday?

No. Black Friday is generally a retail observance, not a U.S. federal or religious holiday.

Planning ahead?

Track the next Black Friday

See the date and remaining time on the live countdown.

View countdown →