So would this game be good to get in to now? Never played AC before, and I was contemplating getting the game for the holidays.
If you're interested in trying out the Animal Crossing series, then I'd say this is definitely the game to pick up. Many people consider it the best and fullest game in the series yet. A new retail version of the game is releasing this holiday with the patch integrated, so I'd recommend picking that up once it goes on sale in late November/early December (depending on where you live)!
(Personally, my favorite game in the series is the GameCube one, but I think that's mostly nostalgia talking and it would be impossible to find. Plus, there are some nearly indisputable improvements made to the franchise that have been made as the series progressed, and the 3DS version, especially with the patch, represents that progress to the fullest.)
I'd recommend you check out the game's OT to get opinions on the game as a newcomer. Those people will also be a great resource when starting if you decide to pick it up.