Do You Know of the Floating Christmas Tree in Tuckerton, NJ?

Have you spotted the floating Christmas tree in Tuckerton yet? It’s one of the town’s most unique holiday traditions — a fully lit Christmas tree sitting right out on the water, glowing for everyone driving through Tuckerton this season.

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If you’re heading down Route 9 at night, you can’t miss it. The tree sits out on Lake Pohatcong, directly across from the Tuckerton Seaport. With its reflection shimmering on the surface, it really does look like it’s magically floating — because, in a way, it is.

So how do they manage to light a Christmas tree in the middle of a lake? The tradition goes back to 1961, when a local Girl Scouts project, led by the late Peg Jacobi — a former Tuckerton mayor — and her husband Jake, brought the idea to life. Jake figured out a way to run electric lines underwater so the tree could stay lit all season long. The tree itself rests on a floating dock, allowing it to sit safely on the lake while still appearing as if it’s drifting on the surface.

In 2016, the town officially dedicated the tree to Peg Jacobi, honoring her role in creating a tradition that has lasted more than six decades. For 62 years, the Tuckerton Floating Christmas Tree has brightened Lake Pohatcong and added a special Jersey Shore twist to the holidays.

So, if you’re cruising down Route 9 in Southern Ocean County this December, make sure to slow down and take a look. The floating tree is a simple, charming part of Christmas in Tuckerton — and it shines just as brightly as ever. Merry Christmas, Ocean County!