It’s only early November 2026, but Christmas shopping is already in full swing around Costa Mesa, California. Holiday decorations, festive dinnerware, beauty gift sets, and seasonal treats are filling stores well before Thanksgiving.
A recent visit to South Coast Plaza and nearby shopping destinations revealed something especially interesting: some retailers aren’t just displaying Christmas merchandise — they’re already advertising discounts.
Is it worth starting your Christmas shopping now, or should you wait until Black Friday? Here’s what caught our attention.
Pottery Barn: Christmas Has Arrived Before Thanksgiving
Pottery Barn offers one of the clearest examples of the transition between holidays. A beautifully arranged Thanksgiving table features turkey-themed dinnerware, autumn colors, candles, and seasonal accessories. Yet just a few steps away, a fully decorated Christmas tree announces that the next holiday is already here.
The Christmas display includes a particularly useful detail: a sign advertising Christmas tree ornaments starting at $7.50. For shoppers who enjoy collecting individual ornaments or adding something new each year, that’s a good reason to explore the selection early.
Another highlight is Pottery Barn’s Nostalgic Christmas dinnerware. The collection features traditional Christmas-tree illustrations, red-and-green accents, and decorative plates designed for holiday gatherings.
The matching alphabet mugs are especially appealing as small personalized gifts. Each mug features a large red initial framed by festive greenery. Pottery Barn currently lists its Nostalgic Christmas Stoneware Alphabet Mug for $12, appetizer plates in a set of four for $49.50, and a 12-piece dinnerware set for $181.50.
Crate & Barrel, also at South Coast Plaza, is another destination worth exploring for holiday entertaining. Its current online Christmas assortment includes Nordic Trees dinner plates at $12.95 and smaller seasonal tableware pieces.
Williams Sonoma: Holiday Cooking Deals and British Christmas Gifts
Williams Sonoma has already turned part of its store into a Thanksgiving cooking headquarters, with roasting pans, turkey brines, seasonings, and cookware.
A store display advertises 30% off All-Clad roasters for a limited time. This is a particularly practical seasonal promotion for anyone planning Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. For comparison, Williams Sonoma’s online listings include selected All-Clad stainless-steel roasting pans at approximately $129.96–$149.96, depending on size and model. Prices and eligibility should be checked before purchasing.
One of the most interesting discoveries is the Fortnum & Mason collection, available in the United States through Williams Sonoma. The historic British brand is known for beautifully packaged teas, biscuits, preserves, and food gifts.
According to Williams Sonoma’s Fortnum & Mason selection, examples include Royal Blend loose-leaf tea from $36.95, Christmas Black Tea from $59.95, and Christmas Biscuit Selection from $59.95. These make thoughtful gift ideas for tea lovers, especially for someone who appreciates British Christmas traditions.
Elsewhere in Williams Sonoma, festive table settings combine decorative dinnerware, glassware, holiday baking supplies, and serving accessories.
There are also gingerbread-themed products and seasonal kitchen essentials. Visiting now gives shoppers time to compare individual pieces rather than buying an entire table setting at once.
Macy’s: Holiday Beauty Gifts With an Early Discount
Christmas shopping isn’t limited to home decorations. Macy’s already has seasonal beauty displays, including an Elizabeth Arden Holiday Brilliance presentation with a prominent 15% Off sign.
For anyone shopping for fragrances, skincare, or beauty gifts, this is a reminder that promotions can appear before the major late-November shopping events.
Macy’s also provides plenty of traditional gift-shopping options, from Michael Kors handbags to shoes and accessories. Comparing prices now with upcoming holiday promotions is a sensible way to decide whether to buy early or wait.
Anthropologie: Unique Christmas Gifts and Festive Home Finds
Anthropologie at South Coast Plaza is another interesting destination for Christmas shopping. Its inviting interior features clothing, handbags, home accessories, and a dedicated gift section. Warm holiday lights add a festive touch, making it a pleasant place to discover something a little different from traditional department-store gifts.
One particularly charming display celebrates Christmas baking and holiday entertaining. You’ll find festive mugs, gingerbread-inspired decorations, cake stands, cookbooks, and whimsical kitchen accessories. These items make thoughtful gifts for home bakers, dessert lovers, and anyone who enjoys hosting Christmas gatherings. The decorative cake and cookie designs are especially eye-catching.
