The Town Dock in Stonington has long been a vital part of the town. It’s the site of the last major commercial fishing fleet in the state, and it’s the location of such annual events as the Blessing of the Fleet that’s held each summer.

But in 2021, the area at Town Dock became home for a new and immediately popular attraction: The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree.

This gigantic “tree” consists of hundreds of lobster traps but also hundreds of buoys that are painted by professional artists and students. It’s all decorated with multicolored LED lights. It really is something to see — and to go into, because you can step inside the conical creation.

The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree is a project of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, dreamed up by chamber Director Lisa Konicki.

This year’s tree is scheduled to be first lit up on Nov. 25, and it will remain on view through Jan. 9. It will be illuminated from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. each day, except only until 7 p.m. on Jan. 9.