Some of my most organized friends have had their Christmas shopping done since Halloween, but for me "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving, represents the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Once Thanksgiving is over, I can really get into the spirit of the winter gift-giving holidays.
Salt Lake area merchants are providing lots of extra shopping hours for Black Friday this year, plus special events, giveaways and entertainment to add an extra festive air to your holiday shopping experience.
Old World Market at The Gateway
Jan Tyler, Getty Images
Enjoy a new downtown holiday tradition with the Old World Christmas Market beginning the day after Thanksgiving at The Gateway Mall in the Union Pacific Depot Grand Hall. The festive atmosphere at the Old World Christmas Market is modeled after the Christmas Markets of Europe. Visitors will be able to shop for one of a kind, handmade items by local artisans and crafters for holiday gift giving. There will also be food vendors offering traditional flavors of the season.
Nov. 25-Dec. 3, 2011 except Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Union Pacific Depot
400 W. South Temple
Jump on the Jingle at Fashion Place Mall
Fashion Place Mall's "Jump on the Jingle" holiday shopping kickoff begins at 6 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25.
Spend $100 or more and receive a $10 mall gift card. To redeem, bring your mall receipts to the "Redemption Zone" located in the center court near Macy's.
Gift Card offer valid 2-8 p.m. Nov. 25, 2011, while supplies last.
6191 S. State St. in Murray
801-262-9447
Santa Parade at Valley Fair Mall
The annual Santa Parade in West Valley City brings Santa in style to the Valley Fair Mall. The parade begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 25, 2011 at the American Express building at 4315 S. 2700 W. in Taylorsville, then proceeds north on 2700 West to Valley Fair Mall.
Moonlight Madness at Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets in Park City opens at 10 p.m. Thanksgiving night, with giveaways at 10 p.m., 2 a.m. and 6:05 a.m., and big discounts at a variety of brand-name outlets.Midnight Madness at South Towne Center
Black Friday Midnight Madness starts at 12 a.m. at the Southtowne Center. There will be door busters at midnight, prizes at the top of every hour, Hot Coco station, music, and more!
Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, 12 a.m.-9 p.m.
10600 S. and I-15
801-572-1516
Discount and Specialty Stores
Lots of holiday shopping gets done at discount stores like Walmart, Kmart and Target, or at specialty stores like Best Buy and Toys R Us. The website black-friday.net offers sneak previews of most major retailers' Black Friday ads. Many stores, such as Target, open at 4 a.m. on Black Friday.
