It’s that time of year when Padanaram Harbor glistens a little brighter and the beloved Buoy Tree makes its return to spread holiday cheer.

Now in its fourth year, the Padanaram Buoy Tree has grown into a community symbol of joy, togetherness and giving back. Originally envisioned as a way to lift spirits during the tail end of the pandemic, this festive project has blossomed into a cherished holiday tradition.

Molly Armando is head organizer of the Buoy Tree.

"Each year, the Buoy Tree seems to get bigger and better. It’s such a special event because it brings people of all ages together," she said.

"We select 50 of our favorite buoys to auction off, with proceeds benefiting a local charity," Armando said. "This year, we’re honored to support Sharing the Harvest Community Farm, a local hunger-relief farm that has donated over 450,000 pounds of produce since 2006."

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Personal buoys (11 inches by five inches) are available for $15, while larger business buoys (14 inches by six inches) are $75.

The lighting of the Buoy Tree will take place during the annual Padanaram Holiday Stroll set for Friday, December 6.

With its origins dating back to 1978, the Holiday Stroll has grown from a simple shopping night into a bustling community celebration, now complete with seasonal activities for kids, live music and festive decorations that give Padanaram a true Hallmark-movie charm.

Last year’s stroll set an attendance record, and this year’s event promises even more magic with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, face painting, ice sculptures, carolers and more.

Linda Hopps, a local resident and one of the founding members of the Padanaram Business Association, remembers the event's humble beginnings.

“It started small, just a few shops staying open for Christmas shopping, but with time and community involvement, it turned into this wonderful, large-scale event," she said. "Tom Quann from Stonegate Mortgage has been incredibly generous, funding thousands of lights that outline every building, illuminating the entire village and filling the air with holiday warmth.”

Joining the Tradition: How to Participate in the Buoy Tree

Anyone in the community can join in by painting a buoy. Local kids, families, Dartmouth High art students and even seniors from the Council on Aging have all added their creativity to the tree in past years.

Painted buoys can be dropped off at the Padanaram Maritime Center starting November 15 until November 30, where they’ll either adorn the tree or the surrounding railings if the tree is full. For those wanting their buoy excluded from the auction, a simple red dot on the bottom will do the trick.

Bid for a Cause: The Buoy Auction

The Buoy Tree Committee selects 50 of the most creative buoys for an online auction through Galabid. Bidders can scan a QR code attached to each chosen buoy, with bidding open until the end of the year. All proceeds will support Sharing the Harvest Community Farm, a vital hunger-relief organization in Dartmouth.

Whether you’re new to Padanaram’s Buoy Tree or a loyal attendee, this holiday tradition is a beautiful reminder of the season’s true spirit.

Get your buoy at Farm & Coast Market, Padanaram Outfitters, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, Anne Whiting Real Estate or the Village Sweet Shoppe, and join the community in lighting up the holiday season.

For questions, reach out to padanaramcommunity@gmail.com.

Here's a look back to the 2021 Holiday Buoy Tree lighting:

12 of Our Favorite Designs on the Padanaram Buoy Tree

A tree was needed for the first-ever tree lighting at the annual Christmas event in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Community members came together to design a nautical tree worthy of its coastal destination. This buoy tree in Padanaram Village will be the centerpiece of the Holiday Festival.

Gallery Credit: Kasey Silvia

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