Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
Situated on a grassy area by the docks, this outdoor art installation is constructed from hundreds of lobster traps adorned with colorful lights and hand-painted buoys created by professional artists and local children. Visitors can view the buoys, admire a five-foot-tall color-rotating anchor, and step inside the structure for unique angles. The display is treated as an outdoor fine art museum honoring the local fishing industry.
See more Christmas lights near Stonington
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free admission.
Hours
Opens at dawn; lit nightly 4:30–9:30 PM through January 2, 2027; lit 4:30–6 PM on January 3, 2027. Exhibit opening: Saturday, November 21 at 4:30 PM.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Stonington Borough
Parking
Parking options listed are Stonington Town Fisherman Docks at 1 High Street, street parking with a reminder to follow signs and regulations, 192 Water Street, 194 Water Street, and The Point beyond the lighthouse. A shuttle map and parking information are linked.
Accessibility
A row of parking spots directly behind the tree allows viewing from a vehicle about 25 feet away, and one designated handicapped parking space is located near the tree and portable restroom.
Pets
Visitors are responsible for keeping pets far enough away from the buoys, traps, and lights so they do not touch them.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Keep children and pets clear of the buoys, traps, and lights to protect the artwork and display.
- Use the online photos to see the reverse sides of buoys rather than turning them, which can scratch the art.
- Choose one of the listed parking areas, and follow all street-parking signs and regulations.
- Visit in rain if you wish, but note that volunteer docents will not be present to take pictures.
- If snow is falling, check the event’s Facebook page for any entrance closure before setting out.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free admission to the exhibit.
- Opening and tree-lighting celebration on November 21.
- Free shuttle service on the lighting night only.
Links & Contact
Run by Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit with children?
Yes. The exhibit includes buoys created by local children, but children should be kept far enough from the buoys, traps, and lights that they cannot touch them.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but keep pets far enough away from the buoys, traps, and lights that they cannot touch them.
Where can I park, and is there a shuttle?
Parking options include the town fisherman docks, nearby street parking, 192 and 194 Water Street, and The Point beyond the lighthouse. A free shuttle runs on the lighting night only.
Can I take photographs or touch the buoys?
Personal photography is welcome, but commercial photography is not allowed. Please do not touch or turn the buoys; photos of both sides are available online.
Does the exhibit stay open in bad weather?
It remains open in rain, though volunteer docents will not be there to take pictures. During a snowstorm, the entrance may close as a precaution.
Browse Christmas in New London
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.