CRAB POT TREES

Holiday lights all aglow. Photo: Cambridge Main Street/Downtown Cambridge

Crab Pot Trees for Christmas: Where to See the Bay’s Unique Holiday Trees

By Dorothy Hood, Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Nothing says “Chesapeake Bay Christmas” like a crab pot (or bushel basket, or buoy…) Christmas tree. Built from decorated baskets and real crab pots, the seafood-themed holiday trees light up these cold December nights. The tradition celebrates local watermen, past and present, who rely on the Bay for their livelihoods.

These lighted “trees” have appeared up and down the Bay in recent years, bringing a festive nature to towns on both shores of the Bay. We’ve pulled together a guide to visiting the trees, and how to make a day of it in town.

Solomons Crab Pot & Buoy Tree (Calvert Marine Museum)

Photo: Calvert County Waterman’s Association

In a newer Solomons Island tradition, the Calvert County Watermen’s Association displays a tree made up of both crab pots and buoys. The watermen’s association raised money by selling “ornaments” (buoys) to be custom designed. While you’re there, join the Solomons Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Cambridge, Md. Bushel Basket Tree (Race and Gay Streets)

Photo: Cambridge Main Street/Downtown Cambridge

This 20-foot tall tree is created from around 200 bushel baskets used for blue crab harvests. The tree is built tall each year by local volunteers. If you go to see it, grab a comfort food meal at The Neck District Grill in Downtown FINISH READING HERE

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