Black Friday Brings Holiday Excitement and Winter Fun to Downtown Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Downtown Lexington was vibrant and bustling with activity on Black Friday as residents and visitors engaged in holiday shopping and festivities. The streets were filled with people looking for deals, while others found respite from the cold with some ice skating at the Rink at Triangle Park or by cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena.

The Black Friday event attracted a diverse crowd eager to take advantage of shopping sales, with many going out of their way to stay warm. “I’m glad I wore my big jacket today because I was not planning on wearing that,” local shopper Daylin Patrick said, reflecting on the brisk conditions. Despite the chill, Patrick looked forward to the excitement of the Wildcats’ basketball game.

As temperatures dipped, the Rink at Triangle Park served as a popular draw for both locals and tourists. “There’s a different vibe when you’re inside, there’s a different vibe when you’re outside. It’s kind of peaceful and tranquil,” one skater noted, highlighting the unique atmosphere of outdoor skating in chilly weather. Visitors from warmer climates, like Madison Dillworth from Orlando, expressed their enjoyment of the cold despite it being a stark contrast to their typical environment. “It’s pretty different for me because I live in Florida where it’s really hot, but yeah, I really like it, and it’s just really cold,” Dillworth stated with enthusiasm.

The Rink at Triangle Park offers a refreshing outdoor activity option for those looking to embrace the winter weather. Skating hours are available Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. As the cold continues to set in, skaters like Dillworth recognize the joy of winter sports and the anticipation of warmer days to come. “I like when summer comes back and we can appreciate the cold when it’s warm again,” another skater remarked.

Overall, Black Friday in Lexington offered a mix of shopping excitement and winter fun, drawing crowds to both the stores and the ice rink, making it a day filled with community spirit and seasonal cheer.