Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday 27 November in the UK. Although there is one official date, the sales do not always begin or end on that Friday. From early offers to Cyber Monday, here is a straightforward guide to the dates, the different sale periods and what to check before shopping.

What date is Black Friday 2026?

Black Friday takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Thanksgiving is held on the fourth Thursday of November, which falls on 26 November in 2026. That makes Friday 27 November 2026 the date to put in your diary.

The date is the same in the UK and the US, even though Thanksgiving is not a UK bank holiday. It shifts from year to year, so the calendar day is not always the same.

When do Black Friday sales start in the UK?

The official event is on Friday 27 November, but UK retailers can release early Black Friday deals days or even weeks beforehand. You might also see the names “Black Week” or “Black November” used for longer campaigns.

Neither term has a fixed industry-wide timetable. One shop may begin on the Monday before Black Friday, while another opens its offers earlier or saves them for the weekend. Always check the dates and eligibility attached to an individual offer.

Black Friday 2026: key UK dates

• Before Friday 27 November: early deals may be available, depending on the retailer.
• Friday 27 November: Black Friday 2026.
• Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November: some retailers continue their sales over the weekend.
• Monday 30 November: Cyber Monday 2026.

These are calendar landmarks, not a promise that every retailer will run discounts for the whole period.

How long does Black Friday last?

Strictly speaking, Black Friday lasts one day. In practice, promotions often stretch across several days and sometimes into the following week. The length of a sale is decided by each retailer, as are any exclusions, stock limits or early-access conditions.

If you are comparing a few options, look at the end time of the specific promotion rather than assuming it will still be available on Cyber Monday. Sizes and colours may also sell out before an advertised campaign ends.

Black Friday, Black Week and Cyber Monday: what is the difference?

Black Friday

The main date, Friday 27 November 2026, immediately after US Thanksgiving.

Black Week

An informal name for the promotional period leading up to Black Friday. It has no universal starting date.

Cyber Monday

Monday 30 November 2026. Originally associated with online shopping, it now often marks the final day of a longer sale.

How to prepare for Black Friday without rushing

Make a short list of what you actually need, check the usual price in advance and read the returns information before buying. Delivery costs can also affect whether a discount is worthwhile. For clothing, it helps to confirm measurements rather than relying on the age shown on the label.

For children’s wardrobes, start with the sizes and layers needed for the colder months. If you are browsing by age group, you can organise your search around Black Friday for girls, Black Friday for boys or Black Friday for babies without turning a shopping list into an impulse buy.

Black Friday 2026: frequently asked questions

Is Black Friday 2026 in November?

Yes. In the UK it takes place on Friday 27 November 2026.

Does Black Week always start on 23 November?

No. Retailers set their own timetable, and some early-access campaigns begin well before 23 November.

When is Cyber Monday 2026?

Cyber Monday is on Monday 30 November 2026.

Do Black Friday discounts always end on Sunday?

No. Some offers end on the Friday, others run through the weekend or beyond. Check each retailer’s conditions.

Where can I check the dates for a specific retailer?

The official Black Friday date is 27 November, but individual campaigns can start earlier. At Kids around, Black Friday Week runs from Thursday 12 to Thursday 26 November, with 30% off selected items for signed-in customers. From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, Black Friday Weekend opens to everyone, with 30% off a selection that also includes additional outlet items. On Cyber Monday, Monday 30 November, an extra 20% applies from three items, subject to the campaign terms. See the details on the Black Friday page.