The air is getting crisp, and you've probably already started eyeing those massive 12-foot Christmas trees or that specific shade of yarn for a winter blanket. If you’re a crafter or a home decor enthusiast, Black Friday at Hobby Lobby is basically the Super Bowl. But here’s the thing: Hobby Lobby doesn't follow the typical "big box" rules. They aren't opening at midnight while you're still digesting turkey, and they definitely aren't open on Thanksgiving.
If you are wondering what time does Hobby Lobby open on Black Friday, the answer is pretty straightforward, but the strategy for shopping there is anything but.
The Official Black Friday Opening Time
Most Hobby Lobby locations across the United States open their doors at 8:00 AM on Black Friday.
Now, you might see some conflicting info online claiming they open at 7:00 AM. While that happened in some previous years or at very specific high-volume locations, the official corporate stance for 2025 and 2026 is an 8:00 AM start. This is actually an hour earlier than their standard 9:00 AM opening time. They also stay open later, usually until 9:00 PM, giving you a solid 13-hour window to grab those half-off frames.
It's a more civilized approach to the shopping holiday. You get to sleep in a little, have your coffee, and then head out. No 3:00 AM parking lot campouts required here.
Why the Schedule is Different at Hobby Lobby
You've probably noticed that Hobby Lobby operates a bit differently than Michaels or Joann Fabrics. This all stems from the company’s core values. David Green, the founder, has always been vocal about prioritizing family time and religious observance. That’s why you’ll never see a Hobby Lobby open on a Sunday, and it’s why they refuse to open on Thanksgiving Day.
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While Walmart or Target might start their "Black Friday" deals at 6:00 PM on Thursday, Hobby Lobby stays dark. They want their employees home. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing, even if it means you have to wait until Friday morning to get your hands on those discounted holiday florals.
Does Every Store Follow the 8 AM Rule?
Mostly, yes. Because Hobby Lobby is a privately owned corporation and not a franchise model, their hours are incredibly consistent from Maine to California. However, I always tell people to check the local store locator on their website the Wednesday before. Occasionally, a store in a massive shopping mall might have to adjust based on the mall’s specific holiday rules, but the 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM window is the standard "Goldilocks" zone for the chain.
What to Expect Inside: The Deals
If you’re expecting "doorbusters" like a $10 television, you’re in the wrong place. Hobby Lobby doesn't really do the whole "first 50 people get a gift card" thing. Instead, they lean heavily into their rotating sale schedule, which just happens to peak during Black Friday week.
Historically, you can expect these categories to be hit hard with discounts:
- Christmas Decor: This is the big one. Usually, trees, ornaments, and lights are 50% off.
- Home Decor: Think wall art, mirrors, and clocks. These are almost always 50% off during the Black Friday window.
- Frames: Their custom framing is a staple, but the ready-made wall and photo frames are usually half-off.
- Fabric: Typically discounted by 30% or more by the yard.
One thing that surprises people? The "90% off" sales usually happen before or long after Black Friday. For example, fall decor often hits 90% off the Monday before Thanksgiving. If you wait until Black Friday to buy autumn-themed items, they might already be gone.
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The Secret to Shopping Hobby Lobby on Black Friday
Don't just walk in blindly. The stores are massive—usually over 55,000 square feet. If you go in at 8:00 AM without a plan, you’ll get distracted by the scented candles and forget why you came.
First, grab the physical ad at the front door or check the app. They stopped doing the 40% off single-item coupon a few years back (RIP to a legend), so you have to rely on the department-wide sales.
Second, if you’re looking for "The Spring Shop" items or specific furniture pieces, check the tags. Hobby Lobby uses a "Your Price" system for some items, which means they are excluded from the standard percentage-off sales because they are already marked down.
Myths About Hobby Lobby's Holiday Hours
I see people get burned by these every year:
- "They open at midnight." Nope. Never. Don't waste the gas.
- "The online sale is better." Actually, shipping costs can be a beast at Hobby Lobby. Unless you're buying something huge you can't fit in your car, the in-store experience is usually cheaper because you avoid those fees.
- "Everything is on sale." Not true. Hobby Lobby rotates. If yarn isn't on sale this week, it might be next week. Black Friday doesn't mean every single aisle is discounted.
Logistics for Your Friday Trip
Since the stores open at 8:00 AM, the "rush" usually hits around 10:00 AM when the late sleepers wake up. If you want a peaceful experience, being there at 7:50 AM is your best bet.
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Parking is usually manageable because Hobby Lobby often sits in standalone locations or large plazas rather than cramped malls. If you're planning on buying furniture, bring a friend. The staff is helpful, but on Black Friday, they are spread thin.
Real-World Advice for the Crafty Shopper
Look, Black Friday is chaotic. But Hobby Lobby at 8:00 AM is usually a lot more "Pinterest-aesthetic" than "Black Friday-brawl." People are there for ribbon and glitter, not the last gaming console.
Pro Tip: If you see something you love in the Christmas aisle, buy it. Hobby Lobby is notorious for not restocking seasonal items once they’re gone. They move on to Spring items remarkably early—sometimes as early as late December.
Before you head out, make sure your local store hasn't had any emergency closures. You can do this easily by:
- Checking the Hobby Lobby App.
- Using the "Store Finder" on their official site.
- Looking at their official Facebook page for any regional announcements.
Once you've got your 8:00 AM start time locked in, the rest is just about navigating the aisles and finding that perfect shade of forest green.
Next Step: Open your weather app to check for any snow or rain that might affect your morning drive, then go to the Hobby Lobby website to browse the current "Weekly Ad" so you know exactly which aisles to hit first when those doors swing open.