In partnership with:

Good morning, Saint John! It’s the Thursday before Christmas, and odds are a workplace or family gift exchange is coming at you within the next three days. Luckily, there’s a secret weapon for everyone… the regift. What’s in your cupboard? 🎁

Here’s what we’ve wrapped up this morning:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Mark your calendar and enjoy an evening at Faces of Fusion this February.

Hosted by Fusion Saint John, the annual awards event returns February 6 at the Imperial Theatre. The night brings people together from across the region to celebrate leadership in business, arts and culture, sustainability, community impact, and newcomer contributions.

Enjoy food, a silent auction, and plenty of time to connect with people making a difference in our community. 

Award finalists will be announced in January with winners revealed live during the event.

Tickets are on sale now.

🤒 Holiday Health Heads-Up from Horizon

Sniffles, stomach aches or that classic holiday stress headache? Horizon Health reminds New Brunswickers to think before hitting the emergency department this season. EDs are busy, waits are long, and about 40% of beds are filled by patients waiting for long-term care.

Smarter moves include checking symptoms online, calling your primary care provider, trying eVisitNB or a walk-in clinic, or asking your pharmacist. Tele-Care 8-1-1 and mental health supports are also available.

If it’s an emergency, call 911.

📢 Another Round of Emergency Alert Practice

For the second week this month, Saint John is reminding us we’re out of shape…at least when it comes to emergency alerts. This morning at 10am, the City will run another test of its emergency notification system.

If you’re signed up, you’ll get an email, text, or call saying: “EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE. This is a test…No action required. THIS IS ONLY A TEST.”

⛸️ Uptown Rink Opens

Saint John’s free outdoor rink at Ihtoli maqahamok – The Gathering Space officially opened yesterday, just in time for a mild 5°C day that’s…not exactly ideal for ice. City staff will keep flooding and clearing the surface to give it the best shot, but if the weather keeps flirting with above-freezing, expect temporary closures.

The rink is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Helmets are encouraged, skates are required, and you can borrow a pair for free from the Saint John Public Library’s lending program. 

💬 The Results: Ringing in the New Year

We asked how you’re spending New Year’s Eve, and apparently you’re either partying like it’s 1999…or perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing. Here’s how your 2025 countdown shakes out:

🕛 Out past midnight — 6%
🍽️🏠 Dinner, then home early — 19%
👶🛏️ Kids’ countdown, then bed — 1%
🛋️🍿 Couch, snacks, no regrets — 50%
🍕📺 Takeout + TV — 7%
🤔 Haven’t decided yet — 17%

The couch-and-snacks crowd dominates, proving that sometimes the best plans involve zero movement and maximum comfort. Dinner then home early comes in second, with a few brave souls chasing fireworks and excitement.

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

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

WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Twinkle Tour 2025 | December 18 & 19
Gentle Path Counselling Services invites families to hop aboard a cozy motorcoach for an hour-long Christmas lights tour around Saint John. Meet at 199 Chesley Dr. at 5:15pm to enjoy a sweet treat and a visit with Santa before the bus departs at 6pm. Don’t forget your letter to Santa — include a return address and he’ll write back! Tickets are $35 per person.

Xmas Shinanigans Sh!t Show | December 18
Hampton Brewing Co. presents the Xmas Shinanigans Sh!t Show, a night of festive laughs with Taylor Lakeport as your “HO HO HOst,” co-host Katelin Dean, and comedian Shand. Headliner Shane Ogden delivers side-splitting holiday humour to rival any Christmas dinner. The indoor show is for ages 19+, starts at 7pm at 64 Robertson Rd., Hampton, and seating is limited.

Barras MacNeils East Coast Christmas | December 18
The Barra MacNeils bring their East Coast Christmas tour to the Imperial Theatre for a night of Celtic music, harmonies, stepdancing, and holiday storytelling. The Cape Breton family band is marking the 25th anniversary of their Christmas shows, blending traditional favourites with their signature high-energy live sound. It’s a family-friendly evening that feels festive without trying too hard. Show starts at 7:30pm.

FRIDAY

Imperial Holiday Sing Along | December 19
The Imperial Theatre hosts its annual holiday sing along, inviting the community to gather and belt out seasonal favourites together. Led by Janet and Richard Kidd and their choir, the evening is family-friendly, relaxed, and very much about joining in rather than sitting quietly. Song sheets are provided, tickets are free, and the show starts at 7pm.

Candlelight Christmas Classics | December 19
Stone Church hosts an early evening Candlelight concert featuring a string quartet performing seasonal favourites under a warm glow of candlelight. The hour-long program blends traditional carols with modern holiday songs, with doors opening 30 minutes before the show. It’s a calm, cozy way to start the night. 

Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift | December 19
Later that same night, Stone Church switches gears with a Candlelight tribute to Taylor Swift. A string quartet performs era-spanning favourites in the same intimate, candlelit setting. The concert runs about an hour, with doors opening 30 minutes before showtime. 

SATURDAY

Rockwood Park 5K Walk | December 20
Join Song Kim and Women Walkers Saint John for a 5K walk through Rockwood Park’s lakes and trails. Meet at the Lily Lake Pavilion near the Sundial statue at 8:45am for a 9am start. Carpool options are available, and walkers of all levels are welcome to enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, and a friendly community vibe.

Kenny & Dolly’s Christmas Tribute | December 20
A country Christmas classic gets the spotlight at the Imperial Theatre with a live tribute to Once Upon A Christmas. Performers Kylie Fox and Josh Bravener, backed by a local all-star band, recreate the beloved holiday album that’s been part of Canadian Christmases for decades. The night also includes an Elvis holiday opener from Mike Bravener. Show starts at 7:30pm.

Power Bar Classic Rock Night | December 20
Power Bar (awesome name btw), brings the energy with a night of classic rock at Fish and Brews Pub. Expect four hours of high-voltage music that’ll have you dancing, singing, and fully charged through the night. See ya at the Brew.

SUNDAY

Harbour View Home for the Holidays | December 21
Harbour View High School brings its annual holiday concert to the Imperial Theatre with an afternoon of music from school choirs, concert bands, and special guests from the wider HV community. It’s a family-friendly performance that leans festive and local, with plenty of familiar seasonal sounds. The show starts at 2pm.

Uptown Snow Ball | December 21
Saint John Swing Dance hosts a festive evening of jazz music and swing dancing at the Kent Theatre. The night kicks off with a beginner-friendly lesson at 6pm, no partner or experience needed, followed by social dancing, holiday tunes, and a special performance. It’s pay-what-you-can, encourages festive formal attire, and leans cozy in all the right ways.

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

📸 Anton K Visuals | 📍 New view from Fundy Quay

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

Today’s Tides 🌊

🗞️ This Day in History
On December 18, 1783, Saint John got its first newspaper. Loyalists William Lewis and John Ryan published The Royal Saint John’s Gazette and Nova-Scotia Intelligencer. That’s a mouthful even by 18th-century standards. Our city’s news scene officially kicked off, and readers have been complaining ever since…it’s our way.

_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with the person that gave you what you’re giving as a gift this year… 🤫

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher