The last stoopside Halloween pumpkins have barely been smashed, but the first signs of Christmas are already springing up around the city.
The phenomenon is known as "Christmas creep," when retailers try to get the most out of the holiday sales spike for as long as possible,and it seems to be hitting hard this year. A recent study by the National Retail Federation found that about 40 percent of holiday shoppers begin their gift-buying before Halloween — mostly to spread out their budget, but also to avoid the stress and crowds of last-minute shopping.
New Yorkers are divided in their opinions of the early embrace of the holiday season.
Macy's Herald Square Introduced Its Holiday Decorations as Early as September
Instagrammer Steve Jacobs found the September display featuring a Christmas tree to be "just a touch too early."
Decking The Halls in October?
Twitter user Eric Schwimmer didn't seem too thrilled to find Christmas decorations up on buildings in Manhattan the week before Halloween.
Manhattan Streets Get Into The Holiday Spirit
Twitter user Miss D also took note of the creeping holidays.
The Tree Is Already Here
This year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an 80-year old Norway Spruce that was cut down in Gardiner, New York on Wednesday. It is currently being trucked down to New York City and was put in its position outside 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Friday.
Radio City Music Hall Is Already Celebrating The Holidays
On Instagram, Christie Brinkley looked pretty happy that Radio City Music Hall had already put up its Yuletide tree and lights.
Starbucks Rolls Out Its Holiday Cups
Starbucks started stocking its bright red holiday cups this week, and not day too early for Twitter user Juliet Huddy — but the lack of holiday imagery was a disappointment.
Say Goodbye to Halloween and Creepy Drugstore Displays
The Christmas Creep means at least we don't have to be terrified by displays like this one for much longer.
Advertisement