The Merriest Night: Run & Holiday Festival
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The Merriest Night: Run & Holiday Festival
The Merriest Night is scheduled for December 13, 2026 at Timber Creek Park in Blackwood, New Jersey. The event combines running and walking events through the park area called the North Pole Woods with an evening festival centered on a rotunda-style pavilion and a larger pavilion nearby.
Distances offered include:
- 5K through the North Pole Woods
- Youth Mile for participants 15 and under
- Mile Walk for walkers of all ages
- Daisy's Reindeer Run 200 meters for children 8 and under
Younger participants in Daisy's Reindeer Run receive reindeer antlers to wear and a finisher medal at the time of finish. Every registered participant will be given one complimentary cup of specialty hot chocolate. Participants who register before December 1 will receive the 2026 event swag item at packet pickup.
Evening festivities are organized around the rotunda pavilion and include a community Christmas tree, an awards ceremony, a local choir performance, Christmas music, simple crafts and mini games, and picnic seating. A concluding classic Christmas movie will be shown at the park. Local vendors may be present.
Awards include trophies for top overall male and female finishers and medals for the top three men and women in each 5K age group. The 5K is professionally timed by On The Dime Timing and live results will be available online. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
