'Twas the Month Before Christmas in Downtown Fredericton

‘Twas the month before Christmas, when all thro’ downtown,

The shoppers were frantic and on a countdown.

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 & hot caffeine boost,

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

We could linger no longer - no time for leisure,

Now pepped up and eager to hunt Xmas treasure;

In search of things cosy, 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 Nutcrackers 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.

Elle Mio for housecoats, pjs and lace,

Stockings and lingerie – all in good taste!

Onto Paradise Imports’ for jewelry galore,

With Jonnie Java’s coffee beans - roasted in store.

To Robert Simmonds to find that finishing touch,

For shirts, cufflinks, slippers, purses and such.

De Gantz was replete with authentic Mexican “bling”,

So many beautiful bracelets and silver earrings.

A hop over to Kings place – was a great place to go,

For super stylish outfits at Samuel & Co.

Then Westminster Books was the place we did find,

Books for all ages – food for the mind!

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!

Urban Threadz, our next stop, for all things together

Clothing and footwear for sun or snow weather

Gloves, scarves & jewelry, ornaments and more –

Bath bombs and jammies and sweet home décor.

The Artisan District was our destination

For the finest in silk, wood and ceramic creation.

To Sequoia for vegan and cruelty-free,

Beauty and shaving kits under the tree.

Wasted Fashion for our girls - those spiffy trend setters,

With pleated, bell-sleeved & XOX cozy knit sweaters.

Then crafters’ collective at Artful Persuasion,

Boasted cute handmade creations for every occasion.

From gadgets to pjs, it was Room 2 Remember,

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

Next, Re-imagine for much needed copper mule mugs,

All things baby and home decor (like cozy throw rugs).

Endeavours and Think Play for art goods and toys,

With a mailbox to Santa for all good girls and boys.

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.

We peeked into Back Street Records for vinyl,

Reminiscing with fondness of our fav’rite teen idol.

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

Downtown Dollars are an ideal gift to treat anyone on your list. They can be purchased at the Downtown Fredericton Inc. office at 349 King St., Suite 1.

Hot Spot App.

Seriously, if I can upload this app. & use it - you can! You are going to love this convenient way to pay for parking and top up your time by using your cell phone. It’s brilliant! Click on the Hot Spot icon above for more information. Sign up and never worry if you have enough change in the car! It’s so easy! Follow Downtown Fredericton on FaceBook and Twitter for information on Free Parking Days for app. users.

Kindness Meters

Downtown Kindness Change Meters are a wonderful way to give back. They are making a difference and now you can also donate to this initiative through use of your Hotspot mobile parking app. too! ‘Tis the season to think of those less fortunate. Know that 100% of monies collected supports the Fredericton Homeless Shelters and Fredericton Community Kitchen. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

2023 Update:

Botinicals is now the home of The Artisan District (at 610 Queen Street). It has many unique and beautiful artisan gifts to select from. Two businesses have new locations: Westminster Books is now at 88 York & Endeavours & ThinkPlay is located at 141 Brunswick Street. Hanson Road Flower Co. has moved downtown into the former Westminster location on 445 King St. and it is one not to miss. It is a small batch floral design studio & plant shop, also filled with locally designed artisanal bath, body and lifestyle products. Enjoy the Holidays and Happy Shopping!

This post was sponsored by Downtown Fredericton, Inc.; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. The places and spaces mentioned are ones I have frequented and is not at all meant to be an extensive or inclusive exploration of all of Downtown Fredericton. Please check out the direct link to Downtown Fredericton above for much more information on all shops, restaurants, family activities, and special events. Follow them on FaceBook, Instagram & Twitter. For more Maritimes Maven stories see and/or subscribe to: www.maritimesmaven.com You can also follow me on FaceBook, Instagram, Threads,Twitter & Pinterest. 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! Happy Holidays Everyone!