Shoppers were out in force across the north and north east on what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Many stores took on temporary staff and stayed open late to try to accommodate the surge in demand.
Yesterday was slightly calmer in Aberdeen after Saturday left car parks full by noon and shopping centres packed for much of the day.
At the Union Square complex, the 70 stores and restaurants took on 250 additional workers.
General Manager Ryan Manson said “The last Saturday and Sunday before Christmas are always incredibly busy and this weekend has been no exception.
“We have seen jewellery, fashion and gadgets selling particularly well this year and customers are telling us they are really enjoying the Christmas entertainment we have on offer, which is helping alleviate the stress and add a bit of festive cheer.”
Bon Accord and St Nicholas centre operations manager Colin Birtwistle said there had been a huge surge in business in the past week, partly due to concerns about the delivery of items bought online.
One bargain-hunter, Dave Anderson, said: “It has been alright today, quieter than I thought it would be. I got everything I wanted from Union Square and Trinity Shopping Centre.”
Another, Jill Short, said: “It has been very bearable considering it is four days before Christmas.”
The Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness also notched up a successful weekend with attractions such as a Santa’s grotto, a charity “carolathon” and two motorised angels.
Centre Manager Jackie Cuddy said: “Saturday was incredibly busy.
“People were out early and the car park was full from midday onwards.
“Overall it has been on a par with last year, with more peaks and troughs in shopping.
“We are expecting the next few days to be very busy, people are savvy and are expecting discounts.”
Meanwhile, two shoppers had to be freed by firefighters after getting stuck in a lift in Inverness.
A fire service spokeswoman said the pair became trapped at the Rose Street car park at about 12.45pm on Saturday.
She said one appliance from Inverness attended and the crew used a lift key to free the shoppers.