🛷 Sleigh Bells and Speed Cushions

Good morning Saint John! We’ve heard of puppy yoga, but this is a stretch. A Florida studio has taken allowing local animals to attend classes to the egg-stream…imagine doing cobra next to a cluckin’ chicken 🐔

In today’s edition:

• Saint John bumps up holiday spirit 🚗

• Port City sparks local innovation 💡

• Mayor swaps ornaments 🎁

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🎄 Mayor Gets the City Decorating

If your tree at home is looking a little… predictable this year, the City has a fix: swap out an ornament at the Mayor’s Tree Lighting during Uptown Sparkles this Friday. The City is rolling out a new Ornament Exchange. You bring an ornament that reflects your family or creativity, hang it on the tree, and take home one that someone else contributed. Mayor Donna Reardon kicks things off with a few of her own, but the goal is to fill the tree with Saint John stories before the lights flick on at 6pm outside City Hall. Get there early to take part and enjoy some hot chocolate.

⛽️ Fuel Savings Fizzle Out

If you were planning to greet December with cheaper gas, the Energy and Utilities Board just hit the brakes. The carbon adjuster was supposed to come off Monday, but regulators swapped it with a new charge of the exact same size…meaning prices stay put. Fuel industry reps warned a sudden drop could shutter stations across the province, so the board stepped in. Bottom line: December 1 looks exactly like November 30 at the pumps.

🚀 Saint John Scores Big at InnovateNB

Saint John had a night last Thursday, scooping up a good chunk of the InnovateNB Awards and giving the province a reminder that innovation doesn’t just live up the highway. Dr. Alli Murugesan walked away with the Beacon Award for her cancer-fighting biomedical work. MedReddie scored the Innovative Product nod for its hospital procurement tools. Versos AI grabbed Startup of the Year for turning messy video libraries into AI-ready training gold. And Bloom Funding earned recognition for helping businesses boost revenue and social impact while maximizing scientific research and experimental development gains. 

🐢 Speed Cushions Slow Down Saint John Streets

You might have noticed, and most likely have complained about, a few extra bumps in the road around town lately. The city’s Expedited Traffic Calming Program installed 14 speed cushions this year on streets where speeding was a problem. Average speeds dropped nearly 10 km/h, and some drivers are even taking detours to avoid them. Next year, four more streets will get cushions, with heights tightened to keep low cars from scraping the bottoms. Looks like your GPS is about to get more action than your breaks.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

Xmas Sh!t Show | December 2
Taylor Lakeport’s HO HO HOst of HA HA HAs brings a lineup of festive misfit comics sure to jingle your bells at Hampton Brewing Co.! Saint John’s Katelin Dean co-hosts with Shand, delivering laughs with holiday sass, while headliner Shane Ogden, the “Mayor of Saint John comedy,” keeps the side-splitting going. Indoor show, ages 19+. Limited seating, so don’t wait for tickets!

Billy Bishop Goes to War | December 2–7
The story of Canadian WWI flying ace Billy Bishop takes flight on stage at Saint John Theatre Company. This award-winning play mixes gripping tales, haunting memories, and unforgettable songs, featuring Patrick Jeffrey and Bertis Sutton under the direction of Mary-Colin Chisholm. A powerful, moving performance you won’t want to miss. Accessible seating available. 

WEDNESDAY

International Day of Persons with Disabilities | December 3
Saint John Ability Advisory Committee is marking the day with two events celebrating inclusion and accessibility. Join the flag-raising at City Hall, 12–12:30pm, then head to the Free Public Library, 2nd Floor, 12:30–3pm for the Human Library experience, “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover.” Meet real people sharing stories of disability, resilience, and accessibility in a safe space for open dialogue. 

A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas | December 3
Jill Barber brings her unforgettable voice to the Imperial Theatre for a festive evening blending folk, jazz, and pop. Expect timeless holiday classics alongside fan favourites from her award-winning albums, including Gold-certified Chances. A three-time Juno nominee with music featured in film, TV, and ads, Jill’s show promises an intimate, soulful, and thoroughly merry Christmas experience. Tickets are $40 for adults, and $35 for members, show starts 7:30pm.

THURSDAY

Market Mingle | December 4
The Saint John City Market hosts a festive Market Mingle, 5–7pm, perfect for connecting with friends, exploring local holiday traditions, and sampling tasty treats from vendors. Enjoy lively conversations, family-friendly fun, and prize giveaways throughout the evening. Free charter bus service runs from McAllister Place and UNB with stops along the way, returning from the market at 7:15pm. A night of community cheer not to miss!

FRIDAY

Uptown Sparkles | December 5
Uptown Saint John kicks off winter with Uptown Sparkles starting at 5pm. Enjoy cozy fires, s’mores at King’s Square, live music, and festive surprises, including the Mayor’s Tree Lighting at 6pm. DJs, dancers, and Tinsel the Elf keep the sparkle going throughout Uptown until 9pm. This is just the official BIA lineup…be sure to check Wednesday’s newsletter for a full guide to all the Uptown fun happening Friday night! 

Hey uptown businesses and event hosts, don’t get missed - submit your Sparkles event here.

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Santa | December 6
Santa is back at the Hilton Saint John for a magical morning the whole family will love. Kids can share their holiday wishes, enjoy a festive breakfast, and create lasting memories. Bring a new, unwrapped gift valued at $25 for a complimentary buffet breakfast. Proceeds support local families through The Salvation Army. Call 506-693-8484 to reserve your spot for this merry tradition, 9–11am.

Dolly and Friends Holiday Drag Show | December 6
The most wonderful time of the year gets a dazzling twist at Haven Music Hall! Dia Monde hosts Dolly and Friends, starring Scarlett Phae Nyx, Stella Polaris, and Bilf, bringing Dolly Parton classics and holiday favourites, drag style. Doors open 7:30pm, show at 8pm. Tickets $15 advance, $20 door. Limited spots, so grab yours early and get ready for a holly, jolly night!

Got an Event to Share?

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that could use a little local squawk in their inbox 🐓.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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