Christmas Lights + Festive Nights

Last year, more than 119,000 visitors experienced White River Wonderland, generating $6.9 million for the local economy. Batesville’s holiday festivities reached audiences in all 50 states and 84 countries, earning over 3 million online impressions. A third of visitors traveled more than 50 miles to see the lights, while 10% came from out of state—representing 36 states in total. The dazzling display has been recognized as the Ozark Gateway Region’s Festival of the Year and as a finalist for the Arkansas Tourism Attraction of the Year award.

“White River Wonderland brings visitors from all over to experience Batesville’s small-town charm and big holiday magic,” said Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an incredible driver of tourism and local pride.”

This year’s display will be centered around the Batesville Community Center, with an expanded layout spreading holiday magic along Chaney Drive, 20th Street, and the Batesville Greenway Trails, as Riverside Park undergoes a $25 million renovation project. Visitors will see exciting progress at Riverside Park, which is set to reopen next year. 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 — creating an even more spectacular home for future White River Wonderlands.

Even though the 2025 display is different this year, city leaders say the transformation will ultimately make White River Wonderland — and future community celebrations — better than ever.

“White River Wonderland has become a cornerstone of who we are as a community,” said Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. “Even as Riverside Park undergoes its exciting transformation, we’re making sure the Christmas Capital of Arkansas® shines brighter than ever.”

“We’re super excited about the 2025 show,” said Johnathan Abbott, City of Batesville landscape supervisor. “Even with park construction underway, city crews have been hard at work expanding the displays and adding new interactive attractions. Annual visitors will notice that the event looks a little different this year — but it’s definitely not smaller.”

White River Wonderland opens Wednesday, November 26, at 5 p.m. and will shine nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.

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 — making Batesville’s holiday experience truly one of a kind.

“Our light displays are fully immersive,” Abbott said. “You can walk, drive, or even ride a horse-drawn carriage or the custom-built White River Express train. We have a little bit of everything in Batesville.”

Family-Favorite Attractions & Activities

Carriage rides will be available Friday, November 28, through Tuesday, December 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.

New for 2025

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will also debut special-edition Holiday Glasses as part of the Holiday SPECtacular experience. The glasses transform every sparkle of light into whimsical holiday shapes, turning the park into a world of wonder. During opening weekend, beloved Christmas movie characters will greet guests and hand out these magic glasses.

“This year will be our best display yet,” Abbott said. “We invite families to build lifelong memories right here in Batesville—the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®.”

“The Christmas Capital of Arkansas is more than a title — it’s a feeling,” Johnson added. “That spirit of joy and togetherness is what keeps families coming back to Batesville year after year.”

Learn more at WhiteRiverWonderland.com or follow the Christmas Capital of Arkansas® on Facebook and Instagram.