This year’s Christmas celebration in Batesville will look different as Riverside Park construction continues and the White River Express train takes a 1-year hiatus.
The Batesville City Council received updates about the holiday celebration, sanitation expenses, Riverside Park construction and a proposed mountain-bike trail system during its Tuesday night meeting.
City officials said the White River Express will not operate during the 2026 Christmas season.
The popular train is expected to return after its 1-year hiatus.
Christmas lights will still be displayed, with officials considering a drive-through format around Riverside Park.
Some light displays may be moved to accommodate construction and other planned activities.
Officials have not released the final route or a complete schedule for the 2026 Christmas light display.
White River Wonderland has become a major holiday tradition for Batesville, which promotes itself as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas.
The annual celebration has attracted thousands of visitors to Batesville and Independence County.
The council also heard that the city’s sanitation disposal expenses are increasing.
Monthly disposal costs that previously ranged from approximately $51,000 to $52,000 have climbed to about $55,000.
Officials also reported that the Cherokee landfill increased its fees to the county by 16%.
The higher disposal fees could place additional pressure on municipal sanitation expenses.
No changes to customer sanitation rates were announced during the meeting.
Parks Director Lowen Lermitte told council members that Riverside Park construction remains on schedule.
The project is expected to be completed December 26.
The Riverside Park improvements are designed to provide additional recreational areas, trails and community amenities along the White River.
Lermitte also reported that plans are moving forward for a new mountain-bike trail system.
The proposed trail system would connect several areas of Batesville and expand outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Additional information about the Christmas celebration, traffic routes, mountain-bike trails and Riverside Park activities is expected as planning continues.
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