Good morning Saint John! Holiday shopping got you in knots? Socks are actually a great gift! Cheap, cheerful, and guaranteed to make someone’s Christmas…wait for it…sock-cessful 🧦.

Here’s what we’re kickin’ around this morning:

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🔄 Saint John spins into roundabout life

It's history in motion this week as the city's very first roundabout is officially complete at Sandy Point Road and Foster Thurston Drive. Designed to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently, it’s a milestone for Saint John drivers, who can now experience the thrill of yielding, signalling, and circling in style. Forget the Christmas lights, this weekend families are encouraged to grab the kids for a roundabout tour! Extra lighting is coming in spring, so nighttime spins will be easier on the eyes and nerves.

🏴‍☠️ Watch out for holiday porch pirates

Saint John Police are reminding residents to keep an eye on their deliveries as the season of online shopping brings a spike in porch piracy. Simple tricks that can help include asking a friend to grab the package, tracking your shipments, request discreet placement, or show off a security camera for extra intimidation points. If a package vanishes, call the courier first, then police if needed.

🏒 Sea Dogs gear up for Dog Bowl Tournament

High school hockey fans, mark your calendars. The 2026 Dog Bowl Tournament hits the ice January 10–11, with AA and AAA divisions featuring teams from across the region. Local teams, Saint John High, St. Malachy’s, Simonds, Harbour View, KVHS, and Hampton High, will all be in the mix. Get out for nail-biting single-elimination action, from the Greyhounds vs. Huskies opener to the AAA final after the Sea Dogs take on the Newfoundland Regiment. MVPs get a shot at Sea Dogs training camp next summer…so someone’s weekend could go from high school hero to semi-pro legend. 

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Is there gold in the hills of Prince of Whales?
Tuesday - Come Together Beatles tribute for KV Food Basket
Wednesday - Saint John Theatre Company looking reading suggestions
Thursday - Use the FRSC wizard for collection schedule over holidays

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What we’re doing this weekend!

FRIDAY

Highlands Alpaca Christmas Market | December 12–14
Norton Shore Community Center is hosting a four-day Christmas Market packed with all things alpaca from sweaters, jackets, and socks, to blankets, stuffed animals, crafting kits, and more. There might even be a visit from some baby alpacas! Free entry includes hot chocolate or warm cider and cookies while supplies last. Market hours: Dec 11–12, 3–9pm; Dec 13–14, 11am–9pm. Don’t miss this cozy, one-of-a-season alpaca shopping experience in Hampton.

Candlelight Christmas Classics at Stone Church | December 12–13+
Stone Church turns into a glowing holiday concert hall as a live string quartet plays all the Christmas favourites like Sugar Plum Fairy, O Holy Night, Carol of the Bells, the whole cozy lineup. Each show runs 60 minutes with doors opening 30 minutes early, and once it starts, there’s no sneaking in. A beautiful mid-December night out if you need a quiet break from the bustle.

The Nutcracker at Imperial Theatre | December 12-14
Rothesay Ballet School and GALA Ballet bring the holiday classic The Nutcracker to life at the Imperial Theatre at 7pm. Local dancers join professional guests to tell Clara’s magical story, complete with the Nutcracker Soldier, Mouse King, Sugarplum Fairy, and all the enchanted dolls and candies. It’s a festive, family-friendly evening full of dance, music, and holiday magic.

SATURDAY

Lovely Little Holiday Market | December 13
The Lovely Little Market crew is back at the Bill McGuire Centre with their second annual holiday edition, running 11am–4pm. It’s a steady stroll of 30 local vendors. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a gift and end up finding something for yourself, too. 

Sarah Hebert Live at Market Square | December 13
Sarah Hebert is setting up in the Market Square Atrium for a laid-back afternoon set from 2–4pm. It’s the kind of easy weekend break where you can wander in with a coffee, warm up, and catch one of the city’s smoothest local voices doing her thing. A simple, cozy way to ease into mid-December without overthinking it.

SUNDAY

Right Good Cozy Pop-Up | December 14
Picaroons General Store is turning into a little snug haven from 11am–3pm as Right Good and Dopamine Machine roll in with a vintage-and-preloved pop-up full of soft sweaters, warm layers, and all the cozy finds you didn’t know you needed. It’s an easy Sunday wander…grab a pint, poke through the racks, and leave feeling a bit warmer heading into real-winter mode.

Holiday Storytime at The Write Cup | December 14
The Write Cup is hosting a cozy Sunday storytime at 2:30pm with children’s author Allan Johnson, who’ll be reading his new book Ricky the Smallest Snowman. And Santa is dropping by for the full festive effect. It’s an easy family stop at Market Square with warm drinks, holiday vibes, and a low-key chance for little ones to meet both the author and the big guy in red.

Drag Mean Girls at Five and Dime | December 14
Five and Dime is getting diving into the holidays with Drag Mean Girls… a campy nod to the movie, hosted by Aeolia Ai and Dahlia Dior. With performers bringing big looks and bigger lip syncs, it’s a night where quoting the movie is basically encouraged. Doors open at 6:30pm, show runs 7–9pm, and tickets are $5 presale or $10 at the door.

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

📍 On Wednesday we got a little weird and showed you a very normal-looking storm drain, asking if anyone could place it. Honestly, we weren’t expecting many correct guesses…it looks like any of the 9,000-plus storm drains in the city. But a few keeners came through. Shout out to Edgar D. and Justin L. for knowing this particular drain lives right outside Union House at Union and Dorchester uptown.

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Today’s Tides 🌊

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher