Is Black Friday a holiday?
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 27, 2026. It is not a federal holiday, but many states give state employees the day off, U.S. stock markets close early and many employers treat it as part of a four-day weekend.
Next Black Friday
Friday, November 27, 2026Black Friday dates, 2026–2031
Rule: Friday after Thanksgiving.
What’s open on Black Friday
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Open* Open (some branches close early) |
| Post office / mail delivery | Open Open (regular delivery) |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Early close Open with a 1:00 p.m. ET early close |
| Federal offices | Open Open (unless the President grants the day off) |
| State offices | Many closed Closed in many states (see the list on this page) |
| Public schools | Varies Most closed for Thanksgiving break |
Black Friday is not a federal holiday. Banks, the post office and federal offices are open, U.S. stock markets close at 1:00 p.m. ET, and many states close state offices. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
States that close for Black Friday in 2026
These states list November 27, 2026 on the official calendars Daymark has checked. Others, plus cities and counties, may also close; check the local government.
| State | Listed as | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Thanksgiving (day after) Listed as part of the Thanksgiving holiday, as designated by the Governor. | Offices closed |
| California | Day after Thanksgiving California state holiday | Offices closed |
| Colorado | Governor’s Holiday Paid administrative leave granted by the Governor for 2026, not a statutory holiday. | Offices closed |
| Delaware | Day After Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Florida | Friday after Thanksgiving Florida state holiday | Offices closed |
| Georgia | State Holiday Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Illinois | Day after Thanksgiving Illinois state holiday | Offices closed |
| Indiana | Lincoln’s Birthday (observed) Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Iowa | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Kansas | Friday after Thanksgiving Listed by date without a name on the source | Offices closed |
| Kentucky | Thanksgiving (second day) | Offices closed |
| Maine | Thanksgiving Friday | Offices closed |
| Maryland | American Indian Heritage Day Maryland state holiday | Offices closed |
| Michigan | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Minnesota | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Nebraska | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Nevada | Family Day | Offices closed |
| New Mexico | Presidents’ Day (Observed) Presidents’ Day moved to the day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| North Carolina | Thanksgiving (second day) | Offices closed |
| Oklahoma | Thanksgiving Second Thanksgiving holiday | Offices closed |
| Oregon | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Pennsylvania | Day after Thanksgiving Pennsylvania state closure | Offices closed |
| South Carolina | Day after Thanksgiving Day | Offices closed |
| Tennessee | Day after Thanksgiving Substituted for Columbus Day | Offices closed |
| Texas | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Vermont | Day after Thanksgiving Most state offices closed, per employee contracts | Offices closed |
| Virginia | Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
| Washington | Native American Heritage Day Washington state holiday | Offices closed |
| West Virginia | Lincoln Day Day after Thanksgiving | Offices closed |
The story behind Black Friday
The name “Black Friday” was popularized by Philadelphia police in the 1950s and 1960s to describe the crowds and traffic that filled the city the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later adopted a friendlier explanation: the day when stores moved “into the black” for the year.
Since then the day has become the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, with “Small Business Saturday” and “Cyber Monday” added to the same weekend.
How it’s celebrated
Doorbuster sales, early store openings and online deals are the best-known traditions, but many families use the day for travel home, leftovers, decorating or simply rest.
In some states the day after Thanksgiving carries an official name of its own, such as Native American Heritage Day in Washington or American Indian Heritage Day in Maryland.
Planning around the day
Federal offices, banks and the post office are generally open, though some offices run with fewer staff. If you need a state office, check whether your state closes. Stores often open early and close at normal times; confirm hours for the location you plan to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Friday a federal holiday?
No. The day after Thanksgiving is not a federal holiday, although many states and employers give the day off.
Is the stock market open on Black Friday?
Yes, but with an early close. NYSE and Nasdaq stop regular trading at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Is mail delivered on Black Friday?
Yes. USPS delivers mail and post offices are open.
When is Black Friday 2027?
Friday, November 26, 2027, the day after Thanksgiving on November 25.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.