Day after Thanksgiving 2024 in the United States

The day after Thanksgiving, often called Black Friday, is an informal holiday in the United States. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season with major discounts and deals, drawing large crowds to stores and online retailers.

Day after Thanksgiving: A Public Holiday?

The day after Thanksgiving is a public holiday in more than 20 U.S. states. While not a federal holiday, many schools, offices, and some businesses are closed, allowing people to participate in shopping events, family gatherings, or festive activities across the country.

Day after Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving, widely known as Black Friday, has a unique history in American culture. The term "Black Friday" was first used in Philadelphia in the 1960s by local police to describe the chaos and heavy traffic caused by the influx of shoppers flooding the city the day after Thanksgiving. The sheer volume of people created major disruptions, and the term carried a somewhat negative connotation. However, by the 1980s, retailers saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of post-Thanksgiving shopping. They embraced the term and turned Black Friday into a nationwide event known for deep discounts and special sales, marking the start of the holiday shopping season.

Observance on Day after Thanksgiving in the USA

In more than 20 states, the day after Thanksgiving is recognized as a public holiday, with state offices and many schools closed. Although not a federal holiday, it carries cultural and economic significance. With Thanksgiving celebrated on Thursday, it creates a long holiday weekend, making Friday ideal for the excitement of Black Friday shopping. This day has become synonymous with holiday shopping, as retailers offer deep discounts and open early, sometimes even on Thanksgiving night. Shoppers form long lines, eager to grab deals on electronics, toys, and more, with some even camping out overnight. In recent years, online shopping has grown in popularity, with major e-commerce sites providing exclusive deals.

Black Friday is vital for the economy, being one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and helps boost retailers' annual profits. It also signals the start of the holiday shopping season, which continues through December. For many families, shopping together on Black Friday has become a tradition, adding to the festive atmosphere. The day has even expanded to include events like Small Business Saturday, encouraging support for local businesses, and Cyber Monday, which focuses on online sales.

Overall, the long weekend after Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season with a blend of consumer enthusiasm and family traditions, appealing to both in-store and online shoppers.

Day after Thanksgiving Observances