Holiday Cheer Was in Full Bloom at Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s Holiday Open House and Merry Market
Summit, NJ — Reeves-Reed Arboretum welcomed close to 1,000 visitors on Sunday, December 7, for its Holiday Open House & Merry Market, a joyful community celebration that transformed the Arboretum into a winter wonderland filled with festive cheer, local shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Guests enjoyed browsing 20+ local small business vendors at the Merry Market while sipping warm cocoa, sampling holiday cookies, and capturing memorable photos with Santa. The day was filled with music and movement, including spirited performances by the Summit High School Choir, Oak Knoll School Choir, and energetic dance presentations by Bold Arts students, delighting audiences of all ages.
Families explored the Arboretum’s woodland trails through a whimsical Winter Story Walk and Candy Cane Lane, while children took part in hands-on activities such as crafting birdseed, popcorn, and cranberry ornaments—a festive way to give back to the feathered friends that call the Arboretum home.
In the spirit of the season, attendees also contributed to a spice drive benefiting GRACE, a local food pantry. Guests donated everyday cooking spices – small items that make a meaningful difference for local families preparing nourishing meals during the holiday season.
“We are so grateful to our community for coming together to celebrate the season with us,” shared Reeves-Reed Arboretum Executive Director, Jackie Kondel. “The Holiday Open House & Merry Market truly reflects the spirit of connection, creativity, and generosity that defines our Merry Month programming.”
The event was made possible through the generous support of Title Sponsor Lois Schneider Realtor, along with Merry Month Sponsors: Mega Business Systems, Mix & Mahj Association, Price Group | Compass, Diana Rua Real Estate, J.R. Prisco Inc., and NexGen Sources.
Special thanks also go to In-Kind Sponsors Creative Digital Solutions, Lorenz Fine Photography, and Natale’s Bakery for their valued contributions.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum extends sincere gratitude to its sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, and visitors for making this year’s Holiday Open House & Merry Market a memorable success.
For information on upcoming Reeves-Reed Arboretum programs and events, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a non-profit public garden dedicated to engaging, educating, and enriching the community through nature and the arts. Listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, the Arboretum welcomes visitors year-round to enjoy its gardens, woodlands, trails, and programs for all ages.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum has been a cornerstone of Summit’s cultural landscape since 1974 and is currently celebrating its 50th year as a public arboretum. Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, it is open to the public 7 days a week and serves as a sanctuary for both visitors and wildlife. More information is available at www.reeves-reed arboretum.org.
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.com.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places and has been educating and inspiring community through nature for fifty years.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum…a place to grow, for everyone!