Christmas trees constructed from lobster traps and brightly decorated with lights and buoys are fast becoming a tradition in many communities in Nova Scotia.
“They are popping up everywhere,” said Suzy Atwood, marketing and tourism director for the Municipality of Barrington.
This year will mark the 15th season for the Municipality’s lobster pot tree. The tradition was started in 2009 as a way to celebrate not only the holiday season, but the opening of the all-important commercial lobster fishery in Southwestern Nova Scotia. The Municipality of Barrington straddles lobster fishing areas (LFA) 33 and 34.
Built from approximately 300 new or like-new 15×9 American style traps and more than 200 buoys, most in memory of loved ones lost to the sea, decorate the tree, which stands on the North East Point waterfront on Cape Sable Island.
“Every year there are new buoys,” said Atwood. “The majority of them are in memory of a lost fisherman or woman or someone lost at sea. A few are in recognition of boats out on the water.”
The lighting of the tree, scheduled for Nov. 21 this year, is a community celebration, complete with music, fireworks and hot chocolate. Santa even attends to the delight of the children.
“Last year we had a great turn out. Probably the most I’ve ever seen,” said Atwood, who was still working out the final details for this year’s lighting event.
“There will be a couple of new additions to make it a little bit more festive,” she hinted.
Atwood said every year she gets at least one request from a community looking for input on how they build the tree. “I give them advice as best as I can,” she said.
Along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, lobster pot trees are located in many communities, including Sandy Point, Port Mouton and Lunenburg.
“The Lunenburg lobster trap Christmas tree has become a beloved seasonal tradition in the community. Each year, the tree stands as a creative tribute to the town’s connection to the sea, drawing visitors and locals alike to appreciate its creation. All lobster traps are donated by local fishermen, making the tree more than just a holiday decoration for many. It represents unity, tradition, and serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of Lunenburg’s people,” said Emma Rollin, social media and online programming coordinator at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
In Lower West Pubnico at the Dennis Point wharf is the unique 24-foot buoy tree. Constructed out of three stainless steel sections, the structure is covered in netting, then buoys and lights.
Lobster pot Christmas trees are also becoming popular in other fishing communities throughout Nova Scotia, including Pictou County and Cape Breton Island.
The trees remain lit throughout the holiday season.
“It makes for a good opportunity for people to travel out and about through December to take in the different trees. It builds an itinerary for people who want to get out for a weekend and go down the shore and visit all the trees along the way and back,” said Atwood.
