💰 School cash lands in SJ

Good Morning Saint John! If you thought your in‑laws looked a little off in last year’s Christmas photos, wait until you see NB Liquor’s new AI ad. The people, their fingers, even the liquor bottles look like they were created by someone who’s enjoyed a few too many Alpines. Local creatives are roasting it harder than a holiday ham.

Here’s what else we’re pouring this morning:

• Your phone will buzz today 📱

• Learn the ABCs in making a difference in NB 🫶

• Free Store pops up this week 🛍️

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏫 Big bucks for schools in the Region

New Brunswick is spending $242.7 million on schools in 2026-27, the largest capital budget ever, and some of it lands right here in the Saint John area. That includes upgrades at Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain, Saint John High, and Princess Elizabeth School, plus a new school to replace M. Gerald Teed Memorial. The funding covers structural fixes, additions, new equipment, modular classrooms, and safety improvements. 

🔔 City runs a drill today

If your phone starts screaming at you today at 10am, don’t panic. It’s just the City making sure the emergency alert system still has a pulse. Anyone signed up for alerts will get a message that basically screams “EXERCISE” three times, which feels a bit rude for 10 in the morning but here we are.

If you’re not signed up yet, you can fix that by heading to the city’s website to learn more about the drill and subscribe. 

♿️ Accessibility Work Continues

Yesterday was International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the City says Saint John is becoming easier to navigate, with new crosswalk signals, default ramps on sidewalks, and upgraded transit announcements.

We contacted local accessibility advocate Karen Powell, who acknowledges some changes but says progress is uneven. “Gaps still remain. The balance is not equitable…disabled citizens have to wait around and are expected to be satisfied with best practice excuses,” she notes. The City reports about two-thirds of its long-term goals are on track, with more upgrades planned through 2026.

🎄Tree lighting with a purpose 

If you’re the type who loves a good tree lighting, King Street is basically doing a double feature on Friday. First up is MADD’s Project Red Ribbon ceremony in King’s Square at 5pm, which comes with a serious message about staying sober behind the wheel during peak party season.

MADD is launching its annual ribbon campaign, honouring victims of impaired driving and reminding everyone to plan a safe ride home. This year’s tribute features the story of Rebecca Beatty, whose family hopes her memory helps keep others safe.

Then, an hour later, the Mayor’s tree lights up at the bottom of the hill. 

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW
Here’s a look at what’s going on around the region this weekend. If you’re looking to do some holiday market hoping this weekend, check here tomorrow for a full rundown 🎁!

TODAY

Fusion’s First Thursday | Thursday, December 4
Wrap up 2025 with the last First Thursday at Wasted Day Brewing, 5–7 pm. Drop in solo or with friends for an evening of new connections, engaging conversation, and good vibes. Come for as little or as long as you like…no RSVP needed. The brewery is mostly accessible, with ramps available on request and single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms inside.

Market Mingle | December 4
Step into the holiday spirit at the Saint John City Market from 5–7 pm. Meet some locals, enjoy live music, and taste treats from your favourite vendors. Warm up with hot chocolate, cookies, and marshmallows for s’mores by the fire pit. Kids can enjoy balloon animals, face painting, and crafts, plus there are prize giveaways. Snap a photo with Santa and celebrate the season with your community.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony | December 4
Kick off the season at Wolastoq Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, starting at 6 pm. Enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a special visit from the North Pole. The event is free and happens rain or shine. Enjoy a cozy evening with family and friends.

Stadacona Band Sleighbells in the Sun | December 4
Get a taste of the tropics this holiday season with the Stadacona Band at the Imperial Theatre, 7 pm. Juno nominee Jah’Mila brings reggae vibes to festive favourites, mixing island rhythms with holiday cheer. Smooth grooves, vibrant brass, and soulful vocals promise a joyful escape, no passport needed. Admission is free, with donations welcome to support the Military Family Resource Centres. (Highly recommend seeing this band!)

Winter Wonderland 2025 | December 4–6
Hampton transforms into a holiday playground for three days of festive fun! Enjoy cozy winter tales at Winter Words, test your holiday smarts at Deck the Halls: Christmas Trivia & Movie Night, and wander Belding Hill Farms’ European-style Christmas Market. Families can get crafty at the Ornament Workshop, sip treats at the Kings County Museum Christmas Tea, write letters to Santa at Station 33 Cafe, and catch a special visit from Santa in Town Square.

FRIDAY

Uptown Sparkles 2025 | December 5
Celebrate 16 years of holiday magic in Uptown Saint John! The evening kicks off at 5 PM with live music, cozy firepits, marshmallow roasting in King’s Square, and festive surprises. At 6 PM, head to City Hall for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting…the official start of a sparkling night. Stroll Uptown to check out special offerings from local businesses and soak up the holiday cheer. If you missed yesterday’s SJ Today, catch the full rundown of Sparkles fun and events.

SATURDAY

Community Winter Free Store | December 6
Winter Free Store is this Saturday at Stone Church from 12–3pm. Folks can drop in for warm clothing, household goods, a hot meal, and a genuinely welcoming vibe. There’s music, art, and zero hoops to jump through…everything’s free, and everyone’s invited. No questions asked.

Cram a Cruiser | December 6
While you’re grocery shopping in KV this weekend, swing by the Real Atlantic Superstore between 10am and 12pm to meet members of the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force. They’ll be collecting donations for the KV Food Basket in their annual “Cram a Cruiser” Christmas food drive…help fill a cruiser and spread some holiday cheer.

Pet Photos with Santa | December 6
It’s the most “wonderfurr” time of the year! Bring your pets to Global Pet Foods Saint John East for photos with Santa, 12–5 PM. All kinds of pets are welcome. A minimum $5 donation is suggested, supporting Latimore Lake Cat Rescue. Dog nog and treats will be on hand, and photos are taken in a quiet backroom to get the best shots of your furry family members.

Dolly and Friends Holiday Drag Show | December 6
Get your holiday sparkle on at Haven Music Hall with Dolly and Friends! Doors open at 7:30 PM, show at 8 PM. Scarlett Phae Nyx, Stella Polaris, and Bilf bring Dolly Parton classics and Christmas favourites, drag-style. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door…very limited, so grab yours early. A holly, jolly night of music, laughs, and holiday cheer awaits!

SUNDAY

Christmas Pet Photos | December 7
Pet Valu Rothesay is setting up a festive photo day for your furry (or feathered) friends, running 11am–5pm. Swing by for a holiday snap that’ll earn a prime spot on the fridge. All proceeds support the St. George Animal Shelter, so you can feel extra good about your pet’s close-up.

Latimore Lake Holiday Visit with Santa | December 7
Latimore Lake is hosting an afternoon with Santa from 12–4pm, with the big guy rolling in around 1pm. Parents need to register and bring a wrapped gift (max $20) labeled with their child’s name. A photographer will be on hand for photos with Santa and his elf. To register, contact Lori at 506-650-1490 or email [email protected].

Holly Jolly Jazz & Blues | December 7
The Mike Biggar Jazz & Blues Revue is back at Trinity Galleries for another round of intimate holiday shows, bringing jazzy, jingly versions of festive favourites (and a few surprises). Catch the Sunday matinee at 2pm. Seating is extremely limited, so reach out to Trinity Galleries to snag a spot and get ready to jingle and jive your way into the season.

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SIDE NOTES

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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