Toni's top 5: Mark your calendars for WNY's can't-miss November events

Christmas in the Country: Bring your gift list

Artisan gift shows make it easy to find presents that speak to the person you are buying for—or in the case of some of us (ahem), they’re a chance to buy more aromatic lotions, handmade notebooks and delicious sweets for ourselves. The O.G. of these shopping soirees is Christmas in the Country, which debuted more than 40 years as a small craft show and is now one of the largest such events in the country. It features hundreds of vendors selling unique, handcrafted items like holiday décor, jewelry, pet items, ornaments and clothing spread over five buildings at the Hamburg Fairgrounds.

This isn’t a quick in-and-out event, so give yourself time to peruse (as in hours). This year, it expanded to two full weekends; though the first has passed, you can explore from Nov. 13-Nov. 15 as well.

Info: Christmas in the Country at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5820 South Park Ave, Hamburg. Friday, Nov. 13: Noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 14: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 15: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sombr in concert: A night of melancholy pop

People remember where they were when big news events happened, but I’m more apt to recall when a song rocked my world. When it happened with two songs by the same artist within a month, I was lost in the world of Sombr and happy to stay there.

Sombr (no “e”) is the fitting stage name of Shane Michael Boose, whose songs like “Undressed” and “Back to Friends” are drenched in melancholy and heartbreak. Everything about him is somber: His lyrics, singing and appearance (tall, dark, handsome and wiry like a very young Mick Jagger). Only 21, Sombr writes with emotional abandon, but he can compose a great pop song, too. His current major arena tour has been selling out nationwide, but some tickets are still available for his Buffalo concert.

Info: Sombr with openers Dove Cameron and Hannah Jadagu at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at KeyBank Center.

Strictly Hip: The legacy lives on

We are getting spoiled in Buffalo with seeing Strictly Hip perform the music of Canada’s Tragically Hip, so to say this concert is special speaks volumes.

For its annual Thanksgiving Eve concert at downtown’s Town Ballroom, Strictly Hip honors the 10th anniversary of Tragically Hip’s final show (Aug. 20, 2016 at K-Rock Centre in Kingston, Ont.) by promising to play the concert in its entirety. The 35-song, three-encore concert was broadcast live across Canada. Singer Gord Downie died from cancer a year later. This concert is another way his music lives on.

Info: Doors open at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the Town Ballroom, 681 Main St., Buffalo.

Turkey Trot: Gobble, gobble, go!

To the thousands who start their Thanksgiving Day with an 8K jaunt in downtown Buffalo, we salute you. To those who do it while in costume, we would bow before you if we could get off our couch to join you. (We promise to check out the photos afterward.)

For its 131st year, the Turkey Trot debuts a new loop course that starts and ends at the Buffalo Convention Center but keeps the original route’s second half along Delaware Avenue to the finish line. Bring family and friends to cheer you on.

Info: Starts at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26 on Franklin Street between West Chippewa and Tupper. There’s still time to register.

World’s Largest Disco: Party like it’s the 1970s

Step into platform shoes, get a pair of back-in-style bell bottoms and celebrate flower-power outfits. It’s time to dance beneath the disco ball or simply enjoy the sport of people watching when close to 7,000 disco fans gather in this throwback celebration.

This annual party to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times always sells out, so time is short to buy your ticket. As is tradition, guests will be announced on the morning of the disco, but there’s sure to be a groovy lineup of 1970s-era TV and music celebrities.

Info: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St.