Black Friday 2026: the dates, and how to spot a genuine deal

Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November 2026, the day after US Thanksgiving (Thursday 26 November). Cyber Monday follows on 30 November. In the UK, many winter sales then start around Boxing Day, Saturday 26 December.

Most stores start their offers well before the day itself and keep some running through Cyber Monday. That gives you time to check whether a deal is as good as it looks.

Five checks before you buy

1. Look at the price, not the percentage. "50% off" means little if the "was" price was only charged for a short time. Compare the final price with what the item has sold for over the past few months.
2. Compare stores. The same product is often cheaper elsewhere, even without a Black Friday label.
3. Read the exclusions. Codes often exclude sale items, certain brands or gift cards, or need a minimum spend.
4. Check the returns policy. Some stores shorten returns on sale items; others extend them for Christmas.
5. Use the discounts you already have. Student and member discounts sometimes work alongside sale prices. Check each store's terms.

Plan it now

Make a list of what you actually need and what it costs today. When the sales start, you'll know straight away whether a deal is real. Our Black Friday page collects offers as stores announce them.