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Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27. It falls the day after Thanksgiving, which is on Thursday, November 26. Cyber Monday follows on Monday, November 30, and many retailers run deals all the way through Cyber Week, from November 27 to December 3.
That is the short answer. The longer one is that Black Friday no longer starts on Friday. Many stores have already launched early sales, and others are lining up events across the next few weeks. This guide gives you the full 2026 calendar, the usual start times, and what to expect from each retailer, so you know exactly when to shop.
Want to see deals as they go live? Visit our Black Friday deals hub, updated as new offers drop.
Black Friday 2026 Calendar
- Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving. Many online sales go live on Thursday evening, and some stores close for the holiday.
- Friday, November 27: Black Friday. The main event, with online deals and in-store doorbusters.
- Saturday, November 28: Small Business Saturday. A day to support local and independent shops.
- Sunday, November 29: Retailers often drop fresh stock and extend offers.
- Monday, November 30: Cyber Monday. The online-focused sales day.
- Tuesday, December 1: Giving Tuesday. A charity-focused day that some retailers also use for promotions.
- November 27 to December 3: Cyber Week. A common window for extended online deals.
Why Black Friday Falls on November 27
Black Friday is always the day after US Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2026, Thanksgiving lands on November 26, so Black Friday falls on November 27 and Cyber Monday on November 30. The dates change each year, so they are not the same calendar day every November.
The name itself dates back to Philadelphia in the 1960s, where it was used to describe the heavy traffic and crowds the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later adopted it as the start of the holiday shopping season.
What Time Do Black Friday Sales Start?
Start times vary by retailer and by whether you are shopping online or in store. As a general pattern:
- Online deals often begin around midnight Eastern Time on Thursday night, which is 9 p.m. Pacific on Thursday. Some retailers launch earlier, on Thursday morning or in the days before.
- In-store doorbusters have traditionally started in the early morning on Friday, often between 5 and 6 a.m. local time, although many stores now open on normal or reduced schedules.
- Thanksgiving Day: some stores close for the holiday. Walmart has said its stores are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so any Thanksgiving-day deals there are online.
Store hours change, so check your local store before heading out.
Early Black Friday Sales: What Has Started Already
Most large retailers now begin their Black Friday sales well before November 27. Here is what has been announced or reported so far:
- Target: Early Black Friday Sale from November 5 to 7, plus new deals every week through the season. See Target deals.
- Walmart: Early Black Friday Deals from November 12 to 15, a second Black Friday Deals event from November 23 to 29, and Cyber Monday Deals starting at 12:01 a.m. ET on November 30 through December 2. See Walmart deals.
- Best Buy: Lists Black Friday on November 27 and a Cyber Monday sale on November 30, followed by a week of online deals. Additional earlier events have been reported but are not confirmed on Best Buy’s pages at the time of writing. See Best Buy deals.
- Amazon: Early Black Friday deals are already live on a rolling basis. Official sale dates have not been announced as of today. Last year’s sales window ran from November 20 to December 1, so a similar timeline is a reasonable expectation, but it is a forecast and not a confirmed date. See Amazon deals.
- Costco and Home Depot: Reported to run deals from mid-November and from late October respectively, though we are treating those dates as unconfirmed. See Costco deals and Home Depot deals.
For a full list of deals you can shop right now, see Early Black Friday Deals You Can Get Right Now.
When Is Cyber Monday 2026?
Cyber Monday 2026 is on Monday, November 30. It is the Monday after Black Friday and focuses on online shopping. Walmart has announced its Cyber Monday Deals event from 12:01 a.m. ET on November 30 through December 2, and Best Buy has said its Cyber Monday sale starts that day, followed by a week of online deals.
Unsure which day is better for the product you want? Our guide to Black Friday vs Cyber Monday breaks it down by category. For live coverage, see Cyber Monday 2026 deals.
What Is Cyber Week?
Cyber Week is the extended shopping stretch that starts on Black Friday and runs through the following week. Many retailers use it to keep deals going after Cyber Monday, sometimes with new offers each day. In 2026, Cyber Week runs from November 27 to December 3. Not every retailer follows the same schedule, so treat the window as a guide and check each store’s own dates. See our Cyber Week 2026 guide for more.
Black Friday Dates for the Next Few Years
- 2026: Black Friday on November 27, Cyber Monday on November 30
- 2027: Black Friday on November 26, Cyber Monday on November 29
When Is Black Friday Outside the US?
Black Friday falls on the same date, November 27, 2026, in other countries that celebrate it, such as the UK and Australia, even though Thanksgiving is a US holiday. Some retailers in these markets begin their sales a week earlier. Offers and policies differ by country, so check local retailers.
