Get ready to embrace the cold. The City of Saint John has unveiled its lineup for Fundy Winterfest 2026, a six-week regional celebration running from January 17 to March 8. The festival connects Saint John with neighboring communities including Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton, Grand Bay-Westfield, and St. Martins to promote wellness and community connection during the winter months.

While the festival spans weeks, Saint John’s specific feature week brings a mix of new technology and classic winter fun. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming events.

Rockwood Glows and New Drone Show

The marquee event, Rockwood Glows, takes over Rockwood Park on Saturday, January 31. This year features a major addition: a drone light show over Lily Lake at 7:00 p.m.

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and includes:

• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Lantern-making and Astronomy Club at the Interpretation Centre.
• 1 p.m.: Guided hike with First Nation Storytellers.
• 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Ice skating, snowshoeing, bonfires, DJ beats, and food vendors.

Traffic and Parking Changes

If you plan to attend Rockwood Glows, prepare for traffic restrictions. Vehicle access to the park is restricted from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You must use the designated parking lots at the Fisher Lakes area, the Saint John Horticultural Association, or the upper lot near the entrance.

Saint John Transit provides a shuttle service between Fisher Lakes and Lily Lake from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Note that the Saint John Dog Park closes temporarily from January 31 at 12:00 p.m. until February 1 to accommodate the drone setup.

Winterlicious Chop Chop

For those who prefer staying warm with good food, Winterlicious Chop Chop Restaurant Week returns from January 26 to February 1. Hosted by Uptown Saint John, this popular week features special seasonal menus and pricing at participating uptown restaurants.

City-Wide Challenges and Skills

Competition heats up with two distinct challenges running late January through early February:

• Puzzle Challenge (Jan 25 – Feb 1): Head to the Saint John Public Library (Central Branch) to race the clock. Teams of up to four or solo players attempt to finish a 500-piece puzzle in under two hours. You must register by calling 506-643-7236.
• Frosty Finds (Jan 25 – Feb 7): This geocaching-style event hides a cache in a public spot. You track it down using clues posted on the Fundy Winterfest Facebook page. Finding the cache earns you an entry for festival prizes.

Additionally, the Saint John Sea Dogs Skills Competition takes place at the Peter Murray Arena on Thursday, February 5, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., followed immediately by free public skating.

Creative Workshops at the City Market

The Saint John City Market hosts two Saturday morning workshops in the Solarium. No registration is required for these first-come, first-served events:

• February 7 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.): Learn to Crochet Granny Squares.
• February 14 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.): Chocolate Making & Handcrafted Flower Bouquets.

For full details on regional programming, visit the official City of Saint John announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the drone show at Rockwood Park?

The drone light show takes place on Saturday, January 31, at 7:00 p.m. over Lily Lake. It is a new addition to the Rockwood Glows event.

Where do I park for Rockwood Glows?

Access to the park is restricted between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. You can park at the upper lot near the entrance, the Fisher Lakes lots, or the Horticultural Association lot. A shuttle will run between Fisher Lakes and Lily Lake.

How do I register for the Puzzle Challenge?

You can register for the Puzzle Challenge at the Central Library by calling 506-643-7236 or emailing the library directly. Daily time slots are available from January 25 to February 1.

Is the Dog Park open during Rockwood Glows?

No. The Saint John Dog Park will be closed from 12:00 p.m. on January 31 until February 1 to ensure safety during the drone setup and testing.