Flavours & Finds Holiday Night Market: Cozy Vibes, Local Makers & Allergen-Friendly Treats You Can Actually Trust

You can feel it in the air already—the holidays are creeping in. The twinkle lights are out, the peppermint-everything has returned, and somehow every checkout line is already playing Mariah Carey. But alongside the excitement comes another familiar feeling:

Holiday stress.
Especially for those of us with dietary restrictions.

Between potlucks, office parties, school concerts, and family gatherings, December can feel like a month-long obstacle course. And if you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, or navigating any other dietary need, then you already know—the “holiday magic” often includes being left out of the dessert table or eating the same safe snack you brought... again.

It’s cozy season for everyone else, but for people with restrictions?
It’s detective season.

That’s one of the biggest reasons Dine Find is hosting another Flavours & Finds Market—except this time it's a Holiday Night Market at Bow Valley Christian Church in Dalhousie.

And trust us: this one is extra special.

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Because Holiday Cheer Shouldn’t Come With a Side of Anxiety

The holidays should be warm, joyful, and full of treats you don’t have to investigate. But as anyone with allergies or intolerances knows, finding safe festive food can feel like finding a gluten-free needle in a Christmas-themed haystack.

A lot of holiday markets are beautiful—but not always accessible.
Cinnamon almonds cooked next to gluten aerosols.
Cupcakes made with “may contain everything.”
Vendors who mean well, but can’t answer ingredient questions.

And for families managing allergies?
That’s not festive—it’s stressful.

So we asked ourselves:

What would a holiday market look like if safety wasn’t the afterthought, but the foundation?

The answer is Flavours & Finds Holiday Night Market.

A place where you can:

• ✨ Taste festive, allergen-friendly treats
• ✨ Find stocking stuffers that are local, thoughtful, and actually useful
• ✨ Support small businesses doing big things for our community

If you live with dietary restrictions and/or love shopping local—you know how rare that is.

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A Market Made for People Who Deserve Better Options

This isn’t your typical “craft fair but with one gluten-free cookie.”
This is a curated, cozy, winter-themed gathering created with intention.

You’ll find:

• Allergen-friendly holiday baking (yes, with real ingredients and no mystery traces)
• Locally made stocking stuffers you won’t find at the mall
• Handmade gifts from Calgary artisans
• Food vendors who understand cross-contamination—not just the buzzword, but the practice
• Small businesses who care about community, not just sales
• Treats you can gift without worrying they’ll send someone home early

And because this is Dine Find, the heart of the event is simple:

No one deserves to feel left out during the holidays.
Not kids with allergies.
Not adults managing intolerances.
Not the newly diagnosed who are still grieving their old favourites.
Not families navigating it all together.

This market is for you.

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Cozy Holiday Vibes Included (At No Extra Charge)

We wanted this market to feel less like “just another event” and more like you’re stepping into a warm little holiday world—one where everything smells like cinnamon, nobody asks if you’re being “dramatic” about gluten, and every vendor is genuinely happy to be there.

If you’ve been to our previous markets, you know the vibe: inclusive, joyful, and full of community energy.
If you’re new, you’re in for something special.

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Because the Holidays Should Feel Magical—Not Limiting

We hear the same stories all the time:

“I brought my own dessert because I didn’t want to risk it.”
“There was nothing my kid could eat.”
“I didn’t want to make it awkward, so I just skipped dinner.”

And honestly?
People with dietary restrictions deserve better.

That’s why this market exists.

To remind you that:

You belong at the table.
You deserve options that respect your health.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice festive joy for safety.
You don’t need to apologize for asking what’s in your food.

You deserve a holiday season that feels full—not limited.

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Plus, We're Giving Back! Support the Calgary Food Bank This Holiday Season

Because the holidays are just as much about giving as they are about gathering, we’re adding something new to this market: a Calgary Food Bank donation drive.

If you’re able, we invite you to bring non-perishable food items to help support families in our city who are struggling more than ever. With food prices continuing to rise and many households feeling the squeeze, even a single can of soup, a bag of rice, or a box of pasta can make a meaningful difference.

Think of it as spreading a little extra warmth—beyond your own shopping bag.
When our community comes together, small actions turn into real impact.

So as you browse, snack, shop, and soak in the cozy vibes, you can also help ensure that someone else’s holiday season feels a little brighter, a little safer, and a little more supported.

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Mark Your Calendars & Bring Your People

📍 Bow Valley Christian Church, 5300 53 Ave NW
🗓️ December 10th
⏰ 5:30pm-9:30pm

🎟️ Grab your free tickets here.

Because the holidays should feel magical—and this year, they finally can.