How to Be Ready for Black Friday
- Decide what you want and your target price. A short list prevents impulse buys. See our Black Friday checklist.
- Check price history before you buy. A discount is only a deal if the price is actually low. See how to check Black Friday price history.
- Set up alerts. Be first to know when your target price appears. See Black Friday deal alerts.
- Know the policies. Return windows and price match rules vary. See our return and price match guide.
- Shop early if the price is right. Many strong deals land before Black Friday itself. See how to get early Black Friday deals.
For a complete plan, read our Black Friday shopping strategy.
How Black Friday Dates Are Calculated
The date follows a simple rule that never changes: Black Friday is the Friday after the fourth Thursday of November. The fourth Thursday is US Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is the Monday that follows.
Because the fourth Thursday can fall anywhere from November 22 to November 28, Black Friday can land anywhere from November 23 to November 29. In 2026, November 1 is a Sunday, which puts the Thursdays on November 5, 12, 19 and 26. The fourth one, November 26, is Thanksgiving, so Black Friday is November 27.
This matters for shoppers because the position of Black Friday changes how long the holiday shopping season feels. A late Thanksgiving, such as November 28 in 2030, leaves fewer days before Christmas. An early one, such as November 22 in 2029, gives you more.
Here are the dates for the surrounding years:
| Year | Thanksgiving | Black Friday | Cyber Monday |
| 2025 | Thursday, November 27 | Friday, November 28 | Monday, December 1 |
| 2026 | Thursday, November 26 | Friday, November 27 | Monday, November 30 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25 | Friday, November 26 | Monday, November 29 |
| 2028 | Thursday, November 23 | Friday, November 24 | Monday, November 27 |
| 2029 | Thursday, November 22 | Friday, November 23 | Monday, November 26 |
| 2030 | Thursday, November 28 | Friday, November 29 | Monday, December 2 |
Notice that in 2025 and 2030, Cyber Monday falls in December. In 2026, it lands on the last day of November, which many shoppers prefer because it keeps the whole event inside one month.
The Black Friday 2026 Season, Stage by Stage
Black Friday is no longer a single date. Most shoppers will encounter it as a sequence of stages, and knowing the stages tells you when to pay attention.
Stage 1: Early sales (now to mid-November)
This stage is already underway. Target’s Early Black Friday Sale runs November 5 to 7 and is followed by new deals every week. Walmart’s early event runs November 12 to 15. Amazon has deals live on a rolling basis, and Best Buy has launched early offers. The products that shine here are usually gifts, toys, kitchen items and home goods, along with selected electronics. See early Black Friday deals you can get right now.
Stage 2: The ad season (mid-November)
Retailers release their Black Friday ads in the weeks before the event. Ads reveal doorbusters, which are limited-quantity deals designed to bring in traffic. This is the best time to refine your shopping list and compare stores. Follow our Black Friday ads page for previews.
Stage 3: The main events (about November 19 to 29)
Many retailers run their official Black Friday sales during this window. Walmart’s second event runs November 23 to 29. Amazon and Best Buy have historically run long Black Friday sales that start about a week before the holiday, though their 2026 dates are not all confirmed. Expect more price cuts on electronics and appliances now.
Stage 4: Thanksgiving night and Black Friday (November 26 to 27)
Online deals commonly go live on Thursday evening, and in-store doorbusters launch on Friday morning where stores are open. Stock on the very best items can run out quickly.
Stage 5: The weekend (November 28 to 29)
Small Business Saturday encourages shopping at independent stores, while many online retailers add fresh stock or extend promotions through the weekend.
Stage 6: Cyber Monday and Cyber Week (November 30 to December 3)
Cyber Monday brings online-focused deals. Walmart’s Cyber Monday Deals event runs from 12:01 a.m. ET on November 30 through December 2, and Best Buy has said its Cyber Monday sale begins on November 30 and is followed by a week of online deals.
Stage 7: December
Deals continue as holiday gift and last-minute offers. Shipping deadlines become more important at this point. See holiday shipping deadlines.
Hour by Hour: Thanksgiving Night and Black Friday Morning
The key hours can be confusing because retailers define “midnight” in different ways and time zones matter. As a general guide, using Eastern Time:
- Thursday afternoon: some retailers post their final ads or launch early online deals.
- Thursday evening, around 6 to 9 p.m. ET: some online sales go live. Members of programs such as Walmart+ have received early online access in past events.
- Midnight ET, the start of Friday: many online Black Friday sales begin at 12:01 a.m. Eastern, which is 9:01 p.m. Pacific on Thursday.
