Best cities for Black Friday shopping
The top 10 US cities for all your holiday shopping needs
With the holiday’s right around the corner and whispers of festive cheer in the air, everyone’s starting to wonder where to do their holiday shopping this year. But which cities take shopping to a whole new level? Holidu, the search engine for vacation rentals, decided to carry out a study to determine which US cities offer not only the most but the best shopping experience in the country. To accomplish this, we evaluated the number of shops available in each city, but also took into consideration the average Google ratings for these shops. Stay tuned for our most shoptacular list yet, and get our tips for some of the most iconic shopping centers in each city for all your one-stop shopping needs!
These cities were ranked using the Google database and the data highlighted that:
- New York City took first prize as the best city for shopping, scoring a 10/10
- Texas dominates the list with 4 of the top 10 spots!
- California had a strong run with 2 of its cities ranking in the top 10
Image: Manhattan, NY by Kayle Kaupanger via Unsplashed
1. New York City, NY | score: 10/10
The winner of this ranking is the city where dreams are made, New York City. This iconic city is coming in as no surprise, known for having some of the best shopping in the world. NYC can wear its badge with honor as the best shopping city in the US. With all the hustle and bustle and almost 24 hours of unlimited shopping, New York has plenty of shops to fill the demand with for its locals and tourists alike. But NYC isn’t just all 5th ave expensive boutiques or crowds of people in Time Square! During the holiday season, there are plenty of local markets that pop-up in parks all across the city. These are perfect if you are looking for more handcrafted local gifts! Many also offer ice skating and festive holiday snacks, be sure to check out some of our favorites in the recommendations below! This Black Friday, you won’t want to miss out on doing your shopping in county’s best! You are sure to find your loved ones the perfect gifts for this holiday season.
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- The Shops at Columbus Circle (8172 / 4.4)*
- Westfield World Trade Center (2548 / 4.7)*
- Winter Village at Bryant Park (64767 / 4.7)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
2. Houston, TX | score: 9.32/10
Moving on to second place, our next must visit city for your shopping needs is Houston. Everything is truly bigger in Texas including its shopping. Its malls go big for the holidays, including indoor ice skating rinks and festive decor around every corner. Shop from larger-than-life malls or the more artisan gifts from one of their winter holiday art market’s that pop up throughout the season. You are sure to find gifts for all your special someone’s and get in the holiday spirit during the process!
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- The Galleria (27181 / 4.5)*
- Houston Premium Outlets (12459 / 4.5)*
- River Oaks Shopping Center (3490 / 4.4)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
3. Los Angeles, CA | score: 9.08/10
If you are a self-proclaimed shopaholic and looking to do some major damage this Black Friday look no further than the sunny city of Los Angles. This iconic city claims third place for its well-loved and high-rated shops. Whether you want high-end or family-owned retailers, this city truly has it all. Check out one of the holiday markets for some festive food and shopping! Some even offer live performances, ice skating, and of course, the classic Santa photos for those looking to get in the spirit. Many stores also offer gift wrapping stations for those looking to get their shopping done early this year. Get ready for the biggest shopping season of the year with this shopping wonderland!
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- The Grove (19280 / 4.6)*
- The Outlets at Orange (15538 / 4.4)*
- Santa Monica Place (13030 / 4.5)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
4. San Diego, CA | score: 8.79/10
Next up on our list is the SoCal wonder of San Diego. Studded with plenty of boutiques and outdoor shopping centers, it is no surprise San Diego made the top 10 list. Looking to get festive this shopping season? You won’t want to miss the shops at Seasport Village. With featured events such as Surfin’ Santa’s parade or the 50th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, you won’t want to miss all that this top shopping city has to offer this Black Friday. Check out our other picks for top-rated shops below!
