Good morning Saint John! Back in the day, New Year’s Eve love stories usually started at the AQ. Tonight, they might start at Julius…
Here’s what we’re reviewing this morning:
You made this year a good one 🧱
What’s open, what’s closed, what’s on 🧩
Pizza is available until 3:30am 🍕
Let’s get 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
🥂 SJ Today Wrapped 2025
Before we all disappear into more snacks, sparklers, and questionable New Year’s Eve decisions, let’s do a quick look back at what we actually pulled off together this year.
In 2025, SJ Today wrote 310,000 words. That’s roughly the length of War and Peace, except with more potholes, council meetings, and weather complaints. We sent 232 emails, and you opened them 655,000 times… and somehow we still didn’t run out of things to say about this place we love.
The year began with 450 subscribers and we’re ending it at about 3,800, which means this little local note grew by more than eight times in twelve months. Not bad for something powered by coffee, curiosity, and a lot of early mornings.
Our three most popular issues of the year were about:
- Abandoned scooters and screaming at Tin Can
- Finding the best holiday light displays in the region
- The Golden Ball coming down
No celebrity gossip. No rage bait. Just Saint John being… Saint John.
So what’s coming up in the new year? Pretty much the same thing…showing up in your inbox before most people are awake. Calling out the good stuff. Side-eyeing the nonsense. Owning it when we miss something. And making sure you get what you need for a good start to your day.
Thanks for reading, sharing, replying, and stopping on the street to say “hey, I read that.” See you in 2026, same inbox, same city, and more good times!
Cheers to another year! -Geoff
🕰️ Holiday hours quick check
Before you pop the bubbly, we’re popping in with a quick reminder that most stores and services will be closing a little early today. Check out the updates below and remember we’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, January 5th!
Dec 31: City offices open until 3pm, City Market 7:30am–3pm, garbage and compost on schedule, transit running, free public skating 2:30–4pm at Stewart Hurley and Peter Murray arenas, fireworks at Long Wharf at 8pm weather permitting.
Jan 1: City offices, Market and arenas closed, no transit service, but garbage and compost collections still run.
Town Hall open until noon Dec 30 and 31, closed Jan 1, back to regular hours Jan 2. Qplex office open 8am–12pm Dec 31, closed Jan 1. Walking track open 6:30am–1pm Dec 31, closed Jan 1.
Rothesay
Town Hall closes at noon Dec 31, closed Jan 1, regular hours Jan 2.
Town office closed through Jan 1, reopening Jan 2 at 8:30am.
*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’
🎆 FIREWORKS
New Year’s Eve Fireworks | Long Wharf
The city’s annual fireworks go up at 8pm, weather permitting. A call will be made at noon and again at 6pm, so you’ll know whether to bundle up or pivot. Backup date is January 1 at the same time.
👨👩👧 FAMILY-FRIENDLY & EARLY PLANS
Free Public Skates | City Arenas
A solid daytime option if midnight isn’t the goal. River Valley Community Centre hosts skates at 8–9am and 11:45am–1pm, with free hot chocolate at the qplex from 10–11:30. Stewart Hurley and Peter Murray run a 2:30–4pm public skate.
Sea Dogs vs Newfoundland Regiment | TD Station
A 2pm puck drop keeps things early and family-friendly. Easy to pair with dinner or fireworks without committing to a full late night.
New Year’s Eve on the Boardwalk | Uptown
No rock bands this year...World Juniors games run through the afternoon, a Sea Dogs family skate hits at 6pm, fireworks follow at 8pm, and the night finishes with a live New Year’s Eve broadcast from NYC…
🍕 RESTAURANT PLANS
Turkish Night | Sumac & Thyme
Sumac & Thyme is hosting a special New Year’s Eve Turkish dinner featuring Beyti kebab and traditional dishes, plus wine, beer, and cocktails. A great choice if your plan involves lingering at the table. Reservations recommended.
Beer Bread Prime Rib Dinner | Beer Bread
A three-course prime rib dinner for $60, plus their popular take-home NYE special with Detroit-style pizza, vodka linguine, prosecco, and dessert. Worth a last-minute reservation check.
Saint John Ale House | Market Square
No fixed menu, no pressure. A dependable option if you want to be out without committing to a ticketed night. Open late until 3am.
Julius Pizza | Charlotte Street
Old-school move of the night. Julius is staying open until 3:30am, making it an ideal post-fireworks or post-party slice stop.
🪩 PARTIES & LIVE MUSIC
The Last Call | The Country Club
Live music starts at 10pm with free entry. Cheeky Boys close things out from 12:30–3am.
NYE Trifecta Tour | Trade & Convention Centre
Jimmy Swift Band, Grand Theft Bus, and Slowcoaster share the stage, with a DJ starting at 7pm. Tickets are $85 plus fees.
Glow Years Eve | Five & Dime
A dance-forward night from 9pm–2am with DJ J-Demi and drag performances. No cover, 19+, and reliably busy.
Big Rockin’ New Year’s Eve | Wasted Day Brewing
Four live acts across genres starting at 7pm and rolling through midnight. Tickets range from $29.99 to $35.
Partyline New Year’s Eve | Kennebecasis Legion
A classic community party with doors at 8pm and live music from 9–12:30. Tickets are $25 and capacity is limited.
Ultimate New Year Party | Callie’s Pub
A late-start option beginning at 10pm with Bollywood and high-energy dance music. Tickets start at $20 and include Indian appetizers.
*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. This gigantic present is located somewhere in the region…can you locate it? Hit reply with your best guess and we’ll reveal the location and any correct guesses when we’re back on Monday.
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:04 AM(Wed 31 December) | 1.32 m(4.33 ft) |
High Tide | 8:14 AM(Wed 31 December) | 7.93 m(26.02 ft) |
Low Tide | 2:41 PM(Wed 31 December) | 0.91 m(2.99 ft) |
High Tide | 8:49 PM(Wed 31 December) | 7.35 m(24.12 ft) |
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 that will order anything but a slice late at night…🌯
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher