Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26). Cyber Monday follows on Monday, November 30. Many stores now start their deals a week or more early, so the real shopping window runs from mid-November into early December. Here is a simple plan to get the best prices without overspending.
Key dates for the 2026 holiday sales
| Event | Date | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Singles’ Day | Wed, Nov 11 | Big one-day discounts, especially on electronics and accessories. |
| Early Black Friday | From mid-November | Many stores release their Black Friday prices early. |
| Thanksgiving | Thu, Nov 26 | Online deals often go live the evening before Black Friday. |
| Black Friday | Fri, Nov 27 | The biggest sale day of the year, online and in store. |
| Small Business Saturday | Sat, Nov 28 | A good day to support smaller independent shops. |
| Cyber Monday | Mon, Nov 30 | Online-focused deals and extended Black Friday codes. |
| Green Monday | Mon, Dec 14 | One of the last big online sale days that still ships before Christmas. |
Dates for individual store sales vary. Always check the store’s own terms for start and end times and time zones.
Step 1: Make a list before the sales start
The easiest way to overspend is to shop the deals instead of your list. Write down what you actually need, who it is for and your budget for each item. Anything not on the list should have to earn its place.
Step 2: Track prices now
A “50% off” label means little if the regular price was raised in October. Note today’s price for the items on your list, or use a price-history tool, so you can tell a real discount from a marketing one when the sale starts.
Step 3: Sign up for store emails early
Many stores give newsletter subscribers a welcome discount and early access to Black Friday prices. Sign up a few weeks ahead so the welcome code arrives in time, and use a separate email folder or filter to keep your inbox tidy.
Step 4: Check for a code on top of the sale price
Some stores let you use a promo code on top of Black Friday prices; others exclude sale items. Before you pay, search the store on PercentPocket and read the terms under each offer. A free-shipping threshold or a code for a specific category can still save you money even when sitewide codes are excluded.
Step 5: Compare the total, not the headline
Shipping, taxes and return costs can wipe out a discount. Compare the final checkout total across stores, and check how long you have to return holiday purchases. Many retailers extend their return windows for gifts bought in November and December.
Step 6: Watch the shipping cut-off dates
If you are buying gifts, note each store’s last order date for delivery before December 25. Standard shipping cut-offs often fall in mid-December, and express shipping can cost more than the discount you saved.
Black Friday shopping checklist
- List of what you need, with a budget per item
- Current prices noted, so you can spot fake discounts
- Store newsletters joined early for welcome codes
- Codes checked on PercentPocket before checkout
- Final totals compared, including shipping and returns
- Gift shipping cut-off dates in your calendar
We add new holiday codes to our store pages as soon as stores share them through their affiliate programs, with the date we last checked each one.
This guide is for general information. PercentPocket may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you.