See the Seven Sisters Eclipse
On July 20, skywatchers in North America can witness the Moon pass in front of the Pleiades. Learn more about the myths behind this star cluster.
Some stores launch early Christmas sales the Friday before Thanksgiving, or “Fake Friday.”
Many early-bird shoppers look for bargains on Fake Friday to get ahead of the crowds in stores on Black Friday, observed a week later.
©iStockphoto.com/DragonImages
Searching for Deals
Some statistics show that a large percentage, up to 87%, of the same people who search for Black Friday sales also check earlier for bargains that may be available a week before, on so-called Fake Friday.
So this seven-day period, starting on the Friday before the Thanksgiving holiday in November, has become a key week for retail businesses in the US and beyond.
Some analysts think this pattern of earlier Christmas shopping may reduce the impact of Black Friday sales. But early shoppers also present an opportunity, so many retailers are offering incentives and running promotions for customers on Fake Friday.
Earlier Interest Can Pay Off
Shoppers may be looking to buy earlier in the holiday season for a number of reasons. To start with, Fake Friday gives them a preview of Black Friday deals. And, if there is something on their list they consider a must-have, by taking advantage of early offers, they won’t have to fight the rush that may be there later in the month, or risk winding up disappointed that the item is sold out.
Fake Friday Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Fri | Nov 22 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
| 2025 | Fri | Nov 21 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
| 2026 | Fri | Nov 20 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
| 2027 | Fri | Nov 19 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
| 2028 | Fri | Nov 17 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
| 2029 | Fri | Nov 16 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
| 2030 | Fri | Nov 22 | Fake Friday | Worldwide Observance |
While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.
Elsewhere on timeanddate.com
Skywatching Tips for July 2025
What’s up in the day and night sky in July 2025, including the Moon occulting the Pleiades, and Sirius—the Dog Star—rising. Plus, Earth is at its farthest from the Sun.
Where on the Moon Did Apollo 11 Land?
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin touched down in Mare Tranquillitatis on July 20, 1969. NASA’s Noah Petro tells us about the landing site.
Moon Guide for July 2025
July’s Moon phases, plus the Moon does the rounds and snuggles up to Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars throughout the month.