Christmas Capital of Arkansas®
🎄 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS + FESTIVE NIGHTS
Each winter, Arkansas’s oldest city transforms into the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. Millions of dancing lights illuminate Batesville’s Riverside Park and Community Center, drawing visitors from across the region to experience the magic.
But the wonder doesn’t stop there — enjoy carriage rides, ice skating, a parade, free movies, and so much more! This year, the tradition continues with new attractions, expanded displays, and a reimagined layout designed to make the 2025 season the most magical yet.
✨ Experience the Magic
What makes White River Wonderland truly special is the variety of ways to enjoy it. Watch the lights dance to holiday music from the warmth of your car, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the tunnel of lights, or hop aboard the custom-built White River Express train. Prefer to walk? Wander illuminated trails or lace up your skates for a spin on the rink.
New this year, Avalanche — a 150-foot mega-slide — and Reindeer Speedway, a 50-foot self-propelled racing experience, bring even more thrills to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®.
✨ Weather-Related Closures
❄️⚠️ We will make every effort to post any weather-related closures by 3 p.m. on the Christmas Capital of Arkansas on Facebook or Instagram pages.
In the event of inclement weather, we may close activities, but we will do our best to keep the lights display on throughout the evening. On rare occasions, you may see a few lights displays off — these displays will remain off until those electrical connections have time to dry out.
Attractions
🌟 A Season of Transformation
This year’s display centers around the Batesville Community Center, expanding along Chaney Drive, 20th Street, and the Greenway Trails while Riverside Park undergoes a $25 million renovation. Visitors can glimpse the park’s transformation — soon to feature a riverfront event center, inclusive play areas, green spaces, a skate park, and more parking — setting the stage for even brighter celebrations ahead.
ADMISSION
TICKETS
White River Wonderland Light Display - Free Admission
White River Express Train Rides - $6 per person (kids under 2 are free)
Carriage Rides - $10 per person (kids under 2 are free)
Ice Skating Rink - $6 per person per session.
Selfies with Santa - $5 for a 3-minute session.
- Avalanche + Reindeer Speedway - $10 per person for unlimited nightly play
Public restrooms are open and available for use during normal Winter Wonderland operating hours.
Limited Public Parking is available at the Batesville Community Center. A parking lot is available on the west side of the park, near the park entrance, and on the east side, near the municipal golf course. Overflow parking is available at Riverside Park and at the commuter lot near Harrison Street —enjoy a lit walking trail to access the park. Parking near The River Waterfront Steak & Grill is reserved for their patrons.
ENTRANCE
🚗✨ Headed to White River Wonderland? Here’s how to get there + where to park! ✨🎄
Follow the marked route into White River Wonderland for an experience that keeps traffic moving and the magic glowing. 🎅💡 Traffic will be flowing in both directions, so please follow posted signage carefully.
Entering from the east (Newark, Jonesboro, Memphis): Enter at the intersection of Harrison Street and 20th Street. While waiting to enter the park, use the left-hand lane and keep the right lane open for emergency vehicles and through traffic.
Entering from the south (Southside, Searcy, Little Rock): Enter at the intersection of St. Louis Street and Myers Avenue. When traveling down St. Louis, use the right-hand lane and keep the left lane open for emergency vehicles and through traffic.
Entering from the north or west (Cave City, Mountain Home, Hardy): Enter at either entrance. Merge early, use the inside lane, and keep the other lanes open for emergency vehicles and through traffic.
🚶♂️ Clearly marked walking routes will guide you through the entire display.
🅿️ Parking is available at the Batesville Community Center, White River Health, and Riverside Park for those attending walk-through nights or special events.
🚫 Please keep all business driveways and side street driveways clear at all times.
Plan ahead, arrive with patience, and get ready to soak in the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®! 🎁❄️
PETS
Pets are permitted in the park when restrained by a leash. Guests are required to clean up after their pets. Pet waste bins are available for use in the off-leash area of the Sara Low Memorial Dog Park at the east end of Riverside Park. Festive clothing for your pet is not required but strongly encouraged.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In case of inclement weather, carriage rides, train rides, and ice skating will be closed. The drive-through light display will remain open, with possible limited displays.
