MAC Buoy Tree History:

The MAC’s Holiday Buoy Tree was the brainstorm of resident (and at the time a MAC Board member), Makayla Silva, after visiting two such trees on a family trip to Maine and Massachusetts. It was the perfect idea to bring to the Milford Community, and to be led by the Milford Arts Council. Unlike most buoy trees that are decorated with authentic buoys or designed/painted by artists, the Milford community: every person, every age, artists, craftspeople, friends, residents, families, and businesses are invited to participate. Every year it is different, every year it grows and becomes more special. Families create their own special collection, retrieving their buoys in mid to late January when the tree is dismantled.

For the 6th year, volunteers will build a 20-30’ tree form from genuine used lobster traps (some complete with seaweed, rocks, weights and line!)lent to the MAC by BriarPatch Oyster Fishery. It is then wrapped in sparkly white lights, topped by a giant lit star *(donated by sponsor Mager & Mager Law Firm) and overlaid with boatline knotted with hand-painted and decorated buoys that the community have decorated and submitted.

The event includes choraling with Emily Mager, arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus by Oyster Boat, and tree lighting with the Mayor of Milford.

This year the event expands with a night market at Lisman Landing Pavilion with small gifts and ornaments and food trucks.

Selling Buoys

Buoys will be available at various festivals and via main office
Office hours: Tue-Fri 12-5PM: the MAC, 40 Railroad Ave, Milford

2026 Buoy Submission link: COMING SOON

Drop off decorated buoys

Before November 18, 2025 at MAC, 40 Railroad Ave

Other dates to be announced at:
Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Ave, Milford