Does Black Friday Come Only Once a Year?

Black Friday has grown into one of the biggest shopping events worldwide, attracting millions of bargain hunters every year. But one question keeps popping up: Does Black Friday come only once a year, or are there multiple Black Fridays scattered across the calendar?

The answer is simple: Black Friday officially happens once a year, on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, because of extended promotions, global adoption, and clever marketing tactics, many shoppers feel like Black Friday happens more often than it actually does.

This article explores the history of Black Friday, how many times it occurs, why it sometimes seems like it happens more than once, and what makes it unique compared to other sales events.

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday refers to the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving in the U.S., which falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Historically, this day marked the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

The name “Black Friday” originated from the idea that retailers’ finances went “into the black” (profit) after being “in the red” (loss) for much of the year. Shops used massive discounts to lure crowds, and over time, the event transformed into the single most anticipated shopping day of the year.

While it started in America, Black Friday is now celebrated globally, with retailers in the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond adopting it as their biggest sale event.

How Many Black Fridays Are There in a Year?

Officially, there is only one Black Friday every year. It always takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving doesn’t fall on a fixed date, the exact date of Black Friday changes each year but always occurs in late November.

For instance:

• In 2023, Black Friday was on November 24.

• In 2024, it fell on November 29.

• In 2025, it will take place on November 28.

This once-a-year occurrence is what makes Black Friday unique. It’s not a recurring monthly or quarterly sale; it’s an annual event tied specifically to Thanksgiving.

Why Do People Think There Are Multiple Black Fridays?

Even though there is only one official Black Friday, the way retailers market sales often confuses shoppers into believing there are multiple Black Fridays throughout the year.

Retailers today rarely limit discounts to just one day. Instead, many create Black Friday Week or even Black November, stretching out the sale period. Others go as far as to advertise “Black Friday in July” or “Spring Black Friday” events, terms designed to attract attention but not actual Black Fridays.

On top of that, the rise of Cyber Monday and Cyber Week adds to the perception that there are several Black Fridays, when in reality, these are simply related but separate events.

Black Friday vs. Other Major Sales Events

To understand why shoppers feel like Black Friday repeats, it helps to compare it with other major sales events. Cyber Monday, which occurs the Monday after Black Friday, focuses on online shopping and often carries discounts that rival Black Friday itself.

Amazon’s Prime Day, usually held in July, has also become a global shopping phenomenon. Boxing Day, celebrated in the UK, Canada, and Australia on December 26, offers end-of-year discounts. Seasonal clearance sales, back-to-school deals, and mid-year promotions all contribute to the sense of year-round bargain hunting.

Still, none of these events has the same cultural weight or anticipation as Black Friday, which remains the king of shopping days.

Why Black Friday Only Happens Once a Year

Black Friday is anchored to Thanksgiving, which ensures it only happens once a year. Its timing, right before the Christmas season, makes it strategically significant for retailers and shoppers alike.

The anticipation builds all year long. Retailers rely on this event to clear stock and drive profits, while consumers often delay big purchases in hopes of securing the best Black Friday deals. Turning it into a recurring event would dilute its impact, which is why the “real” Black Friday will always remain an annual holiday.

The Evolution of Black Friday Sales

Black Friday has evolved dramatically over the decades. Once a one-day, in-store event marked by long lines and doorbuster deals, it is now a global shopping season. Retailers start their promotions weeks in advance, sometimes as early as the beginning of November.

Online shopping has played a major role in this shift. Many people now prefer to shop Black Friday deals from the comfort of their homes, avoiding the chaos of crowded stores. This evolution has given rise to Cyber Monday, which extends the digital shopping frenzy into a multi-day event.

In short, Black Friday is no longer just one day, it’s a season. But still, officially, the Black Friday holiday happens only once a year.

Common Misconceptions About Black Friday

A common myth is that Black Friday occurs multiple times per year. But when you look closer, you’ll see that the variations are simply marketing strategies:

• “Black Friday in July” is a promotional campaign, not the real Black Friday.

• “Black Friday Week” is just an extended lead-up to the official day.

• International retailers may adjust promotions, but the date always connects back to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

Key Facts About Black Friday

Here’s a quick recap of what you should know:

• Black Friday only happens once a year, the day after Thanksgiving.

• Retailers expand it into weeks of deals, creating the illusion of multiple Black Fridays.

• Phrases like “Black Friday in July” are just marketing gimmicks.

• Its annual timing before Christmas makes it the world’s most significant shopping event.

Is Black Friday Still Worth Waiting For?

Even with sales happening year-round, Black Friday remains the best time to shop for high-ticket items. Electronics like TVs, laptops, and smartphones often see their steepest discounts during this event. Home appliances, fashion, toys, and holiday gifts are also major categories where consumers save big.

Despite the rise of year-round promotions, the depth and scale of discounts still make Black Friday a standout event. For many shoppers, waiting for Black Friday is still the smartest move.

Final Thoughts

So, does Black Friday come only once a year? Yes, it happens only once annually, on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The confusion arises from extended promotions and global marketing strategies that mimic the event throughout the year.

But at its core, Black Friday is still an annual holiday. Its anticipation, timing, and cultural impact make it unique in the shopping calendar. While other sales events may pop up during the year, none rival the significance of this once-a-year phenomenon.

Curious about when the next one is? Check out our guide on How Many Days Till Black Friday 2025?

Frequently Ask Question

Q. Does Black Friday only happen once a year?

Yes. Black Friday officially occurs once a year, always on the Friday after Thanksgiving in late November.

Q. Why do I see “Black Friday” sales at other times of the year?

Retailers sometimes use the term “Black Friday” for marketing, such as “Black Friday in July” but these are just promotional events, not the real Black Friday.

Q. Is Black Friday the same everywhere in the world?

While the official date is tied to U.S. Thanksgiving, many countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, have adopted the event, holding their own Black Friday sales at the same time.

Q. How is Black Friday different from Cyber Monday?

Black Friday covers both in-store and online deals, while Cyber Monday (the following Monday) focuses on online discounts, often with tech-heavy promotions.

Q. Is it better to wait for Black Friday or shop other sales?

If you’re looking for the deepest discounts, especially on electronics, appliances, and holiday gifts, Black Friday usually offers better savings compared to most other sales events.