As the holiday season approaches, the City of Saint John has released its schedule for municipal services. If you rely on city transit, garbage collection, or other services, you’ll need to plan for some key changes around Christmas and New Year’s. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know, based on the official announcement from the City of Saint John.

Christmas Week Service Schedule

Expect closures and modified hours for most city services during Christmas week.

Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)

• City Offices: City Hall and the customer service centre will close early at 3:00 p.m.
• Saint John Transit: All bus services will stop running after 6:00 p.m.
• Saint John City Market: The market will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• City Arenas: Stewart Hurley and Peter Murray arenas will host free public skating from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Charles Gorman Arena will be closed.

Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

• City Services: All city offices, the City Market, and all arenas are closed.
• Saint John Transit: There will be no bus service.
• Garbage Collection: If your collection day is Thursday, it will move to Saturday, December 27.

Friday, December 26 (Boxing Day)

• City Services: All city offices and the City Market are closed.
• Saint John Transit: There will be no bus service.
• City Arenas: You can attend a free Boxing Day skate at Stewart Hurley and Charles Gorman arenas from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Peter Murray Arena will be closed.

New Year’s Week Service Schedule

Services will also be adjusted for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

• City Offices: City Hall and the customer service centre close early at 3:00 p.m.
• Saint John Transit: Buses will run on a regular schedule.
• Garbage Collection: Collection will follow its regular schedule.
• Saint John City Market: The market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Fireworks: The city’s fireworks display is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at Long Wharf, weather permitting.

Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)

• City Services: All city offices, the City Market, and all arenas are closed.
• Saint John Transit: There will be no bus service.
• Garbage Collection: Collection will follow its regular schedule.

After the Holidays: Christmas Tree Disposal

When it’s time to take down your Christmas tree, you can drop it off at one of four designated locations between January 1 and January 11.

• Charles Gorman Arena (University Ave)
• Peter Murray Arena (Dever Rd)
• Forest Hills Ball Field (651 Westmorland Rd)
• 330 Charlotte Street

Note that the Crescent Valley location will not be available this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my garbage be collected on Christmas Day?

No. If your regular collection day is Thursday, December 25, your garbage and compost will be picked up on Saturday, December 27 instead.

Is Saint John Transit running on Christmas or Boxing Day?

No, there will be no bus service on either Christmas Day (December 25) or Boxing Day (December 26).

Where can I drop off my Christmas tree after the holidays?

You can drop off your tree from January 1 to January 11 at Charles Gorman Arena, Peter Murray Arena, the Forest Hills Ball Field, or 330 Charlotte Street.

What time are the New Year’s Eve fireworks?

The fireworks are scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Long Wharf. The poor weather date is January 1 at the same time and location.