Lobster Trap Christmas Trees: A Unique Nova Scotia Tradition

If you’re spending the holidays in Nova Scotia, there’s one tradition you’ve got to see: lobster trap Christmas trees. These festive trees are created by stacking lobster traps to resemble a Christmas tree, then decorating them with strings of lights and brightly painted buoys. They’re fun, festive, and completely unique to our maritime communities.

But there’s more to them than just holiday cheer. These lobster trap trees are a way to honour the fishing community and remember those lost at sea or who are out working on the water over the holiday season. Whether you’re visiting Nova Scotia for the first time or you’ve lived here forever, these lobster trap trees are a holiday tradition worth checking out.

The Story Behind Lobster Trap Trees

Lobster trap trees are exactly what they sound like—holiday trees built from lobster traps. These large displays often reach several metres high and are carefully shaped to resemble a classic Christmas tree. Once the traps are stacked, they’re decorated with fishing buoys, lights, garlands, and sometimes a glowing star or another decoration at the very peak.

The tradition started in coastal fishing communities as a way to celebrate the holidays while honouring their maritime roots. It’s believed that the first one appeared in Gloucester, Mass, in the early 2000s, and within a few years, the idea has spread across Nova Scotia and other communities have started the tradition too..

These trees aren’t just about spreading holiday cheer. Many of the buoys hung on the trees are deeply personal, serving as memorials for loved ones who’ve been lost at sea. Others are placed in tribute to those who

Many of the buoys are placed in memory of those who have been lost at sea or as a tribute to those who are spending the holiday season working on the water, unable to celebrate at home.

Where to Find Lobster Trap Christmas Trees in Nova Scotia 

Barrington

One of the most iconic lobster trap trees in Nova Scotia is found in Barrington, on the causeway to Cape Sable Island. This was Nova Scotia’s first lobster trap tree, built in 2009, and over the years, the small display has grown and become a well-loved community tradition.

Standing well over five metres tall, this tree is made from over 200 metal lobster traps – many salvaged from heading to the landfill – and decorated with close to 200 colourful buoys, each uniquely painted to represent a local fishing boat. 

The lighting of the tree, like traditional Christmas tree lighting celebrations in other places, is a big celebration. Held a few days before lobster season begins, which is the last Monday in November,  there’s live music, hot chocolate and even fireworks lighting up the South Shore sky. And as the self-proclaimed Lobster Capital of Canada, it makes sense that Barrington would have one of the largest and most popular lobster trap Christmas trees.

If you can’t get to Barrington this year to see it for yourself, you can check it out on Nova Scotia’s webcams

Lunenburg

Another great spot to see a lobster trap tree is on Lunenburg’s waterfront, in front of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

Like Barrington, there’s also a big celebration to light the tree, which happens during the Light Up Lunenburg festival at the end of November. This is such a fun event to see, as the boats along the wharf – including the famous Bluenose II – are also lit up at the same time.

If you’re visiting for the lighting, there’s plenty to do beyond admiring the tree. The Lunenburg Craft Festival, one of Nova Scotia’s best Christmas markets, is a great spot to find unique gifts. There are also kid-friendly activities and even a chance to meet Santa, making it a fun outing for the whole family.

Musquodoboit Harbour

Along the Eastern Shore in Musquodoboit Harbour, you’ll find another beautiful lobster trap tree. Interestingly, this is one of the few that’s not on the water – in fact, it’s the largest inland lobster trap tree in the province.

Set beside the historic train station, this festive tree is topped with a red-and-white lighthouse decoration.

And to make this tree even more special, especially if you have young kids, for one weekend in December, you can step inside and meet a pair of special visitors, straight from the North Pole. It’s a fun experience that we stumbled across by chance, but it just adds a little extra magic to the season.

Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove, famous for its lighthouse and stunning coastal views, also has its own lobster trap Christmas tree. Located right outside the Sou’Wester Restaurant, this tree might be smaller than Barrington’s, but it’s just as charming.

This tree uses traditional wooden lobster traps instead of the square wire traps often seen on other trees across the province. Adding to its unique charm, the top of the tree is decorated with buoys arranged in the shape of a star—a simple yet eye-catching detail that fits perfectly with the rustic beauty of the village.

