Category Archives: Holidays

Fun Holidays, Holidays

Highest number of people of Irish descent per capita.

Saint John, New Brunswick, is often noted for having a significant Irish community. The city has deep historical ties to Ireland, especially due to the large number of Irish immigrants who arrived in the 19th century during the Great Famine. It’s estimated that a large percentage of the city’s population has Irish roots, making it  the place in Canada with the highest number of people of Irish descent per capita.

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This Irish influence is still visible today in local culture, with events like the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations being a big deal in the city.

St. Patrick's Day

Holidays

Commonwealth Day

Commonwealth Day in Canada is celebrated annually on the second Monday in March to recognize the56-member Commonwealth of Nations and shared global values. While not a statutory holiday, it is marked by flying the Royal Union Flag (Union Jack) alongside the National Flag at federal buildings.

 
Key Details for 2026:
 
    • Date: March 9, 2026.
    • Theme: “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.
    • Observance: It emphasizes cooperation, democracy, and the diverse cultures within the organization
      .
  • Activities: Often includes educational, cultural, and interfaith events, along with a message from the King.
 
Context:
 
  • History: The Royal Commonwealth Society proposed this date in 1973.
  • Significance: It highlights Canada’s relationship with the Commonwealth and its commitment to peace and development.
  • Symbolism: The Royal Union Flag is flown from sunrise to sunset on federal buildings where physical arrangements allow.

 

 
  • Commonwealth Day

    In Canada, Commonwealth Day is celebrated with: * **Flying the Royal Union Flag** At federal government buildings and establishmen…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Holidays

what’s open and what’s closed

 

The new year is almost upon us and that means more holiday closures as we enter 2025. 

New Year’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year and most retail and grocery stores will close for the day, while transit and city services will also stop.

Here’s a look at what’s open and what’s closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day across the province:

Retail and grocery

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31:

  • Sobeys, Walmart and Atlantic Superstore locations will close early, most at 6 p.m.
  • N.B. Liquor will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Cannabis N.B. will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open with hours depending on location.
  • Saint John City Market will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Regent Mall in Fredericton, Champlain Place in Dieppe and McAllister Place in Saint John will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1:

  • Sobeys, Walmart, Atlantic Superstore will be closed.
  • N.B. Liquor and Cannabis N.B. will be closed.
  • Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open with reduced hours, with some exceptions.
  • Saint John City Market will be closed.
  • Regent Mall in Fredericton, Champlain Place in Dieppe and McAllister Place in Saint John will be closed.
A bus that says 95 Amirault
Codiac Transpo is offering a free service on New Year’s Eve for certain routes. (Pierre Fournier/CBC)

Government offices, public services

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31

  • Saint John Transit will operate as usual. 
  • Codiac Transpo in Moncton will end some of its routes early on New Year’s Eve. But for 10 of its routes, a free bus service will be offered from 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m.
  • Fredericton Transit will operate normally until noon. Half-hour service begins at noon and all services will end early at 7 p.m.
  • Fredericton city hall will be open until 3 p.m.
  • Saint John city hall will be open until 3 p.m.
  • Moncton city hall will be open until noon.
  • Fredericton arenas will close at 3 p.m.
  • Saint John city arenas will be closed, except for free public skating at Stewart Hurley Arena and Peter Murray Arena from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • The Crossman Community Centre-Kay Arena and the Greenfoot Energy 4-Plex in Moncton will close at noon.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1:

  • Saint John Transit, Codiac Transpo in Moncton and Fredericton Transit will not run.
  • Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton city halls will be closed.
  • Fredericton arenas will be closed.
  • Saint John city arenas will be closed.
  • The Crossman Community Centre-Kay Arena and the Greenfoot Energy 4-Plex in Moncton will be open.
  • All public libraries will be closed.
  • Service Canada will be closed. 
  • Service New Brunswick offices will be closed.
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