Tree Lighting & Uptown Sparkles

• Mayor’s Tree Lighting – City Hall Plaza, Market Square: early December kickoff to Uptown Sparkles with lights, music, marshmallow roasting by the giant tree Reddit+8experiencenewbrunswick.com+8saintjohn.ca+8.

• Uptown Sparkles – first Friday of December: ice sculptures, DJs, live music, firepits, pop-up vendors, rides on the jolly trolley through King Square experiencenewbrunswick.com+1To Do Canada+1.

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Magical Markets & Festive Fairs

• Rockwood Park Christmas Market – weekends Nov 15–Dec 8 at Rockwood Park Campground. Think wooden booth vendors, treats, hot chocolate, mulled wine, Santa visits To Do Canada+2To Do Canada+2saintjohn.ca+2.

• Uptown Pop‑Up Market – December 6 at The Sewist on Water Street. Locally crafted goods in the heart of Sparkles discoversaintjohn.com+2To Do Canada+2experiencenewbrunswick.com+2.

• Rhoda’s Gingerbread Festival (“Gingerbread Trail”) – mid–late December in Uptown: self‑guided stroll among charming gingerbread displays tucked into shop windows To Do Canada+1To Do Canada+1.

• “Magic of Christmas” – Dec 8 at Delta Brunswick Ballroom: a fun-filled market, Grinch appearance, entertainment, supporting Make‑A‑Wish NB discoversaintjohn.com+1To Do Canada+1.

• Christmas in the Park – Dec 1 at Queen Square West: wagon & pony rides, caroling, scavenger hunts, cookies, hot chocolate and a public tree lighting To Do Canada+8discoversaintjohn.com+8To Do Canada+8.

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⛸️ Seasonal Fun & Culture

• Family concerts & theatre: “Elvis Christmas Special” (Dec 21), Symphony NB’s “Holiday Magic” (Dec 22), plus “Christmas from the Heart” at the Imperial Theatre (Dec 7, 2025) eTickets.

• Skating & Outdoor Adventures: skate with Santa events (e.g., Dec 22), snowy walks in Rockwood Park, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing with cozy hot chocolate stops .

• Twinkle Tours – festive coach tours (Dec 12–13) through Saint John and neighbouring towns to admire lit-up decorations and community spirit experiencenewbrunswick.com+3discoversaintjohn.com+3To Do Canada+3.

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️ Bonus Festive Ideas

• Explore Saint John City Market for local foodie finds and heritage vibes.

• Walk through Area 506 Waterfront Container Village for artisan gifts and seasonal flavours—even if it closes before Christmas it’s worth a daytime visit discoversaintjohn.com+2To Do Canada+2To Do Canada+2Wikipedia.

• Tap into local light displays – from over-the-top yard decorations (popular in areas like Beaverbrook or French Village) to community shows; radio station maps can guide you Reddit+1Reddit+1.

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