Black Friday

Black Friday falls on November 27 in 2026, the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is widely known as a busy day for shopping, with retailers promoting special offers in stores and online. For some people, it is a chance to look for gifts; for others, it is simply a familiar marker that the holiday shopping season has begun.

How Black Friday started

According to HISTORY, the shopping-related use of “Black Friday” became associated with Philadelphia after Thanksgiving. By 1961, the term had caught on in the city, where merchants and boosters unsuccessfully tried to replace it with “Big Friday” because of its negative connotations. The phrase referred to the crowds and disruption that made the day difficult for police and shopkeepers. Retailers later popularized the explanation that holiday sales put stores “into the black,” meaning they made a profit, but HISTORY describes that origin story as inaccurate.

Black Friday is not a government holiday. It is tied to the United States Thanksgiving calendar, though its sales have become familiar to shoppers in many other places as well. It falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving; in 2026, that date is November 27.

From crowded stores to online shopping

Black Friday became especially associated with crowded stores and shoppers looking for holiday deals. In Philadelphia, the crowds and disorder were a challenge for law enforcement and shopkeepers. Retailers later began opening earlier, and the day’s sales eventually grew into a longer shopping period that includes other retail events such as Cyber Monday.

Shopping habits have changed, and many offers now appear online as well as in physical stores. Some retailers begin their promotions before Black Friday or extend them through the weekend and into Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving. This means the shopping season is no longer confined to one day, and it can be useful to compare offers rather than assume that every advertised deal is the best choice.

The day can also be approached as a practical moment to plan holiday spending. Some households use it to buy gifts, while others look for needed items or skip the sales altogether. There is no single right way to observe Black Friday: its meaning depends on whether someone enjoys the hunt for bargains, values a quieter day, or chooses to keep shopping simple.

Ways to take part in Black Friday

• Make a short shopping list. Decide what you actually need before browsing, so promotions do not distract you from your plans.
• Set a budget. Choose an amount you are comfortable spending and keep track of purchases as you go.
• Compare offers. Check the item’s features and terms, and compare prices at more than one retailer before deciding.
• Shop in the way that suits you. Browse online from home, visit local stores, or avoid busy shopping areas if crowds are not your thing.
• Support a local business. If you are shopping for gifts, consider checking what independent shops in your community offer.
• Make it a shared activity. Plan a shopping trip with a friend or family member, or stay in and help one another compare options.
• Choose not to shop. Spend the day relaxing, preparing for the holidays, or enjoying time with others if sales are not appealing.

Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 3, 2026 · Last updated November 3, 2026.

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