It's the Friday after American Thanksgiving; which is on the next to last Thursday in November. It is typically the start of the Christmas shopping season, and so many folks make this a long weekend, Thursday onwards. Friday is a huge shopping day. Many businesses consider that day to be their 'make or break' day, where their income and expenses tip into profit, or in a accountant speak, 'run into the black'.
It's considered poor taste to place more Christmas decorations than outdoor lights prior to Thanksgiving weekend.
Incidentally it's Thanksgiving on Monday here in Canada; I'll be with family most of the long weekend here.