The Merriest Night: Run & Holiday Festival
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The Merriest Night
The Merriest Night is an evening Christmas celebration at Timber Creek Park in Blackwood, New Jersey. The event centers on a festive running program that uses the park's "North Pole Woods" course and a rotunda-style pavilion for awards and community activities.
The event program includes these distances:
- 5K through wooded paths and decorated course.
- 1 mile youth run for participants 15 and under.
- 1 mile walk open to all ages.
- 200 m Daisy's Reindeer Run for children 8 and under.
The 5K is professionally timed by On The Dime Timing with live results. Every registered participant receives one complimentary cup of specialty hot chocolate with their bib. Children in Daisy's Reindeer Run receive reindeer antlers and a finisher medal at the time of finish. Packet pickup will include a 2026 event swag item for participants who register before December 1; the swag item will be revealed on November 1. Registration opens September 4 and closes December 12.
The pavilion area will host a community Christmas tree, the awards ceremony, a local choir performance, simple crafts and mini games, and space for local vendors and picnic seating. Awards include trophies for top overall male and female finishers and medals for top age group finishers in the 5K and other races. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
