Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday 2026 is Monday, November 30. Many stores now start “early Black Friday” sales in early November, so knowing the calendar and a few simple rules can save you real money.
Black Friday 2026 shopping calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early–mid November | Early Black Friday deals begin at many big retailers |
| Thursday, November 26 | Thanksgiving — many online deals go live |
| Friday, November 27 | Black Friday |
| Saturday, November 28 | Small Business Saturday |
| Monday, November 30 | Cyber Monday |
| Tuesday, December 1 | Giving Tuesday |
Why is it called Black Friday?
The term became popular in the 1960s in Philadelphia, where police used it to describe heavy crowds and traffic the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later promoted a friendlier story: it was the day stores went “into the black,” meaning they became profitable for the year.
What usually goes on sale on Black Friday
- TVs and electronics: often the lowest prices of the year.
- Laptops and tablets.
- Smart-home devices and headphones.
- Kitchen appliances like air fryers and mixers.
- Toys and video games for Christmas.
- Clothing and shoes with site-wide discounts.
- Beauty sets that make easy gifts.
What is often better to buy at other times
- Winter clothing (cheaper after the holidays).
- Furniture and mattresses (good deals around holiday weekends in spring).
- Newly released phones (rarely discounted much).
15 smart Black Friday shopping tips
- Make a list and a budget before deals start.
- Track prices for a few weeks so you know a real deal.
- Use wish lists and turn on price-drop alerts.
- Compare the model number — some “doorbuster” TVs are special lower-spec models.
- Check return policies, especially for holiday purchases.
- Look for price matching.
- Stack savings with cashback apps and store rewards.
- Shop early online — many deals start on Thanksgiving.
- Don’t buy just because it’s on sale.
- Use a credit card with purchase protection and pay it off in full.
- Beware of fake deal sites and too-good-to-be-true social ads.
- Shop on official store websites and type the address yourself.
- Read recent reviews before buying unknown brands.
- Save gift receipts for Christmas presents.
- Support small businesses on Small Business Saturday.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Black Friday began as an in-store event, while Cyber Monday focused on online deals. Today both are mostly online. Electronics are often strongest on Black Friday, while Cyber Monday is great for online-only brands, fashion and travel.
Gift ideas to shop for
Need ideas? Browse our Christmas gift ideas, Secret Santa gift ideas and Christmas list ideas. Planning the holiday too? See how many days until Thanksgiving.
FAQ
When is Black Friday 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026.
When is Cyber Monday 2026?
Monday, November 30, 2026.
Is Black Friday a holiday?
No, it is not a federal holiday, but many people have the day off after Thanksgiving.
When do Black Friday deals start?
Many retailers start early deals in early November, and the biggest online deals usually go live on Thanksgiving Day.
More holiday shopping dates: Cyber Monday 2026, Small Business Saturday and what’s open on Thanksgiving.
