Santa Claus is coming to town - and the Carousel Center Mall - a little earlier this year. Santa made a grand entrance by the carousel on Friday night and then took pictures with a crowd of children waiting for him. Several parents were surprised Santa out in mid-November.

"Right after Halloween, skip Thanksgiving and go right to Christmas," said Erin Gorgoni with a a laugh.

Santa isn't the only part of the holidays that's showing up earlier. The traditional big post-Thanksgiving sales have also started to arrive.

"A lot of ads for Macy's or Kohl's or even Target say 'Black Friday ads' a few weeks earlier than normal," said Lindsay Gorgoni.

The early sales have shoppers like Cate Swank in the holiday spirit.

"I see a lot of good things on sale and I've been trying to pick up things on sale as I go along."

For many shoppers, getting an early start on holiday shopping isn't just about good deals.

"I do a little bit every week and get a couple more people done," said Amy Warner. "That way, spread it out - it's not so hectic."

The holiday season is crucial to the bottom line for most stores and shoppers say it's no surprise they want it to start earlier.

"It depends. I guess it can be a good thing but I think the earlier it is, the more money you spend because the more time you have to shop," said Lindsay Gorgoni.

Many stores are also expanding their holiday hours. This week Sears announced they will open on Thanksgiving Day for the first time in their history.