‘Twas the month before Christmas, when all through downtown,

The shoppers were bustling with joy all around.

The season had started and wish lists were written,

But to wrap it all up, the pace really must quicken.

So lacing our boots, Downtown Dollars in hand,

My friend and I set out, just as we’d planned.

First stop - a sweet-tooth and hot caffeine boost,

So up on The Donut Bar’s stools we did roost.

We could linger no longer - no time for leisure,

Now pepped up and eager to hunt Christmas treasure;

In search of things cozy, cute, tasty or shiny,

Large things or medium, small things or tiny.

City Hall was a beauty, decked out for the season,

If you weren’t in a great mood, there must be good reason.

Festive décor lined the way from Church to Smythe Streets;

Lamp wreaths and Christmas trees made it complete. 

At Radical Edge we met a cute “Tigger,”

Saw snowshoes and socks for the small and the bigger.

On to Tony’s Music Box for our pick of guitars,  

Then “oohs” over Eloise’s coats, gloves and scarves.

Urban Almanac for carved Santas, that “Jolly old elf”

Get there bright and early ‘cause they fly off the shelf!

Find fish pots that gurgle – all colours and sizes,

Hot Tasha tea, and more festive surprises.

Elle Mio for housecoats, pjs and lace,

Stockings and lingerie – all in good taste!

To Robert Simmonds for that finishing touch,

For shirts, cufflinks, slippers, purses and such.

Endeavours and ThinkPlay for artist supplies,

Board games and puzzles - a toy paradise.

Papers and pens for writers with flair,

And a room full of Christmas just up the stairs.

Hop over to Kings Place – a great place to go,

For smart, stylish outfits at Samuel & Co.  

It’s Hanson Road next for fresh or dried blooms,

Small batch designs sure to brighten your room.

On to elegant comfort and Scandimodern décor,

‘Marimekko’ tea towels, tapers, and more.

The Palate for lunch and a break from our haste;

We enjoyed every bite, every sip, every taste!

The Artisan District was our destination

For the finest in silk, wood and ceramic creation.

Fresh Vintage on Regent for treasures unique

Gifts that are classic - new and antique.

To Sequoia for vegan and cruelty-free,

Beauty and shaving kits under the tree.

Lulujo is the spot for the nursery with style.

Onesies and sleep sacks to make baby smile.

Wasted Fashion for our girls - those spiffy trend setters,

With all things pretty, from dresses to sweaters.

Then Westminster Bookmark where shelves are all lined

With books for all ages – food for the mind!

From gadgets to pjs, it was Room 2 Remember,

For bed, bath and kitchen - all year or December.

Two separate shops now, in which to roam -

Kitchen & Kids and Clothing & Home.

Fine artwork we discovered at Gallery on Queen,

From painting to sculpture and all in-between.

Upstairs to Bellwether - for a step back in time,

Macramé, vintage capes; well worth the climb.

Down the stairs we descended,‘twas the end of our day,

Then a sweet vision appeared just ‘cross the way.

“To Chess Piece,” I shouted, for almond croissants,

And specialty coffee - that’s all that we want!”

We sprang to the car - the trunk was jam-packed,

Resembling Santa’s gi-normous toy sack.

A great day Downtown - we’d found everything here.

“Merry Christmas to us, and we’ll do it next year!”

Downtown Dollars: The Perfect Gift for Everyone

Looking for a thoughtful and versatile gift? Downtown Dollars are an ideal choice for anyone on your list! Similar to gift certificates, they function like cash and can be used at any participating business in the downtown area. Transactions with Downtown Dollars are treated as cash, and proper change is given in return. You can purchase them in person at the Downtown Fredericton Inc. office, located at 349 King St., Suite 1

Downtown Dollar Blowout Sale - Sale 20%

Mark your calendars! On Thursday, November 21, 2024, for one day only, you can buy Downtown Dollars at a 20% discount—just in time for holiday shopping! With $100,000 worth of Downtown Dollars available for sale during this annual event, it’s the perfect opportunity to stretch your budget. Whether you use them to shop and dine locally or give them as gifts, this is one deal you won’t want to miss.

Where to Park

Downtown Parking is a breeze! The City of Fredericton offers over 500 on-street parking spaces, along with several parking facilities, providing easy access to your favourite downtown shops and services. The best part? Parking is free on evenings and weekends!

Hot Spot App.

Say goodbye to digging for loose change! The HotSpot Parking App makes paying for parking and topping up your time effortless—all from your cell phone. If I can use it, so can you! This app is a game-changer for convenience, letting you manage parking without any hassle.

Thank you

I would like to extend a special thank you to my good friend Julie Maston, a great shopping partner and the best rhymester support a girl could ask for!

Enjoy the Holidays and Happy Shopping!

This post was sponsored by Downtown Fredericton, Inc.; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Businesses mentioned are ones I frequent and are not at all meant to be an extensive or inclusive exploration of all of Downtown Fredericton. Check out Downtown Fredericton for more information on all shops, restaurants, family activities, and special events. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!