Login

Christmas Capital of Arkansas®

Christmas Capital of Arkansas®

Christmas Lights + Festive Nights


Create unforgettable Christmas memories in Batesville, the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®! Wander through twinkling markets, meet Santa, and find unique treasures for everyone on your list.

Stroll through the White River Christmas Market, celebrate a Country Christmas at The Ranch, watch a holiday classic at the Melba Theater, cheer as the Kiwanis Christmas Parade rolls down historic Main Street, and bask in the glow of White River Wonderland’s sparkling lights.

Bring your favorite people together, savor a meal at a local restaurant, and turn your visit into a day or even a weekend of holiday cheer. Explore the attractions and events below to plan your festive getaway.
Share This Page

Attractions

NADT's The Nutcracker
Check It Out
NADT's The Nutcracker
Kick off the holiday season with NADT's 22nd annual Nutcracker. See the show on Fri., Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. or Sat. Nov. 21 at 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Small Business Saturday
Check It Out
Small Business Saturday
Join us for Small Business Saturday on Sat., Nov. 28., and shop local all season long.
A Very Melba Christmas
Check It Out
A Very Melba Christmas
Enjoy your favorite Christmas movies, as you've never seen before — on the big screen at the historic Melba Theater.
Polar Express
Check It Out
Polar Express
Join North Heights Church of Christ for holiday fun with cookies and treats, games to play, hot chocolate to enjoy, a free gift to every visitor, a train ride, and more!
Country Christmas at The Ranch
Check It Out
Country Christmas at The Ranch
Celebrate Country Christmas at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches on Saturday, November 21, with local vendors, Santa photos, a petting zoo, and free family activities!
White River Christmas Market
Check It Out
White River Christmas Market
Step into a shopping wonderland where the spirit of the season comes alive Nov. 27 – 29 at Lyon College.
Turkey Day 5k
Check It Out
Turkey Day 5k
Trot before you gobble at the Turkey Day 5K on Thurs., Nov. 26, at 9 a.m. in Batesville!
Hope for the Holidays 5k and Half Marathon
Check It Out
Hope for the Holidays 5k and Half Marathon
Run the 2026 Hope for the Holidays 5K and Half Marathon on Sat., Dec. 5 at 8 a.m.
Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Check It Out
Kiwanis Christmas Parade
The Kiwanis Christmas Parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 12, on historic Main Street in the heart of downtown Batesville.
Batesville Experience Builder App
Check It Out
Batesville Experience Builder App
Experience Independence County like an Insider with the all-new Experience Builder app.

Expand Close All

ADMISSION & TICKETS

Admission to White River Wonderland is FREE. You can choose to drive or walk through the light display; however, donations are accepted. Tickets Avalanche and the Reindeer Speedway must be purchased in person with cash or card. No reservations are accepted.

ACTIVITIES

  • Avalanche + Reindeer Speedway - $10 per person for unlimited nightly play

  • White River Wonderland Light Display - Free Admission

  • Selfies with Santa - $5 for a 3-minute session.

  • White River Express Train Rides, Carriage Rides, and Skating Rink will all be closed for the 2026 season. We plan to reopen the new experience fully in 2027.

RESTROOMS

Public restrooms are open and available for use during normal Winter Wonderland operating hours. 


PARKING

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.

Go Top