Good morning, Buffalo.

Multiple local holiday markets offer family-friendly shopping & activities this season.

Totally Buffalo’s 716Mas at RiverWorks, Lumber City Holiday Market at Greenhouse Events Center, and Buffalo Holiday Market at Richardson Complex will host local vendors at various times from this weekend through Dec. 20.

Big Tree Inn, near Highmark Stadium, gathers Bills fans to honor team history with a Hall of Fame wall and table-breaking traditions that unite the community — general manager Mel Smaszcz, who rarely misses a home game, says the venue also hosts wedding proposals and visits from players.

Shelter staff at the House of Mercy in Buffalo are preparing for more guests as strong winter weather is forecast, adding extra beds and providing Code Blue services when temperatures drop below freezing.

Executive Director Michael Ford said outreach teams will help connect those in need with vital resources.

Buffalo Public Schools will offer free skating at Ice at Canalside this winter when 46,000 donated tickets worth over $500,000 are made available during public skating hours for students, faculty and staff.

The donation comes from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Rich Entertainment Group.

On Monday, first responders from Newstead and Akron fire companies were honored with the Distinguished Citizen medal for their heroic rescue during an August Thruway bus rollover that involved 54 people — the teams managed challenging extrications to keep everyone safe.

JetBlue is launching nonstop flights from Buffalo to Fort Myers and San Juan beginning in March with tickets available now.

Fares start at $59 for Fort Myers and $99 for San Juan as the airline expands its connections for Upstate New Yorkers.

At Monday night’s Buffalo Public Schools meeting, teachers, parents and students raised concern over the upcoming closure of two schools at the end of the school year.

The nine-member BPS School Closure Committee will meet weekly in December as part of a four-year right-sizing plan addressing an $83-million deficit.

Buffalo State Foundation is buying the former Newman Center across the street from campus for $649,000.

The 5,068 sqft brick building (built in the 1940s with a later addition) will support student veterans and strengthen campus resources.

HEAP applications opened on Monday after a government shutdown delayed the usual start, letting low-income households in Erie County apply online or by mail for winter heating assistance.

Officials said funds will run out by March and that emergency support begins in January.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law that requires insurers to cover lung cancer follow-up screenings + eliminates co-pays and deductibles so at-risk New Yorkers can get life-saving tests.

The measure builds on her recent efforts to make essential care more affordable.

Bills receiver Gabe Davis—returning after a season away and recovering from a serious knee injury—is back on the active roster in Orchard Park and has caught passes in his last three games as he helps boost the team’s playoff push.

The Bills will face the Bengals at home on Sunday as they try to secure a playoff spot while missing Joey Bosa (a key defensive player).

The Bills beat the Steelers 26-7 in a recent game, recording 249 rushing yards (the best at Pittsburgh in 50 years) while limiting the opposition to 166 total yards.

Coach Sean McDermott said the win keeps the team in playoff contention as it prepares for upcoming games.

White Christmas Musical

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Shea's 710 Theatre — $67.55 — A heartwarming musical based on the beloved film featuring classic Irving Berlin songs to bring holiday cheer.

Belmont Fall Tour 2025

6-7:30 p.m. — Town Ballroom — 16+ Admitted — Experience live performances with special guests Avoid & Super Sometimes.

Celtic Woman Holiday Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting Celtic voices and festive favorites to celebrate the holiday spirit.

LIVE WIRE - The Ultimate AC/DC Experience

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Riviera Theatre — $20 — Experience the electrifying tribute to AC/DC with an unforgettable live performance.

Ana Gasteyer's Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Buffalo State Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive evening of music and humor with the talented Ana Gasteyer.

John Crist Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Center for the Arts - University at Buffalo — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian John Crist.

December Sober Social: Comedy Open Mic

7-9 p.m. — Mr. Goodbar — Free entry — Sharpen your stand-up skills in a friendly open mic atmosphere with supportive feedback.

Holiday Pops Concert

10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with the Buffalo Philharmonic and festive performances from local choirs.

Tinsel & Trades Family Festival

6-8 p.m. — The Buffalo History Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the 19th century with live music, crafts, games, and demonstrations by artisans.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:30-9:30 p.m. — The Show at Shea’s Seneca — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet under candlelight.