When Is Black Friday 2026? Dates, Cyber Monday and Smart Shopping Tips

Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27, 2026. It is always the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Cyber Monday 2026 is on Monday, November 30. Many stores start their deals weeks earlier, often in late October or early November.

This guide gives you all the key dates, explains when the best deals usually show up, and shares simple tips so you save money and avoid scams.

Key holiday shopping dates for 2026

Want a live countdown? Try our live Thanksgiving day counter and our countdown to Christmas.

Black Friday dates for the next few years

Black Friday moves each year because Thanksgiving is always on the fourth Thursday of November.

When do Black Friday deals really start?

Black Friday is no longer just one day. Here is what usually happens:

• Late October and early November: Many big retailers post "early Black Friday" deals. Some are just as good as the real day.
• The week before Thanksgiving: More deals go live, especially online.
• Thanksgiving night and Black Friday: Doorbuster deals and the deepest discounts on some items.
• The weekend: Many deals continue, and small shops run their own sales on Small Business Saturday.
• Cyber Monday: Online deals, often on clothing, tech, and subscriptions.

Membership programs sometimes give members early access. For example, Walmart+ members have gotten early access to some deals. Our Walmart+ membership guide explains the perks.

What to buy on Black Friday

Black Friday is often a good time for:

• TVs and streaming devices
• Laptops, tablets, and headphones
• Kitchen appliances like air fryers, blenders, and coffee makers
• Vacuums and robot vacuums
• Smart home devices like doorbells and speakers
• Toys and video games

It is often better to wait on:

• Winter clothing and coats, which usually get cheaper after the holidays
• Mattresses and furniture, which often have big sales around holiday weekends in spring and summer too
• The newest phones, which rarely get big direct discounts

How to tell if a deal is real

Not every "sale" is a good deal. Before you buy:

1. Check the price history. A price tracker can show if the "sale" price is really lower than usual.
2. Compare stores. Check the same item at two or three retailers.
3. Match the model number. Some holiday deals are special models with fewer features.
4. Work out the real discount. Our free percentage calculator shows how much you are really saving.
5. Read the return policy. Some stores have shorter return windows for sale items.

Stay safe from Black Friday scams

The FTC warns that scammers are busy during holiday shopping season. To stay safe:

• Pay with a credit card. It usually gives you more protection if something goes wrong.
• Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto for an online order. The FTC says only scammers ask for these.
• Be careful with very low prices on social media ads. Scammers often pretend to be real brands.
• Search the store's name with words like "review," "complaint," or "scam" before you buy.
• Watch for fake delivery texts. Do not click links in unexpected messages about packages.

If an order never shows up, our guide on what to do when a package says delivered but is missing can help.

Simple tips to save more

• Make a list and a budget before the deals start.
• Sign up for store emails a few weeks early to see deals first.
• Use cash back from your credit card or shopping apps.
• Stack deals with store coupons when allowed.
• Shop warehouse clubs for bulk gifts and holiday food. See if a Costco membership is worth it for you.
• Do not buy just because it is on sale. A deal is only a deal if you needed it.

Getting ready for the season

The time change comes a few weeks before Black Friday. See when the clocks change this fall so you are not caught off guard.

Black Friday shopping plan: week by week

How to track prices

• Browser extensions and price trackers can show a product's price history and send alerts when it drops.
• Store apps often show member-only deals and let you save items to a list.
• Write down the regular price for your top items in October, so you know a real deal when you see it.

Shipping deadlines matter

If you are buying gifts online, check each store's holiday shipping deadlines. Popular carriers and stores post their last dates for standard and express shipping in November and December. Ordering early in the season gives you time to return or exchange items that do not work out.

Know the return policy

Many stores offer extended holiday return windows for items bought in November and December. But some electronics and sale items have shorter return periods. Before you buy:

• Check how many days you have to return the item.
• Keep receipts and order emails in one folder.
• Find out if you pay for return shipping.

Budget math example

Say you have $500 for holiday shopping and find these deals:

That leaves you $222 for other gifts, food, or travel. You can check the percent off any deal the same way.

Black Friday vs other big sales

If an item is not on sale on Black Friday, it may show up cheaper at one of these other times.

Black Friday 2026 by the numbers

Adobe tracks online shopping across the biggest U.S. retailers. Its forecast for the 2026 holiday season shows how big these days have become:

What this means for you: online deals now matter as much as store doorbusters. Many of the best prices show up online first, and some sell out within hours, so make your list early and set price alerts before Thanksgiving week.

The bottom line

Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27, and Cyber Monday is on Monday, November 30. Many deals start weeks earlier, so start watching prices in late October. Check price history, compare stores, pay with a credit card, and skip deals that look too good to be true. With a list and a budget, you can save real money this holiday season.