Black Friday 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Biggest Shopping Day in America

If there’s one day when Americans willingly wake up before the sun, it’s Black Friday. The morning after Thanksgiving has grown into a tradition of its own. You finish the leftover turkey, set an alarm you normally wouldn’t touch, and head out in search of those once-a-year deals.

Black Friday isn’t just another sale day. For a lot of families, it feels like the unofficial start of the holiday season. Stores across the country roll out their biggest discounts, from doorbusters to limited-time deals that disappear fast. Whether you love squeezing through crowded aisles or prefer hunting bargains from your couch with a cup of coffee, Black Friday has a little something for everyone.

What Exactly Is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is famously known as the busiest shopping day in the United States. The name actually came from the traffic and packed streets that used to take over cities when people rushed out to start their Christmas shopping.

Today, it’s a full-blown retail event. Think huge markdowns on TVs, laptops, toys, beauty products, home appliances, pretty much anything you can imagine.

For 2025, Black Friday lands on November 28.

Why Do People Get So Excited About It?

The short answer: the deals are really that good.

Retailers save some of their best discounts of the year for this day. Many people use Black Friday to pick up big-ticket items such as electronics, home appliances, gadgets, at prices they won’t see again until next year. For families planning their holiday budget, it’s a chance to stretch their money a little further.

Who Can Shop on Black Friday?

Pretty much everyone. No membership, no special card, no secret code required. Whether you’re standing in line outside a store at 5 a.m. or clicking through deals online in your pajamas, Black Friday is open to all. Families turn it into an outing, college students chase gadget deals, and bargain-lovers treat it like a sport.

Where to Find the Best Black Friday Deals in the U.S.

Almost every major retailer joins in, but some are known for going all out. Here’s what shoppers usually expect:

Walmart

A fan favorite. Expect major discounts on electronics, toys, home items, gaming consoles, and everyday essentials. Stores open early—often around 6 a.m.—but online deals usually drop first.

Target

Great for tech, home decor, clothes, and family gifts. Most Target stores also open at 6 a.m.

Best Buy

The go-to spot for electronics: TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and smart home devices. Stores usually open at 6 a.m. and close around 10 p.m.

Kohl’s

Famous for stacking savings, deep discounts plus Kohl’s Cash to use later. Many stores open as early as 5 a.m.

Home Depot & Lowe’s

Ideal for home improvement fans. From tools to appliances, both stores open at around 6 a.m. with seasonal deals.

DICK’S Sporting Goods

Opens at 5 a.m. and offers deals on sports gear, winter wear, fitness equipment, and outdoor essentials.

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Another top pick for outdoor and athletic equipment, usually opening at 5 a.m.

Dillard’s & Old Navy

Dillard’s opens later—around 9 a.m.—with clothing and accessory sales. Old Navy and JCPenney offer big discounts too, especially for families.

Beauty & Fashion Deals

• ULTA Beauty opens at 6 a.m. with markdowns on makeup, skincare, and hair tools.

• Clothing stores like Old Navy, JCPenney, and others become hotspots for wardrobe refreshes.

Online or In-Store: Which Should You Choose?

That depends on your style:

In-Store Shopping

• Great for doorbusters

• Fun if you enjoy the buzz of the crowd

• Ideal for checking items in person

• Limited quantities, so go early!

Online Shopping

• Zero lines

• Deals often start earlier

• Easier to compare prices

• Fast or free shipping from big retailers

Many people do both, grabbing big-price items online and heading to stores for clothes, toys, or last-minute gifts.

Why Black Friday Still Matters

Even with online deals happening all year, Black Friday still holds a special place in American culture. It’s a day of excitement, tradition, family time, and—yes—some serious savings.

For many, it marks the start of the holiday season. Christmas lights start going up, the holiday playlists come out, and people begin checking off their gift lists.

Black Friday might be rooted in shopping, but it’s about more than that. It’s about shared moments, standing in line with family, laughing over early-morning coffee, clicking through deals together, and feeling that rush when you score the perfect find.

As November 28 approaches, millions of Americans will show up in their own way, some bundled up in coats before sunrise; others curled up at home scrolling deals on their phones. Different moments, same spirit.

Black Friday 2025 won’t just be about bargains. It’ll be about anticipation, generosity, and that warm feeling of officially stepping into the holiday season. Because in the end, the holidays aren’t just about what we buy, they’re about the memories we make along the way.

FAQ’s

1. When is Black Friday in 2025?

Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28, the day after Thanksgiving.

2. Why is Black Friday such a big deal in the U.S.?

It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, with some of the biggest discounts of the year across major retailers.

3. Which stores offer the best Black Friday deals?

Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, ULTA, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Old Navy are among the top places for doorbusters and major markdowns.

4. Is it better to shop online or in stores?

Both have benefits. In-store is great for doorbusters and hands-on shopping, while online offers convenience, early deals, and no lines.

5. Do I need anything special to shop on Black Friday?

No. Anyone can shop. You don’t need memberships, coupons, or invitations, just show up in store or shop online.