Boulder's Best Alternative Black Friday Celebrations

BOULDER, CO – Sure, you could get up from the table early and go run through Best Buy, Target, Walmart or Costco to grab the biggest deals – but from local sales and events to fitness events to a board game tournament to free admission at all Colorado state parks, Boulder County has some creative options to help you plan your holiday weekend.

Get outside

Four years ago, REI began promoting its #optoutside campaign by closing all retail stores and online sales as a way to encourage shoppers to spend the day outdoors. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has taken the movement a step further with Fresh Air Friday, offering free admission to all 41 of Colorado's state parks on Nov. 23. Select parks will even include a scavenger hunt and hot chocolate in their celebration.

Drink tea

The Louisville Tea Company offers a more gentle way to ease into your shopping experience this holiday weekend. They will offer a sale on all of their fine black tea blends. Not enough? They will also offer free doughnuts to shoppers while supplies last beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 23.

Dress up

Beloved local institution McGuckin Hardware may be offering some sweet deals to loyal customers, but from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. they are also hosting a Griswold Christmas Party, encouraging customers to dress up as their favorite National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation character shop amid official Griswold holiday decorations with snacks, activities and crafts.

Meet Santa and ride the train

Rather let the big guy in the red suit do your shopping for you? Boulder's annual St. Nick on the Bricks event will get into the swing of the 2018 season the weekend after Thanksgiving. Santa will be at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24. For those who don't want to wait in line, the electric Tebo Train will be seasonally celebrated as the Snowflake Express, ready to whisk your little ones off on an adventure.

Shop used

Boulder's Plato's Closet consignment shop has been hoarding special items and is offering first pick on unique pieces and favorite brands on Friday, Nov. 23. The shop has been releasing a preview of what's to come on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Shop local

Downtown Boulder will be hosting a Small Business Saturday celebration again this year on Saturday, Nov. 24, with an expanding list of special deals and celebrations at local shops. Local artists will also have their wares available at the Boulder Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Civic Center Park. You can meet and talk to the artists and enjoy the Snow Much Fun seasonal light display as well as live musical performances.

Play a game

Longmont's Atomic Goblin Games will be hosting its annual Black Friday Board Game Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games or enjoy one in the store, and to bring a favorite dish (or leftovers!) to share with others.

Find serenity

Athleta's location on the Pearl Street Mall is offering Zen Den yoga classes throughout the holiday weekend. Classes will be held Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with Elizabeth Amann, Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with Amana Yoga's Alia Sebben, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday with Yoga Pod's Sarah Lems. Athleta also promises complimentary relaxation treatments, refreshments and a place to relax – but asks that participants do sign up for classes ahead of time.

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