NJ malls extend their hours every holiday season — but the exact schedule changes each year. Here’s your guide to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas shopping at every major outlet and mall in New Jersey, plus tips to survive the holiday rush.
Black Friday at New Jersey Outlets & Malls
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year at NJ malls, and most outlets open early — often at 6:00 or 7:00 AM. Many extend hours through the full Thanksgiving weekend with special sales events, deep discounts, and occasionally midnight openings on Thanksgiving night.
Pro tip: Bergen County malls (Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park) are closed on Thanksgiving Day due to Bergen County blue laws. Both open normally on Black Friday and the rest of the holiday weekend. Check our full guide to NJ malls open on Sundays for more on blue laws.
How to Find Current Holiday Hours
Holiday hours change every year and are typically released 2–3 weeks before the event. Here’s how to get the most up-to-date info:
- Official mall website — the fastest and most reliable source. Every major NJ mall posts its holiday schedule online.
- Call guest services — phone numbers are listed on each mall page here on OutletsNewJersey.com.
- Mall social media — most NJ malls announce holiday hours on Facebook and Instagram at least a week in advance.
Holiday Hours by Mall
Click through to your nearest NJ outlet or mall for current hours and visitor information:
- Garden State Plaza — Paramus, NJ (closed Sundays / Bergen County blue laws)
- American Dream — East Rutherford, NJ
- The Mills at Jersey Gardens — Elizabeth, NJ
- Woodbury Common Premium Outlets — Central Valley, NY
- The Mall at Short Hills — Short Hills, NJ
- Cherry Hill Mall — Cherry Hill, NJ
- Freehold Raceway Mall — Freehold, NJ
- Willowbrook Mall — Wayne, NJ
- Paramus Park — Paramus, NJ (closed Sundays / Bergen County blue laws)
- Jersey Shore Premium Outlets — Tinton Falls, NJ
- Jackson Premium Outlets — Jackson, NJ
- Menlo Park Mall — Edison, NJ
- Rockaway Townsquare — Rockaway, NJ
- Newport Centre — Jersey City, NJ
- Monmouth Mall — Eatontown, NJ
- Woodbridge Center — Woodbridge, NJ
5 Tips to Survive Holiday Shopping
Whether you’re hunting Black Friday deals or squeezing in last-minute Christmas gifts, these tips will save your sanity:
- Make a list — and a backup list. Popular items sell out fast. Know what you want and have an alternative ready. Store directories for every NJ mall are on this site.
- Arrive early. Most malls open at 6–7 AM on Black Friday. Early shoppers get the best selection and the easiest parking.
- Grab coupons ahead of time. Many malls and outlets release coupon booklets and app deals for the holiday weekend. Check the mall’s app or website before you leave home.
- Eat before you go. Extended hours mean long days. Fuel up before you arrive and plan a food court stop if you’re making a full day of it.
- Be an early bird at premium outlets too. Jackson, Jersey Shore, Gloucester, and Woodbury Commons all get packed on Black Friday. Lines at popular stores can form before the doors open.
Bergen County Blue Laws: Know Before You Go
If you’re shopping in Bergen County, Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park are closed on Sundays — including Thanksgiving Sunday. This is a legal restriction, not a store choice. Both malls open normally on Black Friday and have full holiday hours for the rest of the season. We’ve written a full guide to which NJ malls are open on Sundays if you need the full picture.
Holiday hours vary by year and are set independently by each mall. Always verify on the official mall website before your visit.
