✨ From Reflection to Local Cheer

Good morning Saint John! After yesterday’s Remembrance Day ceremonies around the region and across the country, it’s encouraging to see young people getting involved with the Legion and helping honour veterans. A recent story from Fredericton highlights a 23-year-old member working to engage the next generation and support all the work the Legion does.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• Celebrate those making waves in SJ 🌊

• Small steps, big wins ahead 🏃

• Santa swerved, don’t lose your bearings 🎄

Let’s get to it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

NEWS NOTES

✨ Who’s Making Saint John Shine?

Think someone in Saint John deserves recognition for all they do? Now’s your chance to celebrate them. Nominations for Faces of Fusion 2026 are open until December 5, honouring outstanding locals in categories like Entrepreneur/Business Excellence, Arts & Culture Achievement, Saint John Champion (community leadership), Environmental Leadership, and the newcomer-recognizing New Johner award.

The celebration takes place Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at Imperial Theatre. Hosted by Fusion Saint John, the local non-profit that turns networking into a party with a purpose, the evening features food, a cash bar, silent auction goodies, and five awards recognizing the people who are truly shaping our community. 

🏃‍♂️ Small Steps, Big Wins at the Y

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is helping locals kick type 2 diabetes to the curb with Small Steps for Big Changes, a free program that pairs eligible participants with one-on-one coaching on healthy eating and fitness. Locals Al and Bev McAlpine are proof it works, together they’ve lost 45 pounds while building habits that actually stick.

To mark World Diabetes Week, the Y is hosting a Diabetes Clinic with A1C testing on today (November 12) from 10am-1pm, plus health assessments for anyone curious about joining the program. 

🎭 Imperial Collecting for a Cause

The spotlight’s turning toward kindness at Imperial Theatre this month. From now through December 20, the theatre is collecting donations for Hestia House, a local shelter offering safety and support for women and children experiencing crisis. They’re asking patrons to drop off pantry staples, toiletries, and new or gently used winter clothing, bedding, and linens.

Last year’s drive stocked Hestia House for eight whole months, and they’re hoping for an encore performance this season. Heading to a show or passing by? Drop off a few items while you’re at the theatre.

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️

Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

🎅 Santa Parade Route Revealed

A few readers have been asking about the new route for this weekend’s Saint John Santa Claus Parade, so here’s the scoop. The city’s biggest holiday tradition is back for its 72nd year, bringing lights, music, and community cheer to the streets. This year’s theme is Animated Christmas, so don’t be surprised to see some favourite cartoon characters in the mix.

The parade kicks off at the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street before following the usual path across the Viaduct to Main Street North and Lansdowne Avenue. Check out the map [included] to plan your viewing spot.

The rest of today’s events come straight from our readers. If you’ve got an event coming up, be sure to sent it our way!

Hands in the Current Screening | November 12
Eastern Charlotte Waterways is bringing another local screening of Hands in the Current: Stories of Work, Water, and Home! This coastal NB documentary connects with people whose lives revolve around the Bay of Fundy, plus two short films. Free snacks, door prizes, including local pottery and whale-watching vouchers, make it extra fun. Doors open at 6:30pm, screening starts at 7pm at Magaguadavic Place Community Center, St. George. No registration needed, and it’s free!

Le Salon du livre de Saint-Jean | November 12–14
The French-language book fair is back at Centre scolaire communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain, offering books for all ages and supporting the local library with 10% of sales. Stop by for Storytime Grand-papa et moi on Nov 12 at 4:30pm or the Soirée Poésie gourmande en musique at Le Baratie on Nov 13 at 6:30pm. The fair runs Nov 12, 1:30–6pm; Nov 13, 9am–6pm; and Nov 14, 9am–2pm.

Simonds Lions Club Bingo | Thursdays
Join the Simonds Lions Club for a fun night of bingo every Thursday at the Simonds Lions Auditorium in Loch Lomond Villa. Doors open at 7pm—come for the games, stay for the laughs, and maybe even take home a prize!

Christmas Open House at Helen Stanley Pottery | November 15
Get into the holiday spirit with Charlotte County artisans at Helen Stanley Pottery! Browse jewellery, skincare, wrought iron, resin, stained glass, garden goodies, and of course, pottery while enjoying cookies and cider in a festive atmosphere. The open house runs 10am-3pm. For details, call, text, or email Helen Stanley, or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Belding Hill Farms Christmas Market | Nov 21 – Dec 14
Step into a Hallmark-worthy holiday at Belding Hill Farms just outside Hampton! This European-style outdoor market features nearly 50 local artisan huts, cozy fires, festive lights, and friendly farm animals. Sip hot cider or Glühwein, grab wood-fired pizza, and snap a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Fridays 4-9pm, Saturdays 12-9pm. Admission at the gate: $14 adults, $9 kids 4–12, free under 4.

Choral Christmas Concert | December 6
Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus bring a festive program of Christmas choral music to Stella Maris Church at 7pm. Expect everything from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, plus strings, percussion, and collaborative accompaniments. General admission $25, wheelchair accessible, with $500 donated to a local charity. Tickets via email or online.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you know what or where this is, hit reply and give us your best guess. The correct location and all correct guesses will be revealed in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Reach Readers Daily!
Need to get the word out? Our baseline ads give you the perfect spot to connect with Saint John readers. With your message right next to the latest local buzz, it’s a great way to make an impact. Let's chat about getting you featured here!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who is already starting to decorate their house for the next holiday. 🎄

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Did I Miss Something?