It’s a winter wonderland at The Veranda in Concord, where families spend Christmas Eve at the skating rink and do some last-minute holiday shopping.
Before noon on Tuesday, cars began filling the parking lot.
“We’re just doing last-minute shopping for the holidays,” Alejandra Fernandez, a shopper, told CBS News Bay Area. “We go to the movies, watch Sonic 3, check out Sephora sales, TJ Maxx and stuff.”
According to the National Retail Federation, officials predict holiday store sales will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% last year. Experts add that this means there will be up to $989 billion in holiday spending nationwide in November and December.
At the Sephora store at The Veranda, customers stood in long lines at the checkout Tuesday morning.
“Procrastination in getting my Christmas gifts,” said Denisha Verma, a shopper, when asked what brought her to the mall on Christmas Eve. “I want to spread love to my family by giving them something that makes them feel warm and cared for.”
While some Bay Area families are leaving town for the holidays, others are just coming in to prepare for the festivities.
“I’m just doing some Christmas shopping. You know, you gotta look nice on Christmas Eve,” said Tarik Fahmy, a shopper. “Oh man, I have my kid there. I went there with my niece. Man, getting them together, doing all the shopping in between, crazy.”
The soggy weather hasn’t stopped these East Bay residents from coming out and having a great time.
“Just celebrate Christmas Eve with my family before we go to Fresno for the weekend,” Mark Alviar, who was with his family, told CBS News Bay Area.
“Merry Christmas everyone,” Alviar’s father said.
