The Origins & Evolution of Black Friday
Black Friday originated in the 1950s with Philadelphia police describing heavy post-Thanksgiving traffic, later embraced by retailers to signify moving 'into the black' profitability.
Today, it serves as the festive gateway to winter—celebrated with holiday shopping, outdoor trail walks, decking home halls, and gathering for family leftover feasts.
The Journey of Black Friday
How a local traffic term evolved into a beloved American holiday tradition.
Early Factory Absences
Trade journals note factory workers taking the day after Thanksgiving as an informal holiday, creating a four-day weekend.
Philadelphia Traffic Moniker
Philadelphia police and transit authorities popularize 'Black Friday' to describe downtown traffic jams and massive pedestrian crowds.
The 'In the Black' Rebrand
Retailers reframe the name as an accounting triumph: shifting store ledgers from red debt to black annual profit.
Birth of Cyber Monday
The National Retail Federation coins 'Cyber Monday', expanding the post-holiday shopping phenomenon into digital commerce.
The #OptOutside Movement
Outdoor retailers and state park systems launch campaigns encouraging millions to spend the day exploring nature instead of malls.
How Black Friday is Observed
From holiday market shopping to scenic outdoor trails and fireside family gatherings.
Holiday Retail & Festive Markets
Shoppers explore downtown boutiques, artisan holiday markets, and retail centers to launch their seasonal gift giving.
#OptOutside & Nature Trails
Millions of Americans choose fresh air and exercise over indoor shopping, visiting parks, lakes, and nature preserves for peaceful hikes.
Decking the Halls & Holiday Lights
Families spend the relaxed Friday afternoon putting up Christmas trees, hanging twinkling outdoor lights, and stringing garlands.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Feast
Kitchens come alive with creative culinary reinventions: turkey cranberry melts, wild rice soups, and lingering slices of pie.
Things to Do on Black Friday
Creative ways to spend your day after Thanksgiving with family, outdoors, or supporting local artisans.
Did You Know? Black Friday Facts
The surprising history, statistics, and traditions behind the day.
The Police Traffic Origin
The phrase 'Black Friday' was first coined by Philadelphia traffic police in the 1960s to describe massive post-Thanksgiving pedestrian and vehicular gridlock.
Official State Holiday in 20+ States
While not a federal holiday, the Day After Thanksgiving is an official paid state holiday for government employees in over twenty U.S. states.
The Birth of Cyber Monday
The term Cyber Monday was coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation after noticing a recurring surge in online shopping on the Monday following Thanksgiving.
The #OptOutside Movement
Launched in 2015, the #OptOutside campaign closes stores on Black Friday and pays employees to spend the day outdoors in nature with their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Black Friday, state holiday status, and traditions.
No, Black Friday is not a designated federal holiday. Federal offices, post offices, and stock markets typically operate or have modified hours, though many schools and state offices are closed.
It originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s/1960s as police slang for heavy traffic and smog. Later in the 1980s, retailers rebranded it as the day store finances moved 'into the black' (profitable).
More than twenty states—including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Washington, and Pennsylvania—officially observe the Day After Thanksgiving as a paid state holiday.
Popular alternatives include the #OptOutside outdoor movement, StoryCorps National Day of Listening (recording family oral histories), holiday movie marathons, and decorating homes for winter.
Related holidays in the United States
Explore other major American national holidays and seasonal observances.
