White River Wonderland
YES—The Christmas Capital of Arkansas® Lights Display is still happening in 2025!
Each winter, Riverside Park transforms into the shimmering wonderland that earned Batesville the title Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. This year, the tradition continues with new attractions, expanded displays, and a reimagined layout designed to make the 2025 season the most magical yet.
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.”
5 p.m. – midnight
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
Fri., Nov. 28 – Tues., Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25)
$10 per person; children under age two ride free.
White River Express Train
Fri., Nov. 28 – Tues., Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25)
$6 per person; children under age two ride free.
The synthetic-surfaced skating rink
Fri., Nov. 28 – Tues., Dec. 30 (except Dec. 24 – 25)
Skating sessions are $6 per person, and skates are provided.
Selfies with Santa
Three minutes with Santa for $5.
Fri., Nov. 28 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 29 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 30 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 5 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 6 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 11 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 12 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 13 | Following Christmas Parade until 10 p.m.
Sun., Dec 14 | 5:30 – 9 p.m
Thurs., Dec. 18 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 19 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 20 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sun., Dec 21 | 5:30 – 9 p.m
New for 2025
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.
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.”
Open November 26 to January 4
Open Daily from 5 p.m. to midnight.
One of the best ways to experience the sights and sounds of the White River Wonderland is from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Carriage Rides can get chilly. We recommend wearing warm clothing and bringing a blanket.
Open November 28 to December 30
Closed December 25
Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 5:30 – 10 p.m.
$10 per person for ages two and up.
Tickets must be purchased in person. No reservations are accepted.
Enjoy White River Wonderland's millions of dancing lights from the comfort of our custom-built White River Express train. The train can get chilly. We recommend wearing warm clothing and bringing a blanket.
Open November 28 to December 30
Closed December 25
Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 5:30 – 10 p.m.
$6 per person for ages two and up.
Tickets must be purchased in person. No reservations are accepted.
Open November 28 until December 30
Closed December 24 and 25
Sunday – Thursday: 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 6 – 10 p.m.
$6 per person per session. Sessions begin at the top fo the hour.
$125 for 2-hour party (discounts available for schools)
Bring your camera and your kids and take some Selfies with Santa at the White River Wonderland.
Fri., Nov. 28 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 29 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 30 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 5 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 6 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 11 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 12 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 13 | Following Christmas Parade until 10 p.m.
Sun., Dec 14 | 5:30 – 9 p.m
Thurs., Dec. 18 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 19 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 20 | 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Sun., Dec 21 | 5:30 – 9 p.m
