The Pasta Peddler and Blackbird Sweets, located at 1547 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo, will host a special holiday event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. 

This special event will feature several local vendors, including Alpine Made, Grey Couch Studios, Buffalo Shout Shirts and Painted Meadows Farm. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance from 1 to 3 p.m., and holiday tunes will fill the air. 

Paul Ranallo, author of the recently released “What’s New, Harry? The Best of Buffalo Courier-Express Columnist Phil Ranallo,” will also be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. to sell and sign copies of his hot-selling new book.

It’s always an enjoyable experience to visit Enjoy the Journey Art Gallery, but the holiday season is extra special. The gallery, located at 1168 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca, has plenty of exciting activities planned for the holiday season and beyond!

For starters, the gallery will feature two exhibits this month. The first is “Time Will Tell,” a member’s exhibit featuring the work of more than 50 artists representing photography, watercolor, oils, acrylics, collage, mixed media, fiber art, clay art and more. The opening reception will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and the evening is free and open to the public.

Dog Ears Bookstore & Café, the nonprofit community bookstore located at 688 Abbott Road in South Buffalo, is ready to welcome the holiday season with several exciting events.

The first event, “Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol,” will be performed at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Bishop Timon St. Jude High School, 601 McKinley Parkway, Buffalo. The show, a solo performance starring Mike Randall, consists of two acts each approximately 45 minutes in length with one intermission. Wine tasting and other fun activities will also be included.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Dog Ears will host a Christmas Extravaganza and Santa Celebration. Highlights will include crafts, music, local authors, discounts, a visit from Santa, a baked good sale and maybe even a surprise or two!