When is Black Friday?
Black Friday is the day after US Thanksgiving, the fourth Friday of November. In 2026 it falls on Friday, November 27, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Friday, November 26, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 46 days to go, which is about 6 weeks and 4 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 27 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 26 | Friday |
A little history
The name was first used by Philadelphia police in the 1960s to describe the chaos of crowds and traffic the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later spun it as the day stores went 'into the black,' meaning profitable. It's now global, from the UK to Brazil.
How people celebrate
Doorbuster sales, early openings and huge online deals. These days many sales start in early November and the best prices often show up online. Make a list, check price history before you buy, and remember that 30% off plus 20% off is 44% off, not 50%.
Closures and practical notes
It's not a federal holiday, but many state employees and schools get the day off. The stock market closes early, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Planning tips
Make a short list before the sales start and set a budget. Check the price history of anything big, because a 'was' price isn't always real. Compare the final price including shipping and tax, not the percentage on the banner.
Stacked discounts multiply rather than add up, so 30% off plus another 20% off is 44% off. Returns windows are often extended for holiday purchases, but read the policy before you buy.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Friday 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026.
What day of the week is Black Friday in 2027?
It's a Friday (November 26, 2027).
Is Black Friday a holiday?
Not a federal one, but many employers and schools give the day off after Thanksgiving.