When Does Black Friday Actually Start This Year?

It seems like Black Friday starts earlier and earlier every year. Now it’s not a single Friday, but rather a week or two long. Which is a good thing, but also kind of kills the magic of waiting outside at 4 am for amazing deals. And we all want a good deal when it comes to Christmas gifts. So when does Black Friday actually start this year?

Black Friday- woman with a lap top that says Black Friday sales- Kids Activities Blog — Black Friday seems to start earlier and earlier. When does it actually start?

What Is Black Friday?

For those of you who aren’t familiar, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the US. It’s the unofficial start of the holiday season where stores generally have major sales events. It used to be a one day affair, but as on 2026, it can last from days to weeks and usually ends with Cyber Monday which is the Monday after Thanksgiving when electronics are on sale.

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When Does Black Friday 2026 Start?

Black Friday- sparkles with white and red text saying black friday sale - Kids Activities Blog — So, when does Black Friday actually start?

Officially Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026 of this year. However, many retailers have already announced early saving events. Each retailer has one big event or several events.

For example Target did a 3 day early Black Friday even from November 5th to 7th and will be dropping new weekly deals throughout the holiday season.

Walmart also did a Black Friday even that went from November 12 to November 15, however they will be doing another Black deals even later this month. So let’s take a look at all the major retailers and see what sales events we can find!

Black Friday Dates

Black Friday- A lady shopping with various bags - Kids Activities Blog — Most of the stores Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales overlap.

Walmart

Walmart will be doing a second Black Friday deal from November 23 to the 29th and then will have a Cyber Monday sale even on November 30th.

Target

Target had a mini Black Friday even November 5-7. However, from November 1 to December 24 they will have a deal of the day offer. Plus, November 14th and onwards they will have a new weekend limited time offer even rolling out most Thursdays-Saturdays. November 27th is their official Black Friday sale while the November 29th and the 30th is the Cyber Monday sale.

Amazon

Amazon will be doing their Black Friday sale from November 19th to November 30th. And they will be running the Cyber Monday sales the same days.

Best Buy

Best Buy will have early Black Friday deals that start on November 6th, however, their Black Friday Doorbusters and Deals will be available November 19th-28th. And their Cyber Monday sale is November 29th and 30th.

JCPenney

JCPenney’s holiday deals start November 16th through the 19th and they will have a bigger even from November 20th through the 29th. You’ll also find in-store giveaways on Black Friday.

Black Friday- clothes on a rack with tags - Kids Activities Blog — Don’t forget about in store giveaways and doorbusters!

Kohls

Kohls Black Friday sale will run from November 22 to November 28ths and you’ll find special doorbusters online starting on the 26th and in stores on Black Friday.

Sam’s Club

Sam’s club will have Black Friday Sales from November 26th to November 29th.

Why Are Companies Doing Black Friday So Early Now?

Companies are starting to do Black Friday earlier to capture shoppers before competitors do. That’s why they’re doing them for weeks or even throughout the month.

If you spent your money early on deals at their stores you won’t be as likely yo spend more at other stores on Black Friday. So in short, it comes down to competition of companies.