🥞 Pancakes or Cocktails? You Choose!

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - the local news letter that shakes down local info like it’s a wrapped gift under the tree.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• Friday is gonna be a fun one at the City Market 🎄

• Gift idea for runner and/or beer drinker on your list 🍺 🏃

• Puppy yoga = life goals 🐶

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

Harbour Lights From Sunrise to Happy Hour 🍳🍹

Swing by the City Market this Friday, December 20th, and start your day with a full breakfast cooked up by Mayor Reardon and Saint John’s Council. Doors open at 5:45 AM, so if you’re an early bird (or just really love pancakes), this one’s for you. Proceeds go directly to the Harbour Lights campaign, supporting local food banks. And don’t forget—those coveted $50 Harbour Lights mugs designed by Francine Baxter will be on sale starting at 6 AM. They’ll go fast, so plan accordingly! 

Not a morning person? No problem. Opt for the Fusion Saint John Holiday Cocktail Hour instead, happening from 4–6 PM at the City Market. Tickets are $25 and include a custom cocktail glass and one complimentary drink. It’s a festive, after-hours way to experience the beautifully decorated Market while still supporting the Harbour Lights campaign. Get your tickets here.

Whether it’s breakfast or happy hour, both events are helping an important cause. The only real question is…bacon or cocktails?

City Zoning Revamp for More Affordable Housing 🏠

Saint John is tackling housing affordability with major zoning reforms. The new by-law aims to encourage gentle density and expand housing options by allowing up to six units on certain lots, relaxing parking rules, and enabling multiple accessory units like garden suites. The final vote on these changes is set for January 13, 2025. Want to see what’s planned? Check out the full public notice here. 

Something New’s Cooking at the Hilton Saint John 🍽️

The Hilton Saint John is stirring up something exciting at the Turn of the Tide restaurant—and no, it’s not just the salt air! The iconic eatery is getting a makeover, and while they bid farewell to the old, there’s a whole new vibe on the way.

Out with the old, in with the bold! The Hilton’s giving its restaurant a fresh new look, keeping all the things we love, but adding a little something extra to make it even better.

What exactly is coming next? Well, that’s still under wraps—but here’s hoping it’s going to be worth the wait. Stay tuned for a reveal that’ll make your taste buds—and possibly your Instagram feed(?)—very happy!

Port City Beer Run Turns 10!

Ready to run—or just ready to sip? The Port City Beer Run is back for its 10th anniversary in 2025, and it’s bigger, bolder, and brew-ier than ever. This easy 5K jog winds down at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, where runners are greeted with applause, high fives, and everyone’s favourite hydrator—beer.

The brew fest features over 20 local producers pouring beer, wine, cider, and spirits, making it the ultimate finish line party. Not a runner? No problem. Fan tickets let you skip the running and head straight to the fun. Pro tip: leave the sneakers at home and bring your love of a good pour instead.

Mark your calendar for May 29th, because whether you’re jogging or just sipping, this is one Saint John event you won’t want to miss!

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Mayor's Tree Lighting in Rothesay | December 18
The holiday magic continues—Rothesay's 10th Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 18th, from 7-8pm! Join Mayor Nancy Grant and Council for a night of twinkling lights, live tunes from Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl, and festive fun. Glide around the ice, stroll through the Common, or just soak in the seasonal vibes. Don’t forget your mug—NB Power is serving hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, and we’re collecting non-perishable food for the KV Food Basket.

Queer Meet & Greet | December 18
Looking for a fun way to connect with others in the community? Swing by Uncorked Tours in the Saint John City Market on December 18th from 5:30-6:30pm for Chroma NB's monthly Queer Meet & Greet. It’s all about good vibes, new friendships, and feeling at home. Sip on complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and mingle with fellow locals.

THURSDAY

Last Thursday Night Market Before Christmas | December 21
Get into the holiday spirit with one last Thursday evening market at the Saint John City Market before Christmas! Open until 9 PM, it’s your perfect opportunity to grab those last-minute gifts, enjoy some local eats, or sip on a drink while supporting our amazing vendors. Shop local, eat local, and drink local—all in one festive evening. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend! Support our City Market vendors!

FRIDAY

SJ Puppy Yoga | December 20
This isn’t your typical downward dog! Spend an hour stretching, bending, and bonding with playful puppies at Urban Dance Company. The class offers relaxation for you and socialization for the pups, all under the guidance of certified instructors and wagging tails. Open to adults 18+ (or 14+ with an adult). Glenhammond Kennel’s adorable squad will steal your heart while you flow through poses. Remember: no refunds, but tickets are transferable. Get your paws on a ticket today!

SATURDAY

Prosecco & Presence | December 21
Celebrate the Winter Solstice in style with “Prosecco & Presence,” a luxe 3-hour urban retreat by the Port City Peace Yoga Collective. Unwind with a calming Yin yoga session, indulge in Thai yoga massage, and set intentional goals for 2025 with a soulful journaling practice. Sip Prosecco (or mocktails!) while toasting to new beginnings. This peaceful, high-vibe event is your chance to reflect, reset, and recharge in a serene, supportive space. Cheers to presence and new year intentions!

Aloha from Elvis | December 16
Get ready to have your Christmas jingle bells rocked this Saturday at the Imperial Theatre with Thane Dunn and the Cadillac Kings—it’s Elvis, but with more glam than your crazy aunt’s tree! Aloha from Hawaii meets Christmas classics in a show so electric, even Santa’s sleigh would be jealous. From “Blue Suede Shoes” to all your favourite Christmas hits, this isn’t just a concert—it’s a rock-n-roll Christmas miracle that’ll have the whole family strutin’ around like Forrest Gump when he discovered the king.

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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 is an easy one! Tell us your guess on Facebook. 

Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows all the best gifts are still hidden somewhere. 👀

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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