Uptown Saint John and our sponsors have planned an evening full of activities, live music, cozy firepits and marshmallow roasting. The magic begins at 5 pm in King’s Square, powered by Saint John Energy, with plenty of festive surprises. Families can pick up complimentary s’more kits in King’s Square (while supplies last) and roast marshmallows over crackling wood fires. At 6 pm, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting is the official start of the evening festivities. Once the tree is lit, we invite you to walk and explore the heart of the city and see what our business community has in store. Shops and restaurants stay open late with special offerings and merriment, so you can discover a new favourite or revisit a beloved local gem.

Nothing says winter comfort like gathering around a fire. Throughout the night, you’ll find warming stations at several Uptown addresses:

• 44 King Street, sponsored by CIBC
• 87 Canterbury Street, sponsored by Glass Roots (behind the building, in front of their studio/gallery)
• 89 Princess Street, sponsored by Historica
• Corner of Prince William & Princess Street, sponsored by MacKenzie Orthodontics
• 39 King Street, sponsored by Mix Resto Bar
• Canterbury & Princess Street corner parking lot, sponsored by the Saint John Sea Dogs
• 72 Charlotte Street (near Admiral Beatty), sponsored by the Church of St. Andrew and St. David
• 87 Carleton Street, sponsored by Stone Church

Stop by any (or all!) of these locations to warm your hands, make new friends and soak up the glow. 

King’s Square, powered by Saint John Energy, is the heart of the event from 5 pm to 9 pm. DJ D will keep the energy high with a mix of holiday tunes and a festive photo-op spot.. Roaming performer, Sparkles Dancer, will dance and mingle with the crowd, adding a dash of whimsy. Nearby, the Saint John Night Market will be buzzing with regular and pop‑up vendors, holiday music, a large wood fire and another DJ. It’s a great place to grab a warm drink, browse local crafts or pick up a snack.

At CenterBeam Place, you’ll find both indoor and outdoor entertainment. Inside from 5 pm to 7 pm, enjoy live music from Hope King performing “A Country Christmas,” and from 7 pm to 9 pm, the Saint John Swing Dance group invites you to move your feet in the Sparkles Swing Dancing session. Step outside into the CenterBeam Courtyard to find our beautiful snowflake light installation. From 6 pm to 7 pm, the cast of Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer: The Musical from InterAction will be carolling around the courtyard and beyond, and from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, Tinsel the Elf will return to share even more holiday cheer.

• Saint John Sea Dogs hockey activation (corner of Canterbury & Princess Street, 5 pm to 9 pm): Join members of the Sea Dogs for a mini skills competition, pose for photos, giveaways, and warm up by yet another cozy fire. It’s a must‑stop for sports fans.
• Fire Truck rides (Firefighter Museum on King’s Square, 5 pm to 7 pm, weather permitting): Climb aboard the Union Pumper for a free ride around the square. The museum will be open during these hours. Thanks to the Saint John Firefighter Association Local 771.
• Ihtoli‑maqahamok – The Gathering Space & Market Square (6 pm until late): The Boardwalk has organized a DJ outside. Inside Market Square, you’ll find more holiday fun thanks to The Fundy Harbour Group.
• First Aid Station (17 Canterbury Street, 5 pm to 9 pm): Saint John Ambulance will be on site to keep everyone safe. If it’s an emergency, please call 911.
  

This year, we’ve added on‑site washroom facilities thanks to JTR Services. You’ll find them outside the City Market, in King’s Square, at the corner of Canterbury & Princess Streets and on King Street between Water Street and Prince William Street. These extra amenities will make it easier to enjoy the evening.

Uptown Sparkles is organized by Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association, a not‑for‑profit that serves over 500 member businesses. Events like this are only possible because of the generous support of our sponsors. Special thanks to Saint John Energy, Cooper Equipment Rentals, The City of Saint John, JTR Services, Hall Brothers Enterprises, Kubota Canada, Fundy Harbour Group and our media sponsors: Milberry Marketing, 97.3 The Wave, CHSJ Country 94.1 FM and K100, for keeping the magic glowing. We are also grateful to our fire, ambulance and public works teams, whose hard work keeps Uptown Saint John safe and welcoming.