To the amusement of shoppers, Santa Claus is stopped and searched by a British soldier in Belfast.
To bring some Christmas cheer to Belfast, the City Council is offering £700 worth of prizes for the best Christmas decorations in the city. It is hoped that the decorations around the city centre attract people from far and near to come to Belfast to do their Christmas shopping.
Shops such as the department store Anderson and McAuley make a special effort with their elaborate window displays. In addition to the Christmas tree at City Hall, it is the first year that lights have been erected around the landmark building. Lamp posts around the city centre have also been decorated.
To further enhance the festive atmosphere, choirs from local schools such as Methodist College and Blackmountain Primary School are scheduled to sing carols every day at lunchtime at the City Hall Christmas tree.
While it is the season of goodwill, there are reminders of the past six years of violence in Northern Ireland. At Donegal Place, a young man dressed as Santa Claus is frisked by a British soldier. An amused bunch of passers-by take a break from their shopping to watch as Santa undergoes a body-search, which includes a close examination of his hat and false beard.
A 'Newsround' report broadcast on 21 December 1975.