- 5 to 6 a.m. local time on Friday: in-store doorbusters have traditionally opened around this time at stores that are open.
- Mid-morning Friday: popular doorbusters may already be gone, and online sale prices continue.
- Friday evening and Saturday: many retailers refresh stock or announce weekend offers.
These times are patterns, not guarantees. Store hours differ by location, so confirm with your local store, and read each retailer’s announcement for the official schedule.
What to Do on Each Day
A day-by-day approach helps you spend your attention where it counts.
Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving). If you are not busy with family, watch for online launches in the evening. Focus on your top two or three priority items, such as a TV or laptop, so you are ready when the price hits your target. Do not feel pressured to shop during the meal.
Friday, November 27 (Black Friday). This is the peak day for doorbusters and the widest range of discounts. Have your list ready, log in to your accounts ahead of time, and save payment and shipping information in advance. Compare the exact model numbers across retailers.
Saturday, November 28 (Small Business Saturday). Consider independent and local stores, which often offer unique gifts that big retailers do not sell. Online retailers also keep their offers going.
Sunday, November 29. A good day to catch fresh stock and extended offers while crowds are smaller. Some online stores drop new items on Sunday.
Monday, November 30 (Cyber Monday). Look for online-only deals, especially in laptops, apparel and smaller electronics. Check retailer announcements for Cyber Monday launches at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Tuesday, December 1 (Giving Tuesday). A day focused on charitable giving. Some retailers still run promotions, and it is a good moment to review any remaining items on your list.
December 2 and 3. Extended Cyber Week offers. Check Cyber Week 2026 for the last chances.
A Short History of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The name Black Friday is commonly traced to Philadelphia in the 1960s, when police and city workers used it to describe the crowded, chaotic traffic the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later reframed the name as a day when stores moved into profit, and the label spread across the United States.
Over time the event expanded from a single early-morning rush to a long season. Stores began opening earlier, then on Thanksgiving evening in some years, and eventually started their sales weeks ahead. The rise of online shopping brought Cyber Monday, a term generally credited to the National Retail Federation’s online arm in the mid-2000s, to describe the Monday when people returned to work and shopped online.
Today the two events blend together. Many retailers advertise Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals across the whole stretch from early November into December, which is why the question “when is Black Friday?” now has two answers: the official date and the practical sale season.
How Long Do Black Friday Sales Last?
The length depends on the type of deal:
- Doorbusters: often a few hours, or until stock runs out.
- Lightning deals: typically a few hours.
- Early sale events: a few days, such as Target’s three-day early sale or Walmart’s four-day early event.
- Main retailer events: often one to two weeks, such as Walmart’s November 23 to 29 event.
- Cyber Monday events: one day to a week, depending on the retailer.
- Cyber Week offers: through the first days of December.
Because a deal’s end date is what really matters to you, always check the listing for an expiry or stock note.
Black Friday Week Planner
Use this planner to organize your shopping by week.
Week of November 2. Create your list, set target prices, and check Target’s early sale on November 5 to 7. Sign up for deal alerts.
Week of November 9. Review Walmart’s early event on November 12 to 15. Check price history for any gift you plan to buy early.
Week of November 16. Preview Black Friday ads, compare retailers, and decide which items you will buy on Black Friday and which you will buy sooner.
Week of November 23. Walmart’s second event starts. Confirm return policies and shipping timelines. Prepare for Thanksgiving-night launches.
Week of November 30. Cyber Monday and Cyber Week. Clean up any remaining items on your list, and confirm delivery dates for gifts.
Our Black Friday checklist turns this plan into a printable list.
Black Friday Timing Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for Black Friday itself to start shopping. Many strong deals appear in the weeks before.
- Assuming every store follows the same schedule. Each retailer sets its own dates and start times.
- Forgetting time zones. A midnight launch in one zone is evening in another.
- Ignoring end dates. Deals expire on schedule, and doorbusters can sell out.
- Missing shipping deadlines. A late-December order may not arrive in time for gifts.
- Treating Cyber Monday as the last chance. Cyber Week and December offers often continue.
- Buying out of urgency. Countdown timers and “only a few left” notices are designed to speed up decisions. Check price history before you buy.
How to Track Deals Across the Season
- Use our hub. The Black Friday deals page is updated with new offers, retailer schedules and links.
- Follow the live blog. We add deals as they drop on the Black Friday live blog.
- Set alerts. Our deal alerts guide explains how to be notified when a price drops.
- Check retailer pages. Each store page lists its sale dates, coupons and ways to save.
- Keep a list. A simple note with your target prices keeps you focused.
- Compare before buying. Our shopping strategy guide shows how to compare retailers and spot fake discounts.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: Which Day Is Better?
