Black Friday Events

Black Friday really should be considered a national holiday. I mean, it’s almost criminal that anyone should have to work on this day when there are so many great sales going on (ahem, bosses…..). Our own area is abundant in Black Friday events going on all around the community. Don’t miss the doorbusters, fun activities, and even some freebies. Get out your map and plan your method of attack in some good old-fashioned local holiday shopping!

Santa Rosa Downtown Holiday
The merchants of Santa Rosa will be opening their doors for an Open House, going on from noon to 5 pm. Just look for the red and silver balloons, and you will find free kids’ activities, excellent sales, free gift wrapping, snacks and goodies, parking validation, and then some! From 5pm to 6pm, hop on over to Courthouse Square to get your child’s picture with Santa, play with the interactive exhibits from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, and make crafts (like Christmas cards) using recycled items with Lisa R. Fredenthal-Lee. At 6pm, stay for the annual Sutter VNA & Hospice Lights of Life lighting of the tree that graces the Square all year long. There will be more crafts and kids’ activities, a visit from Santa, a raffle for a Downtown Gift Basket (I bet there are a LOT of great treasures in that prize!), live music sung by the Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus and by The Susan Comstock Swingtet. And, of course, there is the beautiful candle lighting ceremony, and the lighting of the tree.

Santa Rosa Plaza
Doors open at 5 am on Friday. Don’t miss doorbusters like Hersheys’s Bliss bars being given to first shoppers. Other sales include a gift bag of bath essentials ($100 value) for only $15 with any $40 purchase at Bath & Body Works, BOGO 50% off at Charlotte Russe, 20% off already reduced prices at the Disney Store, incredible prices at Kay Jewelers (hint, hint), 25% off everything at The Children’s Place (plus a chance to win a $2,010 wardrobe for your child!), and FREE diamond earrings ($149 value) from Zales with any purchase of $399 or more. Also, if you make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, you will receive 20% off your next full-price purchase at Loft, now through Dec 31st.

Coddingtown Mall
Doors open at 5 am on Friday. Sales will include various items at 50% off at Borders Express, $15 off your $75 purchase at Old Navy, 20% to 50% off all German Cutlery at Sonoma Cutlery, and 20% off your purchase of $50 or more at Styles for Less. Don’t miss even more sales being held at Coddingtown!

Petaluma Outlets
There are some great sales starting at midnight on Friday at the Petaluma Outlets. Carter’s and OshKosh merchandise will be 50% off. Gymboree’s merchandise is all 25% off, and will also have plenty of merchandise for up to 70% off. Kitchen Collection will take 10% off all items you can fit into a purchased Kitchen Collection shopping bag. See the website for more stores that are taking part in this celebration of the biggest shopping day of the year!

Holiday Party in Downtown Healdsburg
Visit with Santa, get a free carriage ride, listen to the sounds of the Dickens Carolers….. Healdsburg is the perfect place to get that old town feel for the holidays! Don’t miss the Wine & Chocolate Tastings and the Jewelry Trunk Show at Saint Dizier Homes. Be sure that your child gets their face painted while you peruse jewelry at Midnight Sun. And don’t forget to get your complimentary chair massage at The Spa Hotel Healdsburg. There are so many great shops in downtown Healdsburg that are not to be missed, so be sure to take advantage of the savings and wonderful present opportunities that the stores will be offering. Event starts at 5pm and goes on till 9pm.

And while you’re shopping on Friday, here’s something you might be interested in. My Gym Santa Rosa is holding their Drop & Shop. From 8am till noon, drop your kids off at My Gym, located at 3267 Airway Drive in Santa Rosa, and shop completely kid-free! While your kids are enjoying snacks, crafts, and activities, you will be able to get twice as much done than you would have if you had been toting along the little munchkins. Ages 3 – 9 years. Price is $30/$25 members, and they offer a $5 discount for siblings. Call 707-575-4975 for more info and to register, or click on the website.

Did I miss your town’s event, or your favorite store’s huge sale? Please leave a comment telling us some of the details, and what we can look forward to!