STONINGTON
LOBSTER TRAP TREE
5th Annual Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
on display from November 22, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Enjoy taking photos for your personal use! No photographs may be used for commercial use.
Copyright 2025 Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved
Please respect the art made by children and professional artists. The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree is first and foremost a fine art exhibit. Consider it an outdoor museum. As such, we require that you refrain from touching any of the buoys. While it is only natural to want to see the amazing work on the reverse side of the buoys, the metal traps can scratch the art when buoys are turned. Instead we encourage you to utilize this website to view photos of both sides of each buoy. It is your responsibility to insure that pets and children are far enough away from the buoys, traps and lights so that they do not touch them. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Lobster Trap Tree Hours 2025:
Exhibit will be opening
Saturday, November 22nd @ 4:30PM
The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree opens at dawn. The Tree will be lit every night between 4:30 - 9:30 PM until January 3, 2026. Tree will be lit from 4:30 - 6 PM on January 4, 2026.
Inclement Weather - The tree is open when it's raining but volunteer tree docents will not be on site to take pictures during inclement weather. If there is a snow storm, we reserve the right to close off the entrance to the tree as a precaution due to the weight of the snow on the structure. Any closures would be posted on the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Facebook page.
Parking Options in Stonington Borough:
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Stonington Town Fisherman Docks, 1 High Street, Stonington.
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Street Parking - please take note of all parking signs and regulations as to not get ticketed or towed.
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192 Water Street, Stonington Borough - courtesy of Joe Gilbert
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194 Water Street, Stonington Borough - courtesy of Dodson Boat Yard
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The Point - beyond the light house.
Lobster Trap Tree 2025 Buoy Facts:
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The tree is made up of 460 Lobster Traps
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The tree features 460 Buoys Total:
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234 Sponsor buoys
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178 artist buoys available for auction
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40 created by Stonington children
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22 devoted to the commercial fishermen
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29 sponsored by community members
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10 memorial buoys
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6 wedding buoys
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Marriage Proposals that took place in the Tree:
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2024 - 14 proposals
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2023 - 9 proposals
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2022 - 6 proposals
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2021 - 3 proposals
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Some of the Expenses for the 2024
Lobster Trap Tree:
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$19,200 Paid to artists to paint sponsor and fisherman buoys
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$9,500 for 460 buoys
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$4,900 Website Development/updates & Auction Website
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$800 New Lobster Sign
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$4,600 for 460 individual Facebook posts featuring buoys.
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$600 for 4 new lobster traps
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$2,400 for Night of Lighting Shuttle
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$1,880 Mileage: Delivering and picking up buoys
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$2,000 Tree Copyright
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$1,910 for electrical tie wraps
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$2,100 Signage/Brochures
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$1,400 Artists Reception
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$1,100 Thank you event for major sponsors
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$700 Commissioned art for puzzle
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$600 Traffic Control for 11/23/24
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$600 Paper & ink for artist instructions/info design print outs
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$432 replacement lights
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$365 Meals/Beverages for volunteers at tree set-up
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$325 for storage totes
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TBD Pine Shavings
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$310 Certificates of Authenticity
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$230 Paints/brushes/supplies for children's workshops
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$200 Candy Canes for Lighting NIght
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$150 hand warmers for volunteers
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$80 Buoy Display carousels
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$80 Costume Dry cleaning
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$80 Wire cutters
ABOUT US
The architectural masterpiece will be situated on a grassy area at the Stonington town dock, paying homage to the town’s renowned fishing industry. A visit to the Stonington Lobster Trap tree is a magical experience and provides unique photo opportunities. Whether you view this spectacle during the day or at night, the beautiful landmark provides an eclectic buoy exhibit that is a flawless balance between stunning professionally painted works and those created by local children.
Learn more about our other amazing project!
Dear Friends,
It is with a grateful heart and tremendous excitement that I welcome you to the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree—our community’s beloved celebration of creativity, tradition, and holiday spirit.
In 2021 this project began as a way to honor our maritime heritage and showcase the talents of professional artists. It has grown into an annual gathering place filled with art, joy, and a touch of magic. Each year, our tree is brought to life through the hands and loving hearts of volunteers, extraordinary artists and businesses associated with the Ocean Communuty Chamber of Commerce. These supporters come together to create something truly special. The result is not just a stunning holiday display, but a vibrant symbol of community pride and coastal charm that has captured international acclaim. BBC News even named it one of the “16 Most Amazing Trees in the world!”
I invite you to visit, explore, and experience the beauty of this one-of-a-kind installation. Whether you come to admire the handcrafted buoy artwork, enjoy a quiet moment under the glow of the lights, or simply share in the festive spirit with family and friends, I hope the Lobster Trap Tree fills you with the warmth and wonder of the season. To enhance your visit, please explore some of the wonderful shops and restaurants in Stonington Borough and throughout the ocean community - visit oceanchamber.org for a full list.
Thank you for supporting this beloved tradition and for being part of the story we continue to build each year. May your visit be memorable, inspiring, and filled with holiday cheer.
Warmest wishes,
Lisa Konicki
Founder, Stonington Lobster Trap Tree
President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce
CONTACT US
1 High Street, Stonington, CT 06379
1 Chamber Way, Westerly, RI 02891
info@oceanchamber.org Tel: 401-596-7761