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- Seaport Village (20783 / 4.6)*
- Fashion Valley (12940 / 4.5)*
- Westfield Mission Valley (12096 / 4.3)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
5. Phoenix, AZ | score: 8.76/10
The next shopping hotspot coming in at number 5 on our list is Phoenix, Arizona! With sprawling malls and outdoor shopping centers, make Phoenix a stop on your holiday shopping adventure. Be sure to check out one of its many holiday markets just in time for Black Friday, to kick off the holiday season. Shop ‘til you drop at the wonderland that is CityScape Phoenix, opening Nov. 26. This annual event features vintage clothing alongside handmade crafts and jewelry. Also, be sure to check out one of the many other local markets for some personal touches to your gifts this year.
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- Biltmore Fashion Park (4083 / 4.4)*
- Christown Spectrum (12605 / 4.0)*
- Desert Ridge Marketplace (8992 / 4.5)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
6. Dallas, TX | score: 8.72/10
As our second Texas city to grace the list, Dallas boasts some of the biggest shopping centers in the US. From high-end to quaint boutiques, you are sure to find the perfect gifts in Dallas. Whether you are looking for budget outlet shops or handmade crafts, the range of Dallas’ and its high-rated shops are what have landed it a spot on the top 10 list. Ice skate in between shopping with the ice rink in the Galleria Dallas or take a snowday in Santaland with its immersive holiday exhibit! You will truly get into the shopping spirit here in Dallas.
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- Galleria Dallas (17291 / 4.9)*
- NorthPark Center (14603 / 4.9)*
- Trinity Groves (3363 / 4.6)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
7. Las Vegas, NV | score: 8.70/10
Next up is the flashy city of Las Vegas! With some of the highest-grossing malls in America, it is easy to see why it has made our list. Las Vegas is known for its luxury. So, head down to the famous Strip and get your shopping on. If lux is your style, be sure to check out Via Bellagio Promenade, as the first Vegas mall to host high-end designer stores you are sure to find all your favorite luxury goods just in time for the holiday season!
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets (22561 / 4.4)*
- The Forum Shops at Caesars (17958 / 4.6)*
- Fashion Show Las Vegas (19964 / 4.5)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
8. Chicago, IL | score: 8.63/10
Coming in a number eight on the list is the windy city of Chicago! Head on over to the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s iconic shopping street for all your gifting needs. If you want to get into the holiday spirit, check out Christkindlmarket Chicago, with more than 1 million visitors each year, this German inspired Christmas festival combines festive snacks and gift shops perfect for all your shopping needs.
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- Christkindlmarket Chicago (4400 / 4.3)*
- Water Tower Place (11895 / 4.5)*
- The Shops at North Bridge (8320 / 4.4)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
9. San Antonio, TX | score: 8.62/10
Next on the list is the Texan state of San Antonio. From local boutiques, to outdoor markets and upscale shopping malls, you are sure to find the perfect gifts in San Antonio. Be sure to check out the North Star Mall and visit the famous largest cowboy boots sculpture in the world. Or head downtown to San Antonio’s River Walk, home to almost 100 stores, you won’t want to miss this shopping destination!
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- North Star Mall (14683 / 4.5)*
- Shops at Rivercenter (14044 / 4.5)*
- The Shops at La Cantera (9969 / 4.6)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
10. Fort Worth, TX | score: 8.51/10
The final destination in this ranking is the city of Fort Worth. Get your shopping on at one of the largest open air holiday markets in the Southwest, the Texas Christkindl Market. This German style Christmas market is home to immersive experiences, handcrafted collectibles, and lots and lots of shopping! Another great gift spot is the Historic Market Square, this Mexican shopping area has 3 blocks of handcrafted shops and delicious food that always decked out for the holiday season. With so many options, don’t miss out shopping in Forth Worth this holiday season!
Top-rated shops you can’t miss:
- Historic Market Square (13472 / 4.6)*
- Sundance Square (12112 / 4.6)*
- Fort Worth Stockyards Station (9564 / 4.6)*
*number of Google ratings / average score
Discover the rest of the ranking in the table below:
Methodology:
All US cities with a population of over 400,000 were considered for this study. Using data from Google Maps we identified the shops that qualify as such and created a ranking based on both the total count; average rating of results were finalized and the numbers weighted based on level of importance. The final score was then normalized.