🎄 Top Tips for Uptown Sparkles

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - we’re like the stocking stuffer version of local news.

In today’s edition:

• Consider this itinerary for Uptown Sparkles 🎇

• New non-stop flight to Montreal 🛫

• GNB begins sending cheques to nurses 💸

Enjoy!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Uptown Sparkles is Friday ✨

It’s one of our favourite nights of the year—Uptown Sparkles lights up the city this Friday, and we can’t wait! Here’s a great way to kick off your evening…

Start with the classic Mayor’s Tree Lighting at City Hall. After that, take your chances with finding a table—some restaurants are fully booked, but there are still plenty of walk-in spots if you're feeling lucky.

Next up, hit the pop-up markets at places like Market Square (supporting the Boys & Girls Club), Heroes’ Beacon, and Chavah + The Sewist. You’ll find awesome, locally made gifts and festive treasures, plus it’s always a blast to shop with a side of holiday cheer. Don’t forget to wander through the City Market to check out all the trees and get something tasty to munch on!

If you're into art, be sure to hop around to the galleries. Enjoy local art, live music, and maybe even a glass of bubbly as you shop and explore. And, of course, your favorite local shops will have treats to keep your energy high.

Other spots on the radar - the grand opening of Lebanon on the Go or getting something sweet from Wild Flours—they’ll be open ‘til 9 p.m. with all kinds of festive deliciousness!

Plan your entire evening with the full guide here. However you spend it, you’re sure to leave feeling extra festive!

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NEWS NOTES

Saint John to Montreal, Nonstop! ✈️

Get ready for a smoother ride to Montreal, Saint John—Pascan Aviation is launching a new flight to downtown Montreal starting December 31st! This service, flying Tuesday to Friday, will land at Pascan's private hangar in St. Hubert while the main airport terminal gets a facelift.

Think of it like having a private jet (without the sky-high price tag). Pascan’s new flight schedule also reflects local feedback, with mid-day Halifax flights now more accessible. Here’s hoping This is just the start of more direct flights being added to the YSJ lineup in 2025.  (CHSJ)

Hammers 2 Homes 🔨

Saint John’s got a new hammer to swing at the housing crisis—and it’s a good one! The government is investing over $95,000 into a program that helps 12 folks gain micro-credentials in construction. The program, called Hammers 2 Homes, is a partnership between the Saint John Tool Library and NBCC’s Saint John campus.

For six weeks, participants will learn safety and hands-on skills in the classroom before heading to job sites where affordable housing units are being built. They’ll even get paid while they learn! The goal is to train new workers to build homes and tackle the local housing shortage. (GNB)

Good News for Nurses 🏥

Nurses, get ready for a little extra cash in your pocket. The provincial government is sending out over 9,950 retention payments to nurses across the province before the end of the year. These $10,000 payments are headed to full-time and part-time nurses working in hospitals, the Extra-Mural Program, Ambulance New Brunswick, and nursing homes.

Premier Susan Holt says the payments are a way to show respect for the hard work nurses do in New Brunswick’s health and long-term care systems. With $83 million dedicated to this effort, it’s a much-needed boost to those doing this tireless work. (GNB)

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Frozen Jr. at St. Malachy’s Memorial High | December 4th-7th
Get ready for a magical night with Olaf, Anna, Elsa, and the entire Frozen crew at St. Malachy’s Memorial High School! Frozen Jr. will be performed Wednesday-Saturday, December 4th-7th at 7 PM, with a special 2 PM matinee on Saturday. Tickets are just $15 each and can be purchased at the Main Office (cash or tap available) or by calling 506-658-5361. Don’t miss out on this enchanting show—grab your tickets before they’re gone!

Open Mic Night at Haven Music Hall | December 4
Open mic night is back with a twist at Haven Music Hall & Cafe! Hosted by Cole Savoie and featuring the talented Sadie, this special edition is open to all—whether you’re debuting new material or revisiting old favorites. No sign-up needed, just show up, and let the music flow! It’s free, all-ages, and runs from 7 PM to 10 PM. Grab your instrument, your voice, or your cheering squad and join in the fun!

THURSDAY

Market Mingle at Saint John City Market | December 5th
Get into the holiday spirit at the Saint John City Market on Thursday, from 5-7pm! Join this festive Market Mingle to meet new friends, explore local holiday traditions, and enjoy delicious food from vendors. There will be exciting prize giveaways, hot chocolate, and cookies to keep you cozy. Plus, free charter buses will transport you from McAllister Place, NBCC, and UNB. Join in on this fun-filled evening of connection and celebration!

Trivia Night at Wasted Day Brewery | Thursdays
Get ready for brain-teasing fun at Wasted Day Brewery every Thursday at 7 PM! Grab your squad and put your knowledge to the test in this lively trivia showdown. Seats fill up fast, so be sure to call or message to secure your spot. Come for the trivia, stay for the beer!

FRIDAY

Area 506 x Uptown Sparkles | December 6
It’s the unofficial official start to the holidays! The Waterfront Container Village opens its gates during Uptown Sparkles from 6pm-10pm for a night of shopping, photo ops, and endless holiday cheer. With cozy seating, fire tables, twinkle lights, and festive tunes, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the spirit of the season. Get ready for a merry good time!

Christmas Open Mic at the Fire House | December 6
Head over to the Old Fire Station for a festive Friday night filled with Christmas cheer! Dharma, Nicholas, and Jacinda will be performing holiday tunes, and everyone’s invited to take the mic and share their own talents. Enjoy hot cocoa, tea, Christmas sales, and even some door prizes! It’s a cozy night of music, treats, and fun that will get you into the holiday spirit!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it like those tasty appetizers at the office holiday party 😋

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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