Stonington’s Lobster Trap Tree Lighting:

A Holiday Tradition Worth the Trip

The holidays are arriving in southeastern Connecticut, and one of the shoreline’s most unique Christmas traditions returns this November — the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree.  The 6th Annual Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Lighting takes place Saturday, November 21, 2026, beginning at 4:30 PM at the Stonington Town Dock at 1 High Street in Stonington Borough. Admission is free. The spectacular tree will then remain on display through January 3, 2027.  If you're looking for a reason to plan a November or December getaway to southeastern Connecticut, this is a great place to start.

A Christmas Tree With a Connecticut Shoreline Twist

This isn't your typical Christmas tree.

The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree is constructed from stacked lobster traps and illuminated with thousands of colorful lights.  Decorating the structure are hand-painted buoys created by professional artists and local families, turning the entire display into an outdoor holiday art exhibit.  Visitors can even step inside the tree for a completely different view — and some memorable holiday photos.  At the top is a five-foot illuminated anchor that changes colors, completing a display that feels perfectly at home in one of Connecticut's historic fishing communities.

The 2026 Tree Lighting

The official lighting celebration takes place:

Saturday, November 21, 2026
Beginning at 4:30 PM
Stonington Town Dock — 1 High Street, Stonington, CT
Admission: Free

For the night of the lighting, free shuttle service is scheduled to operate continuously from 3:30 PM until 7:30 PM, helping visitors avoid some of the parking congestion in Stonington Borough.

After opening night, the Lobster Trap Tree will be illuminated each evening from approximately 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM through January 2, with shortened lighting hours on January 3.

Make an Evening of It in Stonington

One of the best parts of visiting the Lobster Trap Tree is its location.

Stonington Borough is a wonderful place to spend a late fall or holiday evening. Arrive early to walk through the historic streets, browse local shops, enjoy dinner or drinks, and then head toward the waterfront as the lights come on.

And you don't have to end the evening there.

Add Mystic to Your Holiday Getaway

Nearby Mystic offers even more reasons to turn your visit into a weekend or midweek getaway.

Explore the shops of Downtown Mystic and Olde Mistick Village, enjoy seasonal dining, visit Mystic Seaport Museum, or simply stroll through town as the shoreline moves into the holiday season.

November and December also bring holiday markets, tree lightings, decorated boats, seasonal events and plenty of opportunities to find something a little different for your Christmas shopping list.

Holiday Shopping, Dinner and Entertainment

Staying in Preston puts you in a convenient spot for exploring much more of southeastern Connecticut.

Spend part of your day holiday shopping at Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, head toward Mystic and Stonington for locally owned shops and galleries, or cross the state line into Westerly, Rhode Island for another charming downtown filled with restaurants and shops.  In the evening, you can choose between the quiet shoreline atmosphere of Stonington and Mystic or the restaurants, entertainment and shows at nearby Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

Turn Your Visit Into a Cozy Country Getaway

After an evening of holiday lights and exploring the shoreline, return to the quiet countryside at The Cottage Inn at Amos Lake in Preston, Connecticut.

Our restored 1804 farmhouse offers five private king suites with ensuite bathrooms in a peaceful setting surrounded by vineyard and lake views.  Guests enjoy complimentary on-site parking, Wi-Fi, our 24-hour coffee and snack area, and self-serve continental breakfast offerings — all while being conveniently located near Stonington, Mystic, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.  Instead of rushing home after the tree lighting, make a getaway of it.

Spend the evening exploring Stonington, enjoy a relaxing night at the Inn, and wake up ready for a second day of holiday shopping, dining and exploring southeastern Connecticut.

The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Lighting is Saturday, November 21 — and the tree remains illuminated throughout the holiday season into early January.

Come enjoy one of Connecticut's most distinctive holiday traditions and discover a little more of the shoreline while you're here.