Black Friday seems to grow into a bigger deal every year. Let's be real: it is essentially an entire weekend-long affair at this point.
Whether you're trying jump in on the chaos, adding to the noise, or just looking avoid it all together, there's more than just savings happening this weekend... these shopping events are going down.
But luckily we're not just talking trips to the mall and waiting on lines outside department stores. You can shop in style this year, and even wine-and-dine a bit along the way.
AND something to keep in mind this holiday season as your wallet takes a beating—you may want to check out the Drop app. It's a cool and very simple way for you to earn rewards and deals while you shop. Hey, you were gonna run up your credit card on these places anyway, might as well get something for it!
Sounds like a good way to treat yourself while maintaining some sense of financial responsibility.
So here's what's going on this weekend (plus some Cyber Monday deals to remember!):
Friday, November 24th
1. Staten Island Winter Wonderland
If you're someone looking to jump right into the holiday spirit soon as you leave the Thanksgiving table, you're certainly not alone. And since you've probably yet to take your weekend festivities over to Staten Island, this Saturday is the perfect time to do so!
Winter Wonderland has got a little bit of everything: games, food, drinks, holiday shopping and more. It's all going down at 75 Richmond Terrace, kicking off this Friday at 3:00 p.m. and recurring every weekend Thursday-Sunday until December 23rd.
Come through for this awesome collaboration of private, black-owned small businesses in NYC. Show support for local business owners and enjoy some delicious foods from local vendors, drinks, and music as you shop 'til you drop.
Grab tickets here for $5, then head over to Sanders Studios NYC at 525 Waverly Avenue from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.!
3. (Very) Black Friday @ Urban Vintage
Join Mad Free & Friends for a "Black AF Friday." This Friday night at Urban Vintage, join in this exciting and inspiring celebration of creativity, black culture, and community. The event showcases the best from local artists and organizations who have worked to support the well-being and unity of Brooklyn.
All profits support the community, as well as various featured organizations protecting people of color and promoting self-love, such as "The Very Black Project."
Check it out from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at 294 Grand Avenue!
4. Black Friday with Funk Flex
For those of you in no shape or form interested in acknowledging the sales or deals of Black Friday, here’s an alternative.
Come through to Suite 36 this Friday night for DJ entertainment, 2 for 1 drinks, AND (ladies) if you RSVP here you can get in for free, long as you arrive before midnight! And guys, it's only $20 admission if you reserve tickets online.
On top of all that, the kitchen stays open till 1 a.m. Who needs shopping? It's all happening @ 16 West 36th St NYC!
Saturday, November 25th
5. La Marquetta Holiday Market
This holiday market is heading over to Harlem, kicking off Saturday and continuing every weekend through December 23rd.
It's the perfect way to avoid the chaos of Black Friday, while also getting some of that holiday shopping out of the way. Local artisans will offer a unique shopping experience, while the event showcases food from a diverse list of local vendors!
Visit 115th Street & Park Avenue—admission is free!
You may have had your fair share of all these holiday markets, especially if you're living in NYC, but you've never seen one quite like this. This cute, flea market setup always beats a mundane and boring walk through some mall. Might as well get your shopping done in style.
Head over to 351 Tompkins Avenue in Brooklyn and check out the second annual event, featuring the best in local artisan work. There will be a little bit of everything from home decor, jewelry, clothing, and much more. See ya there!
Sunday, November 26th
7. A Boozy Brooklyn Tasting Tour
YAAAS. This is exactly the kind of boozy pampering we need to distract us from the craziness this weekend. Come have a Sunday Funday exploring Williamsburg, tasting the best in local craft beers, enjoying some gorgeous street art, all while squeezing in some holiday shopping along the way.
Grab tickets and check out all the other important details here!
8. Sustainable Sunday Holiday Market
Get some holiday shopping in while supporting an important cause. This exclusive fall edition of Sustainable Sunday Market works to provide handmade artisan work, upcycled jewelry, clothing and other goods.
All hosted by House Of Yes at 2 Wyckoff Avenue in Brooklyn, 2 p.m.-9 p.m. RSVP here, and it's free admission all day!
9. Obscura Antiques Holiday Bazaar Flea
Your friends and family don't need you to fulfill their specific little Christmas wish list. And they'll always appreciate a unique, one-of-a-kind type gift. It's more interesting and thoughtful wouldn't you say?
The Obscura Holiday Bazaar has got all those weird, hidden gems we're talking about. Check it out 10 a.m.-4 p.m. this Sunday at Bell House, located 149 7th Street in Brooklyn!
10. Henny & Waffles @ Hudson Terrace
This is just too interesting to ignore. Wind down (lol) from the holiday weekend with this Hennessy filled Sunday Brunch fiasco.
There's an all-you-can-eat buffet from noon-4 p.m. (plus unlimited mimosas) and that's only the beginning. Musical performances from various featured DJs and The Bearded Drummer, and $10 Hennesey cocktails till 9 p.m.
Be sure to RSVP here!
11. Grand Bazaar NYC Holiday Pop-Up with Made in NYC
NYC Grand Bazaar is teaming up with Made in NYC to bring us the ultimate holiday pop-up shop. The event hosts over 30 vendors, showcasing the work of exclusively NYC-based artisans and business owners. There's hand-crafted leather, jewelry, chocolates, and much more.
AND, in true holiday fashion, 100% of profits are donated to four local public schools! All projects involved with the event, from the Grand Bazaar, Made in NYC, and Gift & Talented Holiday Market, all have set the common goal of supporting and celebrating local, handcrafted, artisan work, bringing the community together in more ways than one.
We like the idea of spending our holiday shopping cash here. It all kicks off this Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 100 West 77th Street
Monday, November 27th
Good ol' Cyber Mondays...packing in some quality holiday shopping all from the comfort of your own bed. Big deals with less risk to your mental and physical safety!
So it's pretty much the EXACT opposite of Black Friday. Here are some of our favorites, offering awesome deals.
Oh, and keep an eye out for big travel deals typically offered this time of year, if you're looking to plan your next adventure. Forbes even gave us the heads up...
Happy hunting!
Amazon (obviously) always has big sales on electronics. They're expected to send out a press release with more details!
Free People is talking a big game, claiming this year will be their biggest year yet... Better keep an eye on that. Sign up for the newsletter if you wanna stay in the loop.
Target has 15% off of everything, baby! As if everything there isn't already a steal.
Rent the Runway promises 25% off orders over $100. Grab that holiday outfit.
H&M has 20% off purchases over $25 and the discount goes up the more you spend!
Banana Republic is 50% off everything online! Time to stock up on some new work threads.
IndegoAfrica has 30% off sitewide and 100% profits go right back to the artisan women who hand-craft their products.
[Feature Image Courtesy pexels]