Reeves-Reed Arboretum Hosts “A Merry Month”
A Celebration of the Holidays and Nature
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, 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 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!
“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.”
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, J.R. Prisco, Inc., Lorenz Fine Photography, and Creative Digital Solutions.
For dates, registration, and details, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org
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.