MAC's Holiday Buoy Tree
Visitors can view a 20- to 30-foot tree constructed from genuine lobster traps, wrapped in white lights, topped with a giant lit star, and covered in hand-painted buoys created by the community. Festivities include the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by oyster boat, choraling, and a lighting ceremony with the Mayor of Milford. Guests can also explore a market at the pavilion offering food trucks, hot cocoa, coffee, and small gifts.
What to Expect
Lobster-trap holiday tree adorned with lights and hand-painted community buoys.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Milford Arts Council
Food & Drink
Food trucks, hot cocoa, and coffee are available at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community-minded holiday visitors
Vibe
Festive, maritime, community-minded
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Market: 3–6:00; music: 4pm-4:45; Santa & Mrs Claus arrives: 4:45; lighting with Mayor: 5:00. The event listing gives 2:00 pm–6:00 pm for the Buoy Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Tips & Advice
- Pick up a buoy at a festival or the MAC main office early so your family's decorated buoy can hang on this year's tree.
- Stop by Lisman Landing on Saturday, December 5, to watch volunteers build the tree from genuine used lobster traps.
- Come early on lighting day to browse the new pavilion market and grab cocoa before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by oyster boat.
- Dress warmly, since the lighting happens outdoors on the harbor at Lisman Landing and runs into the evening.
- Watch for the mid-January buoy pickup date if your family submitted a buoy, since buoys go back to their makers when the tree comes down.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a market under the Lisman Landing Pavilion on lighting day, with small gifts, ornaments, food trucks and hot cocoa and coffee.
- Tree build on Saturday, December 5, which the public is welcome to watch.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by oyster boat on lighting day, followed by the tree lighting with the Mayor of Milford.
- Singing with Emily Mager before the lighting.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tree made of?
Volunteers build a 20 to 30 foot tree from genuine used lobster traps lent by BriarPatch Oyster Fishery. Some still have seaweed, rocks, weights and line. It's wrapped in white lights, topped with a giant lit star, and draped with boat line knotted with buoys the community has decorated.
Can my family decorate a buoy for the tree?
Yes. Everyone of every age is invited to take part. Buoys are sold at various festivals and at the MAC main office on Railroad Ave, and the 2026 submission link is coming soon.
Do we get our buoy back?
Yes. Buoy pickup is in mid-January, when the tree comes down, and the exact date will be announced. Many families build up their own collection over the years.
What happens on lighting day?
Emily Mager leads the singing, with music or a DJ. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by oyster boat, and the Mayor of Milford lights the tree. There are also food trucks and hot cocoa and coffee.
Can I sell at the market?
Yes. The new market under the Lisman Landing Pavilion has space for 15 vendors selling small items, stocking stuffers and ornaments. MAC members pay a lower vendor fee.
More Christmas Events Near Milford
More Christmas Events near Milford
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.