The Saturday before Christmas is traditionally one of the most important trading periods of the year for businesses, with many customers leaving purchases until late December.
Among those out shopping in a particularly busy Belfast city centre was Jemma Knox, pictured with her children Elliot, eight, Constance, three, and Austin, eight months, as they bought Christmas gifts in Belfast before heading on to W5. Elsewhere in the city centre, Kayden Gallagher from Mayo was seen carrying a life-size Santa through the streets while shopping with his grandmother Collette Hyland and her partner Ray Noble.
Elves, Jemma Knox with her children Elliot 8, Constance 3 and Austin 8 months out shopping for Christmas gifts in Belfast before heading to W5.
Kayden Gallagher from Mayo carrying a life-size Santa through Belfast with his grandmother Collette Hyland and her partner Ray Noble, while on a shopping trip to Belfast.
Christmas shoppers in Belfast.
Parents and families were a common sight, including Kieran Barrett, who was shopping with his son Miles for gifts for grandparents and cousins. Groups of friends were also among the crowds, with Vera Hooks pictured alongside her daughter Sarah Hooks, Natalia Whitla with her mother Beverly Whitla, Kirsty Spiers and Catherine Peszel during a Christmas day out in the city.
Vera Hooks, with her daughter Sarah Hooks, Natalia Whitla with her mummy Beverly Whitla, Kirsty Spiers and Catherine Peszel on a Christmas girls day out in Belfast.
Tyrone girl Clodagh Rafferty shopping for Christmas gifts in Belfast for her sister and boyfriend.
Taylor Kirkpatrick and Anna O’Neill, who travelled from Kilrea, were among those picking up secret Santa presents, while Tyrone woman Clodagh Rafferty was shopping for gifts for her sister and boyfriend. Kevin Lonican, from Westmeath, was also among those visiting Belfast to complete Christmas shopping.
Christmas shoppers in Belfast.
West Meath man Kevin Lonican shopping for Christmas gifts in Belfast.
Busy scenes were reported along Donegall Place, Royal Avenue and in major shopping centres like CastleCourt and Victoria Square, where queues formed at tills throughout the day. Supermarkets also experienced increased demand as shoppers finalised food purchases for Christmas meals and family gatherings.
Public transport services into the city were heavily used, with buses and trains carrying shoppers from across Northern Ireland and beyond. Car parks in and around the city centre reached capacity at various points, while traffic was slow on several routes during peak periods.
Christmas shoppers in Belfast.
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Retailers expect footfall to remain high in the coming days as shoppers continue to make last-minute purchases ahead of Christmas.