Top Five Ways To Make A Better Black Friday

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH -- Because of trends such as Cyber Week and increased online purchasing habits. the nature of Black Friday as the can't-miss, bargain-shopping-day-of-the-year is changing. The result is faster, easier bargain shopping that allows more time for entertainment and connecting with friends and family. The result is a better Black Friday.

Cyber Week, for instance, has transformed Black Friday into a week-long event that doesn't end until Cyber Monday. And, instead of waking up before dawn to hit the year's best deals in one, 24-hour-period, the trends are changing. Rather than battling for parking spaces at 4 a.m. at brick-and-mortar stores, people use Web sites such as BestBlackFriday.com. Bargain purchases are made, crowds are avoided and consumers can preserve precious time and energy.

Consequently, the day after Thanksgiving has a chance to transform into something better than Black Friday. With more free time, consumers can relax, make connections and form memories. In this spirit, then, below please find the top five ways to make a better Black Friday near Cuyahoga Falls.

1. WinterFest, Holiday Tree lighting Ceremony & Welcome Santa Parade
Lock 3, Downtown Akron
200 S Main Street
Akron, OH 44308

On Fri., Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. the city of Akron and Downtown Akron Partnership will light up the night sky over Lock 3. The half-hour program will feature singing, lighting of the city of Akron Christmas tree and a must-see pyrotechnics show. It is also tradition for guests to stay after the show and ice skate into the night.

2. Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo, presented by Akron Children's Hospital
Akron Zoo
505 Euclid Ave
Akron, OH 44307
(330) 375-2550

Come enjoy over thousands and thousands of lights and dozens of lighted displays throughout the Akron Zoothis holiday season! Nearly the entire zoo is decorated and several animals will be out. Purchase tickets during pre-sale (24 hours in advance) for discounted admission. The zoo will be open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. only on the days it is open for Wild Lights: Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 and 26-30.

For prices and to purchase tickets, visit the Akron Zoo online store.

3. Akron Children’s Hospital's 36th Annual Holiday Tree Festival
John S. Knight Center
77 E. Mill Street
Akron, OH 44308

Magnificent displays of more than 200 decorated, full-size and miniature trees, wreaths and countless holiday creations serve as the backdrop for local entertainment surrounded by 85,000 strings of dazzling lights. All display items are for sale; proceeds help to support Akron Children’s Hospital. For hours, visit www.akronchildrens.org.

4. Deck the Hall: “Postcards from the Past”
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 North Portage Path
Akron, OH
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
$6-$22. (Free for children five years and under)

Bring the whole family to enjoy Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens' "Deck the Hall," an annual Ohio holiday tradition. The estate is illuminated inside and out with over 850,000 lights, and the historic Manor House is decorated for the holidays as well. “Dazzle,” Gingerbread Land and the new animated reindeer and bakeshop window will delight all.

5. Christmas Traditions at Heritage Farms
6050 Riverview Road,
Peninsula, OH 44264
(330) 657-2330

Starting Fri., Nov. 24, 2017, Heritage Farms are open seven days a week until all Christmas trees sell out. Open hours are: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from Noon to 7 p.m. Cut your own fields close at dark.