When Is Black Friday 2026? Date and Shopping Guide

Black Friday 2026 is Friday, November 27. It falls the day after U.S. Thanksgiving, which is November 26 on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s 2026 calendar. Cyber Monday follows on November 30. Why the date changes U.S. Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November.

Black Friday therefore moves each year rather than having a fixed calendar date. Retailers can choose different starting dates for their own promotions. How to plan your shopping Make a list and record ordinary prices before the sale. Compare the exact model, size and condition, not only the advertised percentage discount.

Check delivery charges, return windows and final-sale exclusions before paying. Confirm promotion dates on the retailer’s own website. An old coupon article is not evidence that a code still works. What the event means for retailers The strategic challenge is profitable conversion, not simply a larger discount.

Clear stock availability, transparent total costs and realistic delivery promises help shoppers decide without creating avoidable returns. For the wider seasonal context, see the National Retail Federation’s holiday research.