The Coastal Rhode Island Christmas Tree You'll Def Want To See

Christmas in New England means two things — snow (no doubt you’ve already heard that a significant storm is in the forecast for tonight into tomorrow, time to pull out the Sorels) and lobstah trap trees like the one below in Provincetown.

Other coastal towns and cities that have turned these into a buzz-y holiday tradition include Kennebunkport and Rockland (Maine) and Gloucester (Massachusetts) which has been credited with originating this nautical and whimsical spin on xmas decor back in 2001.

Yup, it’s a thing from Maine to Massachusetts and even in parts of Florida where they bundle up when it’s below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (I have seen with my own eyes and can vouch) and try to snap Insta worthy photos of these babies.

A Lobster Trap Tree in Provincetown, Massachusetts (Photo by DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images, used with permission and licensing)

Even if you haven’t put up a tree yet (or not at all) this year, going in search of the Rhode Island version is a nice, low key way to get into the spirit. Now I heard that there’s one on Block Island, but that’s another adventure for 2021, so let’s file that away for the time being. The one that’s a bit easier to access — by bridge, no need to hop on a boat — is located in Newport.

And if you plan it just right (not surprisingly there’s also some luck involved too) you could have some lovely images on your hands.

Simply gas up the car and charge up that smart phone, and don’t forget money for the tolls because this lobster trap tree is located in front of The Lobster Shack at 150 Long Wharf, not far from the famous Belle’s and just before Goat Island.

Photo Credits: Top Photo by DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images, used with permission and licensing. Bottom images by PattyJ.com.