Eastern Passage

Eastern Passage has not one, but two lobster trap trees to enjoy, making it a great spot to soak in some holiday cheer. The first tree is set on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Cove, a charming little boardwalk filled with unique shops. The tree, created by local fishers, has been a part of the community since 2013 and fits perfectly with the seaside vibe of Fisherman’s Cove. It’s easy to turn a visit here into a festive outing—browse places like The Unicorn Shop and The Pumpkin Shop for fun signs, ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts or stop by Jo’s Old Time Candy and Ice Cream Shop for some treats.

The second lobster trap tree is just down the road, displayed on a private lawn, and it’s absolutely stunning. Gorgeously decorated and lit up, it’s become part of our own family tradition to drive out on Christmas Eve to see it. There’s something so special about finding this beautiful display tucked into a residential area—it’s a reminder of how much care and creativity goes into these trees across Nova Scotia.

Dennis Point

While technically not a lobster trap tree, the festive display at Dennis Point deserves a spot on this list. Instead of traps, this tree is crafted entirely from fishing buoys, but it carries the same spirit of creativity and celebration as its lobster trap counterparts.

Bursting with colour during the day and glowing beautifully at night, the Dennis Point buoy tree is a must-see if you’re in the area. It’s a unique twist on the tradition that highlights the vibrant fishing culture of Nova Scotia’s coastal communities.

Pugwash

Another festive tree made from fishing buoys can be found in Pugwash. This was actually the first non-traditional tree that we saw in Nova Scotia. I had heard about lobster trap trees and as we were driving back to Ontario, we took what I thought would be a quick detour to see this Maritime-style tree. While it wasn’t quite the short detour I thought, it did spark my interest in learning more about this unique maritime tradition.

Pugwash’s buoy tree is fun and colourful. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit – and who knows, it might inspire you to dive deeper into the traditions that make this province so special.  

Other Lobster Trap Trees in Nova Scotia

If you’re still looking for more lobster trap trees to visit, there are plenty of other spots across the province that embrace this festive tradition.

• Harbourville: One of the newest additions, this tree sits on the Bay of Fundy in the Annapolis Valley. It’s beautifully decorated with colourful lights, buoys, and ornaments. While you’re there, take in the incredible Fundy tides—at low tide, the boats rest right on the ocean floor.
• North Sydney: Located on the wharf, this tree brings holiday cheer to Cape Breton’s busy port town.
• Sambro: One of the first trees to be lit each year, usually in mid-November. The lighting event is cozy and festive, complete with candy canes and hot chocolate.
• Port Mouton: A coastal community known for its stunning beaches, Port Mouton’s lobster trap tree is a festive highlight of the area.
• Sandy Point Lighthouse: A unique location for a lobster trap tree, set near this iconic lighthouse. It’s a beautiful spot to visit during the holidays.
• Wallace: This small community on the North Shore joins the tradition with a lobster trap tree that lights up its picturesque waterfront.

These trees, big or small, all showcase the creativity and community spirit that make Nova Scotia’s lobster trap trees so special. Wherever you go, they’re a festive way to connect with the province’s coastal heritage.

Conclusion: Nova Scotia’s Lobster Trap Tree

Lobster trap trees are fun festive decorations but they’re also a celebration of Nova Scotia’s maritime roots and a beautiful way to honour the fishing communities that define the province.

If you’re exploring Nova Scotia during the holidays, make time to see one (or more) of these unique trees. They’re a perfect way to experience the season with a touch of coastal flair. And if you’ve already visited one of these trees or have a favourite, we’d love to hear about it—share your experience in the comments!

More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucket List

The Best Halifax Christmas Events to Get You in the Festive Spirit
10 Fun Things to Do in Nova Scotia in November
Halifax in December: A Local’s Guide to Festive Fun in the City
10 Festive Things to Do in Nova Scotia in December
Lobster Trap Christmas Trees: A Unique Nova Scotia Tradition
Christmas Markets in Nova Scotia You Won’t Want to Miss [2024]
Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Halifax and the HRM