Winning numerous awards and gaining size annually, Christmas in the Country has grown from a modest quilt show, into one of the premier artisan shows in all of America. With crowds that average over 60,000 people, the event draws people into Hamburg, NY, from all over the Northeast United States. Celebrating their 31st year of operation, Christmas in the Country is featuring over 400 artisans from all over the country and the world. There are few places where you’ll find this selection of unique arts, crafts and goods. You’ll find almost anything under the sun at this show, from handcrafted furniture to doll clothes, there is something for you. With the holidays fast approaching, this is the ultimate location to complete the bulk of your shopping in one stop.
Not only is this a unique shopping and art experience, but it is also a great place to bring the entire family. Your kids will love all the art and the vibrant atmosphere. Santa is available each day of the festival from 12:00pm to 4:00pm and don't forget that kids under 12 get in free of charge. All the shopping and activity will work up your appetite. Good thing the event has a wide spread of delicious food and concessions that will satisfy almost any appetite. Come out to Christmas in the Country to find gifts, support local artisans and businesses, and to support the great causes the event helps fund. ResortsandLodges.com interviwed Dan Kaczynski of Premier Promotions to find out about Christmas in the Country and all it has to offer.
RAL: Tell me about your event.
DK: Christmas in the Country is a holiday artisan market featuring only handcrafted goods from over 400 artisans. The range of products is comprehensive and includes handcrafted furniture, spa quality bath and beauty products, original music, trendsetting jewelry, gifts for pets, hand poured candles, original wall art, home décor, and holiday gift items galore. This is the 31st year of the event and it has been ranked in the Top 3 in the nation by Sunshine Artist (the foremost publication in arts and crafts events) for the past 12 years. This year it was ranked #1 for the 4th
time.
RAL: How many people annually attend and what is their demographics?
DK: We draw almost 60,000 people over 4 days. Our principal demographic is women 25-54, and children under 12 are admitted free of charge. It is a very family friendly event with artisan demonstrations, food trucks, mobile kitchens and concessions, and Santa is on hand every day.
RAL: What makes Christmas in the Country unique?
DK: The event is unique for a few reasons. First, you have the opportunity to meet and speak to the artisans responsible for the work you are purchasing. Their stories of their craft and their business journey are compelling and it makes your purchases far more meaningful. Secondly, this is arguably the largest event of its kind in Western New York. Thirdly, the quality and variety of artisans at the event is unparalleled, as evidenced by its consistently high rank nationwide.
RAL: Give me a overall look at a typical day at the event and what will people find for food?
DK: This is without question, a shopping experience. Attendees come to buy and buy with meaning. They are surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays, and this event is the kickoff to holiday shopping. Attendees can interact with artisans, enjoy a locally brewed beer, sip warm mulled cider along with a variety of culinary treats from the food trucks and mobile kitchens present. For a guest appearance we have Santa on hand daily from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
A wide variety of food trucks, mobile kitchens and concessions allow us to feed the large crowds we draw. A cross section of ethnic favorites and holiday fare are featured including Pierogies, italian pastries and paninis, Indian curries, Japanese noodles, Sweet and Savory Crepes, Buffalo wings (of course), Gourmet Pizzas, Beef on Weck, Mulled Cider and Hot Chocolate, Local Brews and wines, along with hot soups and deli sandwiches.
RAL: What can attendees expect for local lodging?
DK: Most of our attendees are local. Some arrive on bus tours from other states. The immediate area features a number of reputable chain hotels. Downtown Buffalo is approximately 20 minutes away and is experiencing a resurgence in tourism and interest. Attendees will find any type of accommodation they are looking for, along with a vibrant and growing downtown area.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
DK: Because the event is ranked #1, it means Western New York is the best of the best for artisan markets, particularly Christmas in the Country. Western New York loves the small business person and this event is just a huge compilation of small business people.
RAL: Does the event drive business to the local economy?
DK: Absolutely. Local restaurants and hotels benefit from the out of town artisans attending the event. Many of our artisans are Western New York natives, many travel from across the country to participate. Some of our Western New York artisans actually have retail stores of their own, so this event drives traffic to them as well. Area restaurants often claim this is the busiest weekend of the year for them.
RAL: Does the event support any special causes in the community?
DK: Throughout the history of Christmas in the Country, giving back to the community has always been an integral part of the event. This year, the participating non-profit groups include Gerard Place, Churches in Action, Hamburg Eden Animal Rescue Team (H.E.A.R.T.), Variety The Children’s Charity of Buffalo, and the Hamburg Presbyterian Church.
RAL: Why should people come out to the event?
DK: This is a shopping experience like no other and a grand Western New York tradition that is continually evolving into a market for everyone. It is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season and is the complete antithesis of Black Friday. Attendee's purchases are unique, handcrafted and supportive of America's greatest natural resource...the small businessperson!
For more information please visit the event website.