White River Wonderland is returning this holiday season as Batesville welcomes families back to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. The entire event is free and open to the public.
This year’s celebration will be smaller while Riverside Park undergoes a $25 million renovation, with White River Wonderland planning a grand return to the park 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 family favorites.
Lights Open November 25
Visitors can enjoy millions of lights from their cars or walk the glowing trails. The display runs nightly from Wednesday, November 25, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Parking will be available at the Batesville Community Center and in designated lots at the Sara Low Memorial Dog Park and Sutherland Park Municipal Golf Course. Trails are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible.
Selfies with Santa
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host Selfies with Santa every weekend during the season, giving families a chance to visit with Santa and take a free holiday photo. Every child will receive a free book from Santa to take home. Selfies with Santa is also supported by Peco Foods, First Community Bank, Merchants & Planters Bank, George’s Ozark Mountain Poultry and Centennial Bank.
“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.”
Elumbaugh thanked Johnathan Abbott, landscape supervisor for the City of Batesville, for his leadership in bringing this year’s celebration together.
“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 Reopens at Year’s End
Riverside Park will reopen at the end of the year after its $25 million renovation. The project adds an event center overlooking the White River, inclusive playgrounds designed for kids of all abilities, expanded walking and biking trails, a skate park, upgraded restrooms and more parking. White River Wonderland will return to the renovated park for the 2027 Christmas season.
“We invite everyone to come out, enjoy the lights, and make some Christmas memories with us,” Abbott said. “Our team takes pride in keeping the magic alive, and we can’t wait to share it with our community.”
For dates, times and updates, visit WhiteRiverWonderland.com or follow White River Wonderland on Facebook.
SOURCE: City of Batesville and Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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