The honest answer is that it depends on what you are buying, and the gap between the two days has narrowed because retailers now run both events over many days. Here is a practical way to think about it.
Black Friday tends to suit:
- Big-ticket electronics such as TVs, where retailers advertise their sharpest doorbusters
- Items you want to see or pick up in person
- Toys and gift items, where selection matters and popular products can run out
- Shoppers who like to compare ads and plan ahead
Cyber Monday tends to suit:
- Laptops, tablets and other tech that is easy to buy online
- Online-only brands and direct-to-consumer retailers
- Shoppers who missed a Black Friday deal and want a second chance
- Anyone who prefers to avoid crowds and shop from home
In practice, many products hit the same low price on both days, and some retailers repeat their Black Friday offers on Cyber Monday. The better strategy is to ignore the label and focus on your target price. If a product reaches it on Wednesday, buy it. See our Black Friday vs Cyber Monday guide for category-by-category advice.
Black Friday Outside the United States
Black Friday has spread well beyond the US, and in 2026 it falls on November 27 in every country that observes it. What differs is the shopping culture around it.
- United Kingdom: retailers often start Black Friday offers a week or more early and run them through Cyber Monday, even though Thanksgiving is not celebrated there.
- Canada: Black Friday is widely promoted, and some retailers also tie offers to Cyber Monday and Boxing Day, which follows Christmas.
- Australia: retailers commonly begin their sales the week before, and the event overlaps with the start of the Australian summer shopping season.
- Elsewhere: many online retailers worldwide advertise Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals even where there is no local holiday tradition.
If you are shopping outside the US, check your own retailer’s schedule, currency and shipping rules. Prices, tax and return policies differ by country, and some US offers are not available abroad.
What If You Miss a Deal?
Missing a deal feels bad, but it is rarely the end of the story. A few things to try:
- Check whether it returns. Many products appear in several rounds of sales, sometimes at the same price.
- Look at other retailers. A competitor may match or beat the price, especially on popular electronics.
- Set an alert. Our deal alerts guide explains how to be notified when the price drops again.
- Ask for a price adjustment or match. If you bought recently and the price fell, some stores will refund the difference. Check the policy first.
- Wait for the next event. Cyber Monday, Cyber Week and December holiday sales often bring new opportunities.
The best defense is a target price and a short list. When you know what you want and what you will pay, a missed deal is just a signal to keep watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of Black Friday 2026? Friday, November 27, 2026.
What is the date of Cyber Monday 2026? Monday, November 30, 2026.
When is Thanksgiving 2026? Thursday, November 26, 2026. Black Friday is the following day.
What day is Small Business Saturday in 2026? Saturday, November 28, 2026.
When do Black Friday sales start in 2026? Many retailers already have early sales running. Target’s early sale runs November 5 to 7 and Walmart’s early event runs November 12 to 15. The main online Black Friday sales usually begin around midnight Eastern Time on Thursday night, with in-store doorbusters in the early morning on Friday.
Is Black Friday a federal holiday? No. Black Friday is a retail event, not a holiday. Some employers close, but there is no federal designation.
Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday better? It depends on the product and retailer. Many shoppers see the biggest electronics and doorbuster deals on Black Friday and weekend, while some online-only items drop on Cyber Monday. Read our comparison.
How long do Black Friday deals last? From a single day to several weeks, depending on the retailer and product. Doorbuster items often sell out quickly. Check each deal’s end date.
What day of the week is Black Friday? Black Friday is always on a Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
Is Black Friday always on November 27? No. The date changes each year because it depends on Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday of November. In 2025 it was November 28, in 2026 it is November 27, and in 2027 it will be November 26.
When does Black Friday start online? Many retailers launch online deals around midnight Eastern Time on Thursday night, which is 9 p.m. Pacific on Thursday. Some start earlier on Thursday, and many run early sales in the weeks before.
Are stores open on Thanksgiving Day? Some stores close on Thanksgiving. Walmart has said its stores are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check your local store’s hours.
What is Cyber Week? Cyber Week is the extended online sale period that begins on Black Friday and runs through the following week. In 2026, many sources use November 27 to December 3 as the window.
When is Giving Tuesday 2026? Giving Tuesday is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, the Tuesday after Cyber Monday.
When is the last day to order for Christmas delivery? Shipping deadlines vary by retailer and delivery method. Check each store’s holiday shipping page, and see our holiday shipping deadlines guide.
Is Black Friday worth it? For many categories, such as TVs, laptops and small appliances, it can be, but not every discount is real. Compare against price history and set a target price. See is Black Friday worth it.
