Black Friday 2026 is on Friday 27 November, the day after US Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday follows on Monday 30 November, so the main shopping stretch runs from that Friday right through the weekend to the Monday after.
Small Business Saturday sits in the middle on 28 November, and Giving Tuesday closes things off on Tuesday 1 December.
Why the Black Friday date moves each year
Black Friday has no fixed date of its own. It's the day after Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November. In 2026 that Thursday is the 26th, according to the OPM federal holidays list, so Black Friday lands on the 27th.
Because Thanksgiving can fall anywhere from the 22nd to the 28th, Black Friday can fall anywhere from the 23rd to the 29th. This year is on the late side, which gives you a little more November to prepare and a slightly shorter run to Christmas.
A countdown from three weeks out to two days after
- Friday 6 November, three weeks out: decide what you're offering and who it's for. Keep it to one clear offer if you're a small team.
- Friday 13 November, two weeks out: write your emails. These subject lines for small business Black Friday emails save a lot of staring at a blank screen.
- Friday 20 November, one week out: make your graphics and schedule your posts. If design isn't your thing, here's where to make sale banners for free.
- Thursday 26 November: Thanksgiving. Keep it light, and check everything is queued.
- Friday 27 November: Black Friday. Post early, then answer messages and comments fast.
- Saturday 28 November: Small Business Saturday, a good day for a personal, behind-the-scenes post.
- Monday 30 November: Cyber Monday. A last reminder for anyone who waited. These Cyber Monday Instagram ideas for small shops help.
- Tuesday 1 December: Giving Tuesday.
- Wednesday 2 December, two days after: say thank you and close your offer clearly.
Running behind? You're not alone. This last-minute Black Friday prep guide squeezes the essentials into a few days.
Black Friday for UK readers
In the UK, Black Friday isn't a holiday. Nobody gets the day off, banks and offices open as normal, and there's no Thanksgiving the day before. It's purely a shopping event, but it's on the same date: Friday 27 November 2026. For UK sellers, the timeline above still works, just without the Thursday pause.
Black Friday 2026: quick answers
What date is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 is on Friday 27 November, the day after US Thanksgiving on Thursday 26 November.
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When is Cyber Monday 2026?
Cyber Monday 2026 is on Monday 30 November, the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend.
Is Black Friday a public holiday?
No. Black Friday isn't a federal holiday in the US or a bank holiday in the UK. Thanksgiving, the day before, is the US federal holiday.
Is Black Friday on the same date in the UK?
Yes. UK shops follow the US date, so Black Friday 2026 is Friday 27 November in the UK too.
Where to find the real deals
This page is about dates, not discounts. Offers change by the hour, so for actual deals, check each seller's own Black Friday page or newsletter rather than trusting round-up lists. And if you're the seller, the best thing you can do now is pick your offer and get your first email written this week.
