The City of Saint John is pleased to once again partner with Fundy Winterfest, a six‑week regional celebration taking place January 17 to March 8, 2026. The festival encourages residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to embrace winter, stay active, and connect with their community.

Fundy Winterfest brings together the communities of Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton, Saint John, Grand Bay‑Westfield, and St. Martins to offer inclusive winter programming designed to strengthen community connections and support wellness for all. Each municipality hosts a designated highlight week, featuring activities unique to their community. Saint John’s featured week includes the following events

Puzzle Challenge (January 25 – February 1)

Saint John Public Library – Central Branch, 1 Market Square
Race the clock to complete a 500‑piece puzzle in under two hours, solo or in teams of up to four. Register by calling 506‑643‑7236 or emailing bibliolib-sj@gnb.ca. Daily time slots available.

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Frosty Finds Challenge (January 25 – February 7)

Each community will hide a small cache in a public spot during their featured week. Saint John’s cache is available January 25 to February 7. Track down a hidden cache using posted clues and photo hints on the Fundy Winterfest Facebook page. Each punch on your ballot earns an entry toward Winterfest prizes. Ballots are available at City Hall or can be printed from home, by clicking HERE.

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Winterlicious Chop Chop Restaurant Week (January 26 – February 1)

Hosted by Uptown Saint John
Enjoy seasonal menus and special offerings from Uptown restaurants. Details at www.chopchopsj.com.

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Rockwood Glows (Saturday, January 31 · 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

Lily Lake, Rockwood Park (55 Lake Drive South)

Traffic and Parking Information

Due to the event, vehicle access into Rockwood Park will be restricted from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Barricades will be in place at the main gate, with the checkpoint located at the Lake Drive South entrance on Mount Pleasant Avenue.

Visitors wishing to park inside the park during this time may use the Fisher Lakes parking lots. Saint John Transit will provide shuttle service between Fisher Lakes and Lily Lake from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

Community members with disabilities who require accessible parking should speak with staff at the traffic checkpoint for assistance.

Temporary Dog Park Closure

To support drone setup and testing for the evening light show, the Saint John Dog Park will be temporarily closed on January 31 starting at 12:00 p.m. The park will reopen on February 1.

Schedule of Activities

• Lantern‑Making Workshop, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Astronomy Club, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Photo Booth, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• Guided Rockwood Hike with First Nation Storytellers, departs from Interpretation Centre at 1 p.m.
• Snowshoeing (Inside Out Adventure). First come, first served, 4–6 p.m.
• Face Painting at Interpretation Centre, 4–6 p.m. (line closes at 6 p.m.)
• Ice Skating on Lily Lake, 4–7 p.m.
• Bonfires along Lake Drive, 4–7 p.m.
• DJ Beats on Lily Lake Beach, 4–7 p.m.
• Food for Purchase, 4–7 p.m.
• Saint John Skating Club Performance on Lily Lake, 6:30–6:50 p.m.
• NEW: Drone Light Show over Lily Lake at 7 p.m.

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Saint John Sea Dogs Skills Competition (Thursday, February 5, 5:45–6:45 p.m.)

Peter Murray Arena, 711 Dever Road
Free public skating will follow the competition.

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City Market Workshops

Learn to Crochet Granny Squares (Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.)

Saint John City Market Solarium, 47 Charlotte Street
No registration required. While supplies last.

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Chocolate Making & Handcrafted Flower Bouquets (Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.)

Saint John City Market Solarium
No registration required. While supplies last.

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More Information

For regional event details, visit the Fundy Winterfest Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FundyWinterfest

For municipal service inquiries, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre:

• Phone: (506) 658‑4455
• Email: service@saintjohn.ca
• In person: Ground Floor, City Hall, 15 Market Square
• Hours: Monday–Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30am-4:30pm

Source City of Saint John