MIAMI (WSVN) – Bargain-conscious shoppers have flocked to South Florida malls to take advantage of the pre-Black Friday sales before the malls close for Thanksgiving.

It was almost the most wonderful time of year at the Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater, as first-time buyers got into the holiday spirit on Wednesday.

Thanksgiving eve also brought the mall’s first magical snowfall of the season, an annual tradition.

“I think it’s pretty cool that they’re doing that, because it never really snows in Miami,” said Monica Martinez.

“When it snows, it means it’s Christmas,” said Angelina Hernandez.

“Basically we have music, kids with their wands, and we’re having a magical night,” said Madelyn Bello Calvar, spokesperson for Dolphin Mall. “It’s every night at 7 am and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 and 9 am.”

“I love Christmas,” said a child.

And what says “it’s almost Christmas” more than the Black Friday deals?

The best discounts of the year are already here, and buyers don’t wait until Friday to grab them.

“I try to advise people to shop early,” said Lilian Ledesma.

It seems that a lot of people agree with this advice. Wednesday saw heavy traffic at the Dolphin Mall and other South Florida malls.

If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, experts say now is the time to make a game plan.

“I bought an iPad for my son,” said one of the early buyers.

Dolphin Mall is one of several South Florida malls that completely cancel Thanksgiving shopping.

Sawgrass and Dadeland malls are scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on Friday.

Aventura is slated to reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, and Dolphin Mall will open at 9 a.m. and stay open until midnight.

“It relieves the pressure of wanting to come Thursday night,” said the first buyer.

Walmart and Target are also closing their doors for Thanksgiving, while CVS, Walgreens and BrandsMart will be open with limited hours.

Still, the National Retail Federation predicts Black Friday sales will break records after falling during the pandemic.

Supply chain issues can increase demand. Experts advise buyers to leave early this Friday or consider Cyber ​​Monday as an alternative.

Copyright 2021 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.