Batesville goes big for Christmas
Every winter, Batesville transforms into a holiday wonderland.
The city goes all out, wrapping the season in more than just lights. It’s a full experience that draws families from Arkansas and beyond. The centerpiece of it all is White River Wonderland, a dazzling display of lights that usually stretches across Riverside Park. Because the park is undergoing a $25 million renovation project, the 2025 holiday event will be centered around the Batesville Community Center. The new layout will also spread holiday magic along Chaney Drive, 20th Street, and the Batesville Greenway Trails.
Even though the 2025 display is different this year, it will still transform the city into the shimmering wonderland that earned Batesville the title Christmas Capital of Arkansas.
White River Wonderland is open nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Admission is free.
The display features millions of synchronized lights choreographed to festive holiday music broadcast on 98.9 FM. Visitors can enjoy the show by car, on foot, or aboard one of the park’s signature rides, such as a horse-drawn carriage or the custom-built White River Express train.
Family-Favorite Attractions & Activities
Carriage rides will be available Friday, Nov. 28, through Tuesday, Dec. 30 (except Christmas Day). Tickets are $10 per person, and children under age two ride free. The White River Express train will operate on the same schedule, with tickets priced at $6 per person ages two and up. Both experiences include an exclusive route featuring light displays not visible by car.
The synthetic-surfaced skating rink will be located at the Batesville Community Center tennis courts and open Friday, November 28, through Tuesday, December 30; closed December 24 and 25. Skating sessions are $6 per person, and skates are provided.
Santa Claus will also return to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®, offering Selfies with Santa on weekends through December 30. Visitors can spend three minutes with Santa for $5.
This year, White River Wonderland will introduce Avalanche, a 150-foot mega-slide, along with the new Reindeer Speedway—a 50-foot self-propelled racing experience perfect for friendly competition. These attractions will be open November 28 through December 30 (except Christmas Day) for $10 per person, with unlimited nightly play.
Batesville is the place to be this holiday season.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park is currently closed for construction and is expected to reopen in December 2026. The reimagined park will feature a stunning event center overlooking the river, inclusive play areas, expanded green spaces and trails, a skate park, upgraded restrooms, and additional parking. It will be an even more spectacular home for future White River Wonderland events.
