Reeves-Reed Arboretum to Host “A Merry Month” A Celebration of the Holidays and Nature
SUMMIT, NJ This December, Reeves-Reed Arboretum invites the community to embrace the season of joy, gratitude, and togetherness with A Merry Month, a festive series of programs and events running December 1 through 21.
From creative workshops to cozy gatherings, A Merry Month offers something for everyone — encouraging visitors to relax, reconnect, and rediscover the magic of nature during the holidays.
Guests can enjoy floral arranging workshops, peaceful winter walks, friendly games of Mahjong, and the calming glow of Candlelight Yoga. Sip and savor at a Holiday Tea, shop for thoughtful gifts at the Sip & Shop Holiday Market, or find your calm in nature through wellness programs like forest bathing, Reiki, and sound healing.
Families and children will delight in a holiday scavenger hunt, hands-on Hanukkah program, kids’ cooking classes, and the chance to meet Santa himself during Cookies, Cocoa & Photos with Santa — a cherished Arboretum tradition.
The Arboretum’s featured event is its free Holiday Open House, taking place on Sunday, December 7, 11 am – 4 pm, and is the perfect way to kick off the season with something for everyone in the family.
Event Highlights:
- Sip & Shop Holiday Market – Discover unique boutique vendors offering handmade gifts, holiday décor, and more. Enjoy a complimentary holiday cocktail while you shop!
- Holiday Greens Shoppe – Stock up on seasonal greens, wreaths, and arrangements created by talented Arboretum Horticulture staff and volunteers to decorate your home with festive flair.
- Cookies, Cocoa & Photos with Santa – Capture the moment with Santa in the historic Wisner House while enjoying complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. (Registration and fee required.)
- Decorate a Tree for Wildlife – A family-friendly crafting session in the garden to help decorate a tree for feathered and furry nature friends.
- Winter Story Walk & Woodland Trails – Bundle up and explore the Arboretum’s scenic grounds with a self-guided winter story walk and trails through the gardens and woods.
- Festive Carolers – Delight in live holiday music courtesy of the Summit High School and Oak Knoll School chorus groups, and dance performances courtesy of BOLD Arts student dancers, as you soak up the seasonal spirit.
- Holiday Raffle – Enter to win a lifetime family membership to Reeves-Reed Arboretum — the perfect gift that keeps on giving!
- Collection for GRACE Food Pantry – Help us share the warmth of the season by bringing a cooking spice or two to donate. These small items make a meaningful difference for local families preparing meals this holiday season.
“A Merry Month is our way of celebrating the beauty of winter and the joy of community,” shared Jackie Kondel, Executive Director of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. “It’s a time to slow down, connect with nature, and share meaningful experiences with friends and family.”
For dates, registration, and details, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum gratefully acknowledges the support of its Title Sponsor, Lois Schneider Realtor, and Merry Month Sponsors: Mega Business Systems, Mix & Mahj Association of Summit, Diana Rua Real Estate, Price Group | Compass Realty, Lorenz Fine Photography, and Creative Digital Solutions.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, located in Summit, New Jersey, is a nonprofit 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!