White River Wonderland
YES —The Christmas Capital of Arkansas® Lights Display is still happening in 2026!
The lights, laughter, and memories of White River Wonderland return this holiday season as Batesville welcomes families back to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®.
This year’s celebration will be smaller as Riverside Park undergoes its $25 million renovation and preparations begin for White River Wonderland’s grand return in 2027. The 2026 display will be at the Batesville Community Center and along 20th Street and Chaney Drive, with Christmas lights, glowing trails, and favorite family attractions to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Visitors can enjoy millions of festive lights from the warmth of their cars or walk the glowing trails. The light display runs nightly from Wednesday, November 25, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, between 5 p.m. and midnight. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Ample parking will be available at the Batesville Community Center and designated lots at the Sara Low Memorial Dog Park and Sutherland Park Municipal Golf Course. Trails are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, making it easy for families to enjoy the experience together. The light display runs nightly from Wednesday, November 25, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, between 5 p.m. and midnight. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host Selfies with Santa each weekend throughout the season, giving families a chance to visit with Santa and take a free holiday photo together. Every child will receive a free book from Santa to take home. Additional support for Selfies with Santa comes from Peco Foods, First Community Bank, Merchants & Planters Bank, George’s Ozark Mountain Poultry, and Centennial Bank. For dates, times, and event updates, visit the White River Wonderland webpage and follow White River Wonderland on Facebook.
“White River Wonderland is a cornerstone of who we are as a community. While this year’s celebration is smaller in scale, keeping this tradition going means a great deal to us,” said Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. “Our crews are putting tremendous time and care into creating a holiday experience families can enjoy and be proud of. I especially want to thank Johnathan Abbott for his leadership and hard work in bringing this year’s celebration together. We’re grateful for their work as we celebrate this season and look ahead to welcoming everyone back to Riverside Park next year.”
“For so many families, White River Wonderland is part of what makes Christmas feel like Christmas,” said Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Keeping that tradition alive gives families a familiar way to celebrate, spend time together, and make memories during a year of transition.”
Riverside Park will reopen at the end of the year after a $25 million renovation that adds an event center overlooking the White River, inclusive playgrounds, expanded trails, a skate park, upgraded restrooms, and more parking. These new family-friendly additions, like the inclusive playgrounds designed for kids of all abilities, create more opportunities for children to play together and for families to enjoy the park comfortably. With expanded walking and biking trails and modern facilities throughout, families can look forward to making even more special memories together. White River Wonderland will return to the newly renovated park for the 2027 Christmas season.
“We invite everyone to come out, enjoy the lights, and make some Christmas memories with us,” concluded Johnathan Abbott, landscape supervisor for the City of Batesville. “Our team takes pride in keeping the magic alive, and we can’t wait to share it with our community.”