Louis Vuitton: Why You Shouldn’t Expect a Christmas Sale
South Coast Plaza is also home to luxury boutiques, including Louis Vuitton. But shoppers hoping to find a holiday markdown at Louis Vuitton should know that the brand follows a different pricing policy.
According to Louis Vuitton’s official information, the company does not hold sales or operate discount outlet stores. That makes its boutiques quite different from department stores advertising seasonal promotions.
For luxury shoppers, the reason to visit may be to explore products and choose a special gift rather than to find a Christmas bargain.
Marshalls: Christmas Decorations Beyond South Coast Plaza
You don’t need to stay inside South Coast Plaza to continue your holiday shopping. Marshalls is located nearby at 901 South Coast Drive, in Metro Pointe at South Coast.
Inside the store, the shelves are already stocked with Christmas decorations, decorative trees, miniature holiday houses, and festive home accessories. These displays offer plenty of inspiration for shoppers looking to decorate their homes on a budget.
Another section worth exploring features items for holiday entertaining and gift-giving. You’ll find wooden serving boards, packaged treats, and seasonal food gifts—great ideas for hosts, neighbours, and colleagues.
Because Marshalls merchandise changes frequently, it’s worth checking the actual price and condition of each item rather than assuming every product is automatically the best deal.
Best Buy: Christmas Gifts for Tech Lovers
Just outside South Coast Plaza, Best Buy is located at 901 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, in the Metro Pointe at South Coast shopping center. It offers an entirely different kind of holiday shopping, with electronics, gaming accessories, and tech gifts for all ages.
In addition to electronics, the store carries a wide selection of LEGO sets—a fantastic gift choice for various age groups. While there is plenty of stock right now, it’s hard to say how long these items will remain on the shelves.
Christmas savings have already begun! Best Buy launched its Early Black Friday Deals on November 6, 2026, with new Doorbuster offers arriving every Friday. Current online examples include LEGO City Police Prisoner Transport Van for $15.99 instead of $19.99 (20% off) and LEGO Art LOVE for $63.99 instead of $79.99 (20% off).
Gaming deals are also available, including Mafia: The Old Country for PS5 at $29.99 (25% off) and Turtle Beach Atlas 200 gaming headphones for $34.99 instead of $59.99 (41% off).
Best Buy’s main Black Friday sale begins November 19, but shoppers don’t necessarily need to wait. Most eligible purchases made between October 30 and December 31, 2026, qualify for an extended return window through January 15, 2027.
Check the latest Best Buy Black Friday deals before visiting, as prices, promotions, and local availability may change.
A Sweet Break at MOULIN
Holiday shopping can easily turn into a full afternoon. MOULIN, located at South Coast Plaza’s Garden Terrace near the Bridge of Gardens, offers an inviting place to stop for a coffee or French pastry.
Founded in Newport Beach in 2014 by French entrepreneur Laurent Vrignaud, MOULIN brings the charm of traditional Parisian cafés to Southern California. Inspired by the founder’s childhood in Paris, the brand specializes in freshly baked croissants, French pastries, baguette sandwiches, and made-to-order crêpes. I highly recommend giving these treats a try.
Its pastry display includes elegant individual desserts, chocolate creations, and seasonal-looking treats. It’s a pleasant way to end a shopping visit — or take a break before deciding what to buy.
Is Early November Too Soon for Christmas Shopping?
Not necessarily. Shopping before Thanksgiving can be especially worthwhile for seasonal decorations, distinctive gifts, and products that may sell out in popular designs or initials.
While buying early doesn’t always guarantee the lowest price, it certainly ensures a wider selection. Keep a short gift list, compare current promotions with regular prices, and review return policies. For electronics and widely available products, it may still be worth comparing upcoming Black Friday offers.
There’s also something to look forward to at South Coast Plaza itself: the shopping center has scheduled its 2026 Tree-Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival for Thursday, November 19, at 7 PM, at Town Center Park.
The takeaway from this early-November visit is simple: Christmas shopping has already begun around Costa Mesa, and there is plenty to explore before December. Whether you’re searching for one special ornament, a beautiful holiday table, or a practical gift, starting early gives you more time to choose thoughtfully.
