Updated on Monday, September 7, 2026: Big Lots has not announced its Black Friday 2026 sale yet, but last year’s event gives us a good idea of what to expect.

We expect another long Black Friday sale starting around November 9 or 10, with deals on Christmas decor, furniture, mattresses, toys, home goods and small gifts.

Last year’s sale was already live by November 10 and ran through December 6.

Big Lots Black Friday 2026 at a Glance

These are predictions based mainly on the 2025 event.

When Will Big Lots Black Friday 2026 Start?

We expect the sale to begin around November 9 or 10.

Big Lots started very early last year. By November 10, its Black Friday sale was already live and scheduled to continue through December 6. Stores were closed on Thanksgiving Day.

If the schedule is similar this year, shoppers should have more than two weeks to shop before Black Friday itself.

We would also expect stores to be closed on Thanksgiving again, although that has not yet been confirmed for 2026.

What Deals Could We See?

Last year’s ad gives us some good price targets.

Last year’s featured prices included $149.99 Christmas trees, $199.99 recliners, a $239.99 queen mattress and several holiday gifts under $15.

Christmas Decor Should Be One of the Best Categories

We would start with seasonal items.

Big Lots has traditionally been strong on inexpensive Christmas decor, and its current stores continue to carry seasonal merchandise as a major department.

Last Black Friday included $9.99 ornament sets, $8.99 tree skirts, $14.99 tree topper projectors, $5.99 candles and $4.99 holiday mugs.

Those are the types of smaller deals we expect to return.

For artificial trees, around $150 for a 7-foot pre-lit flocked tree would be a good benchmark.

Furniture Could Be Worth Checking Early

Furniture is another category where the dollar savings can be much larger.

Last year Big Lots advertised recliners for $199.99 and a queen Serta mattress-in-a-box for $239.99.

The important part is availability.

Big Lots says merchandise varies by store, inventory cannot currently be checked online, and many closeout items will not be restocked once they sell out.

If you see a furniture deal you want, we would shop early rather than waiting until Black Friday morning.

Big Lots Is Different in 2026

This is probably the section I would make most prominent.

The current Big Lots is operated by Variety Wholesalers following the original company’s bankruptcy. Big Lots says it now has 219 stores across 15 states, with additional locations still being added.

That means old advice about shopping Big Lots online or checking inventory on the website no longer applies.

Right now:

Big Lots currently says shopping is in-store only and recommends calling your local store if you want to check whether an item is available.

The Best Shopping Tip: Call Before You Drive

This matters more at Big Lots than at most retailers.

The company has returned to a closeout-heavy model where stores can receive different merchandise. Big Lots says new inventory arrives weekly and closeouts may never be restocked.

So if the Black Friday ad shows a $199 recliner or a particular Christmas tree, call the store first if you are making a special trip.

For a $6 candle, it probably isn’t worth the trouble.

For a $200 piece of furniture, it definitely is.

Should You Wait Until Black Friday?

Probably not.

Last year’s event lasted almost a month, and many deals were available well before Thanksgiving. More importantly, Big Lots repeatedly warns that quantities are limited and merchandise varies by store. Its current 2026 ads use the same “hurry in for best selection” approach.

If you find the item you want at the advertised Black Friday price, we would buy it.

Waiting until November 27 may only reduce your selection.

How to Hear About the Sale Early

Big Lots does not currently have a rewards program, but it does offer email and text alerts.

The company says subscribers often receive early access to deals and events before they are announced in stores.

That may be especially useful this year since there is no online shopping or live store inventory.

When Will the Big Lots Black Friday 2026 Ad Come Out?

Our best guess is early November.

Last year’s sale was already live by November 10, so we would expect the 2026 ad to appear around the same time.

Once it is released, we’ll update this page with the confirmed sale dates, featured furniture, Christmas decor, toys and our picks for the best deals.

Until then, you can see the Big Lots Black Friday 2025 ad and complete ad history below.

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Big Lots’ Black Friday Ad History

We are keeping a history of Big Lots’s older Black Friday ads. You can see all the previous years through 2016 by following the links below.

• 2025: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
• 2024: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
• 2023: Page 1, 2 and 3.
• 2022: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
• 2021: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• 2020: Page 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• 2019: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
• 2018: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
• 2017: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
• 2016: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

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Questions & Comments

What are you planning on getting at this year’s Black Friday sale at Big Lots? Maybe some new furniture? Leave your comments below.