Provided by Buffalo Bites Food Tours

One thing you’ll always hear about Buffalo — from residents and visitors alike — is what an amazing selection of restaurants we have! While that is surely something to be proud of, the entire Western New York region is also becoming well-known for its incredibly fresh produce, locally produced food products, brewing and distilling industries, and a handful of amazing wine trails.

Mix in a growing nationwide trend to shop small and local, and you have a lot of tasty options for the food junkies on your holiday list. Whether conducting our Buffalo Bites Food Tours or just exploring our community, we’re always on the lookout for unique and tasty culinary gifts. Following are just a few of our favorites.

Holiday shoppers can buy local and with meaning the first weekend in December when the 21st annual Yuletide in the Country Holiday Artisan Market returns to the Event Center at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. Cancelled last year due to the “Snowvember” storm, Yuletide in the Country will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. 

Yuletide will feature more than 175 artists and artisans and will highlight those from the Western New York area. New this year, the event welcomes craft wineries, distillers, coffee roasters and artisanal dairy farmers featuring gourmet cheeses.  

“Adding these elements is a direct result of the public’s interest in these artisans, but also our plan to continue to create a unique holiday market,” said Dan Kaczynski of Premier Promotions of WNY, the event organizers.

Vendors are currently being sought for the second annual Winter Market on Hertel to take place in the 3,000-square-foot home of The Pasta Peddler and Blackbird Sweets, located at 1547 Hertel Ave., Buffalo. The 16-week market will begin on Dec. 5 and continue through April 2. Market hours will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.