A repost of my article in the Springville Times: Shop Local This Season at Artisan Vendor Markets
2017 WNY Holiday Artisan Markets
While hustling and bustling your way through the month of December many people forget to take a moment to connect, enjoy and discover stumbling upon by accident that oh-so-perfect gift for your best friend, parent, significant other or middle child who is simply impossible to buy for.
The bucket list challenge this week is to step away from the computer and online shopping sales, steer clear of the department store parking lot frenzy and take a break from visiting the shops you always go back to again and again—head out to a local Artisan Vendor Market.
Shop local. Shop small. Support handcrafting artisans at one of these featured WNY Holiday Artisan Vendor Markets.
Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3
Holiday Open Studios Vendor Market
Richardson Olmsted Complex, 400 Forest Avenue, Buffalo
The 17th annual Holiday Open Studios Vendor Market has moved this year to the historic Richardson Olmsted Campus, right inside the front door of the Hotel Henry building. Twenty local holiday artists and vendors will be available offering specialty foods, pottery, art and much more. This event is free of charge.
Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3
Burchfield Penny Holiday Artist Sale
Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo
The Burchfield Penney Annual Holiday Artists Sale features forty artists, with 20% of all sales donated to the Burchfield Penney Art Center. This event is free of charge.
Saturday, December 2
Queen City Market
Karpele’s Manuscript Museum, 453 Porter Avenue, Buffalo
The 7th Annual Queen City Market features over fifty local craft artisans and vendors selling either handmade of vintage items. Each vendor was handpicked to guarantee a wide selection of goods–including jewelry, ceramics, vintage clothing and housewares, local foods, and much more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Amy’s Truck, Lloyd Taco Truck, and several other local vendors. This event is free of charge.
Saturday December 2 – Sunday, December 3
Roycroft Campus Holiday Show
Roycroft Campus Corporation, 31 South Grove Street, East Aurora
The Roycroft Campus is the place to go for high-quality holiday gift shopping in the heart of small town East Aurora, New York. Browse through the four historic campus buildings: Print Shop, Copper Ship, Power House and Furniture Shop and shop with local artists located throughout the campus grounds. This event is free of charge.
Saturday, December 2 – Sunday, December 3
Yuletide In The Country
Event Center on the Fairgrounds, Hamburg
For the 23rd year in a row Western New Yorkers have the chance for one stop local and small shopping experience at the annual Yuletide in the Country Holiday Artisan Market. With over 150 artists featured there is sure to be something for everyone on your shopping list. Tickets are available at the door and are $5 per person, children under the age of 12 are free.
Saturday, December 2 – Sunday, December 3
Totally Buffalo 716Mas Festival
Buffalo Riverworks, 359 Ganson Street, Buffalo
There’s a new kid in town to check out this year the Totally Buffalo 716Mas Festival at Buffalo Riverworks. This two day shop local festival features amazing Buffalo inspired crafts, jewelry, apparel, shirts, and more! And while you are shopping, enjoy live music, crafts for kids and an appearance by SANTA and a few Disney Princesses. Tickets are $5 per person, children under the age of 5 are free.
Wednesday, December 6
A City of Buffalo Artist Market
Ellicott Square Building, 295 Main Street, Buffalo
Over fifty local artists along with live music and a cash bar await at the annual City of Buffalo Artist Market in the lobby of the historic and grand Ellicott Square Building. This event is free of charge.
Friday, December 15 – Saturday, December 16
10th Annual Last Minute Panic Holiday Marketplace
WNY Book Arts Center, 468 Washington Street, Buffalo
Visit the Western New York Book Arts Center to find over forty vendors covering both floors with lots of unique, thoughtful last minute gifts perfect for giving. This event is free of charge.
Saturday, December 16
Elm Street Holiday Market
MUSEjar, 17 Elm Street, East Aurora
Stop on by before or after the East Aurora Annual Carolcade and get some shopping done at the Elm Street Holiday Market featuring a dozen local artisans, live music, and refreshments! This event is free of charge.