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)
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)
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 Cambridge, a former historic general store serving breakfast and lunch, plus dinner on the weekends. Check out their Facebook or Instagram for weekly specials.
Chesapeake City, Md. (Bohemia Avenue)
In the upper Bay region, Chesapeake City shows off its crab trap Christmas tree, topped with a bright star. Located right across from the tree on Back Creek awaits a great waterfront dinner at Schaefer’s Canal House. “Our spacious waterfront dining location is the best way to experience the lively boating atmosphere,” the popular restaurant says. Don’t miss Chesapeake City’s candlelight tours and Poplar Hall Christmas Parade of Horses and Market on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Rock Hall, Md. Crab Basket Tree (Main Street)
Located in the center of Main Street is a tree constructed from over 200 crab baskets, many decorated in memory of loved ones. To keep the spirit of a Chesapeake Christmas alive, head over to the Flying Decoy Bar & Grill. Open for lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday; a restaurant that is a “testament to the fusion of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.”
Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association Crab Basket Tree (3032 Kent Narrows Way)
Located near the Maryland Watermen’s Monument, is a tree that, this year, actually consists of three trees constructed from a total of about 300 baskets. “Each basket has a story of remembrance, honor, celebration, history or holiday spirit,” organizers say, with each basket painted by residents and local businesses. Grab a bite at Bridges Restaurant, named among the 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for its Kent Narrows views. It’s one of several great spots on both sides of the Narrows.
Talbot County Watermen’s Association Crab Basket Tree on Tilghman Island (Tilghman Wharf)
The Tilghman Island tree went up Sunday, Dec. 7, celebrating the local watermen’s association. All proceeds from painted basket sales go to the Talbot County Watermen’s Association Aaron Correa Memorial fund. A great spot on the island to stop and eat while you visit the tree is Tickler’s Crab Shack and Restaurant, at the Wylder Hotel. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Tickler’s offers dishes that are built to highlight the freshest seafood that comes right from the island’s local docks.
Talbot County Watermen’s Association Crab Basket Tree in St. Michaels at Kastel Brothers
1106 Talbot St. is where you’ll find this crab basket tree. All proceeds donated will go towards the Aaron Correa Memorial Fund for watermen in need due to injury or illness. St. Michaels has a lot of food options for you and your family, one popular one being Ava’s Pizzeria. You’ll feel a lot of extra holiday magic the weekend of Dec. 13-15, when Christmas in St. Michaels transforms the town into a festival right out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Stay for the lighted boat parade.
Crisfield, Md Crab Pot Tree (City Parking Lot)
The lighting of this tree was celebrated earlier this month, but continues to be lit every night for all to see. Keeping the spirit as the “seafood capital of the world” would be a great place to eat, like the Water’s Edge Cafe. Open everyday, besides Tuesdays, offering a variety of seafood dishes, perfect for everyone. Check them out on Facebook.
Deale, Md. at 5801 Deale Churchton Rd.
Anne Arundel County Watermen’s Association will benefit from this crab basket tree lighting, with baskets decorated in nautical themes to help honor watermen both past and active. You’ll also find great dining experiences, including Wharf 38, your “go-to destination for exceptional local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.”
Saxis, Eastern Shore Crab Pot Christmas Tree (Virginia Saxis Fire Department)
This town tradition is hosted by the fire and rescue department in Saxis, ushering in the holidays each December. Get a taste of ESVA by stopping at the Island House Restaurant and Marina. Open everyday starting at 11 a.m., it’s known to “represent the Eastern Shore people and maintain the history and nostalgia that makes the Eastern Shore so special,” the restaurant says.
Volunteers have worked hard to craft the holiday tree shining brightly above each of these special Chesapeake Bay towns. Why not go gaze upon a tree you haven’t visited before, and make a day of it?
