As Christmas Eve arrived, the Chicago region buzzed with festive energy as numerous shoppers made final purchases along State Street and other city locations.
"We usually come every year at this time," Chicagoan Rikki Ray said. "I have three kids, they love it, the hustle and bustle and with three kids everything is done at the last minute."
At The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue, crowds assembled for last-minute gift buying, though some noted the surroundings were less crowded than anticipated.
"It's going well," Chareice White said. "I'm from Indiana, came down to purchase a few more gifts ...kind of quiet not too empty but it's quiet."
Abt Electronics in Glenview experienced high activity as customers sought out various deals.
While many focused on securing last-minute presents, others simply relished the Christmas ambiance in Chicago.
"When it's 40 degrees in Chicago, we're outside we're down in the city the best city in the whole country," Mark of Niles said.
Most State Street stores concluded operations at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
