Bright Lights and Coastal Nights Make Pomham Rocks a Holiday Destination

This holiday season, Riverside’s Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is bringing the festive spirit to Narragansett Bay, and the best part? No boat ride is required to enjoy the view. Located just off the coast, this historic landmark captivates with a holiday light display that enchants all who visit.

Starting daily at 4pm through January 5, the lighthouse transforms into a magical holiday scene. Its catwalk, draped in shimmering white lights, shines like a beacon against the night sky. A massive, twinkling wreath adorns the east-facing oil house, while the lighthouse radiates timeless hues of red, white, and green. Even the flagpole and a recently added picket fence along the island’s south and west edges join the celebration, glowing in a cheerful rainbow of colors.

The best views await along the East Bay Bike Path. Park at the corner of Bullocks Point Avenue and Washington Avenue, near Dairy Bee, and stroll the trail for postcard-worthy scenery. Pro tip: Bring a camera for frame-worthy shots and a flashlight to navigate after sunset.

The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, the dedicated volunteers behind its upkeep, have had a landmark year. They restored the interior to Victorian-era elegance, replaced aging fences with charming picket rails, and installed storm shutters on all 19 windows. This year, the lighthouse welcomed more than 500 visitors from across the country, each drawn to this sentinel of upper Narragansett Bay. Since 2004, the Friends, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, have worked tirelessly to protect this National Register landmark. Their commitment shines as brightly as the holiday lights. To learn more about Pomham Rocks Lighthouse or to join the preservation efforts, visit PomhamRocksLighthouse.org.