Trees in the Rigging Parade

About

Held in Essex each November, Trees in the Rigging is an annual community carol sing and lighted boat parade organized by the Connecticut River Museum, Essex Board of Trade, and Essex Historical Society. The lantern-lit carol stroll runs down Main Street with the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps and antique cars, then ends at the Connecticut River Museum with a parade of holiday-lit boats passing in review along the Connecticut River. "Boat Floats"—decorated rowboats, kayaks, and canoes on trailers—are part of the land parade; folksy, homemade, and low-budget efforts suit the spirit perfectly.

Details

Type

Holiday

Season / Event Date(s)

Nov 30, 2026

Tags

• annual
• community
• family-friendly
• maritime
• waterfront