Each winter, Riverside Park transforms into the shimmering holiday wonderland that earned Batesville the title Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. This year, the tradition continues with a reimagined layout, new attractions, and festive displays designed to make the 2025 White River Wonderland season the most magical yet.
Last year, more than 119,000 visitors experienced the display, 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 all attendees traveled more than 50 miles, and 10% visited from out of state — representing 36 states nationwide. The event has been honored as the Ozark Gateway Region’s Festival of the Year and named a finalist for Arkansas Tourism Attraction of the Year.
“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.”
New Layout for 2025
With Riverside Park undergoing a $25 million renovation, this year’s display is centered around the Batesville Community Center, stretching along Chaney Drive, 20th Street, and the Batesville Greenway Trails. Visitors will also be able to see exciting progress at Riverside Park, which will reopen next year with an event center overlooking the river, inclusive play areas, expanded trails, a skate park, upgraded restrooms, and more.
“White River Wonderland has become a cornerstone of who we are as a community,” said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. “Even as Riverside Park undergoes its transformation, we’re making sure the Christmas Capital of Arkansas® continues to shine brighter than ever.”
Landscape supervisor Johnathan Abbott said crews have worked for months to create a larger, more immersive experience. “Annual visitors will notice that it looks a little different this year — but it’s definitely not smaller. We’ve added new interactive features and expanded the displays in new areas.”
White River Wonderland Lights Display
Through – Sunday, January 4, 2026
5 p.m. – midnight
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
The display includes millions of synchronized lights, choreographed to holiday music broadcast on 98.9 FM. Guests can enjoy the show by car, on foot, or aboard one of the park’s signature rides.
“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. We have a little bit of everything in Batesville.”
Family-Favorite Attractions
Carriage Rides
Through – Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25)
$10 per person | Children under 2 ride free
White River Express Train
Through – Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25)
$6 per person | Children under 2 ride free
Synthetic-Surface Skating Rink
Through – Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24–25)
$6 per person | Skates provided
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