Christmas Capital of Arkansas®

Christmas Lights + Festive Nights

Every winter, Arkansas's oldest city, Batesville, transforms into the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®. Visitors flock to this town to enjoy millions of dancing lights throughout our 35-acre Riverside Park. But the magic doesn't stop there—enjoy carriage rides, ice skating, a parade, a Ferris wheel, free movies, and much more!

White River Wonderland features millions of lights and welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Beyond the lack of admission cost, the feature that makes the display unique is the variety of ways visitors enjoy it. Watch the lights dance to holiday tunes from the warmth of your car. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the tunnel of lights with your closest loved ones. Ride our custom-built White River Express train with your whole family. For a limited time, enjoy the display from the top of our 70-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Want to experience the beauty up close? The entire show is walkable, with illuminated trails throughout the park. Guests can even take it a step further and enjoy skating. Make life-long memories with a trip to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas®!

Our little elves are currently at the workshop planning the 2024 schedule. Check back later for a sneak peek!

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FAQs

ADMISSION

Admission to White River Wonderland is FREE. You can choose to drive or walk through the light display; however, donations are accepted. Tickets for Carriage Rides, Train Rides, and Ice Skating must be purchased in person with cash or card. No reservations are accepted. Tickets for the Ferris Wheel will be available for pre-order online—we will make limited walk-up sales.

TICKETS

White River Wonderland Light Display - Free Admission
White River Wonderland Ferris Wheel - $6 per person
All riders must have a ticket regardless of age.
Tickets can be purchased online at whiteriverwonderland.com. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the Ticket Office. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets online.
White River Express Train Rides - $6 per person, ages two and up.
Must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. No reservations accepted.
Carriage Rides - $10 per person, ages two and up.
Must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. No reservations accepted.
Ice Skating Rink - $6 per person for 1 hour, skates provided
Must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. No reservations accepted.
Selfies with Santa - $5 for a 3-minute session.
Must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. No reservations accepted.

RESTROOMS

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

PARKING

Limited Public Parking is available at Riverside Park. 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 the Batesville Community Center—enjoy a lit walking trail to access the park. Parking near The River Waterfront Steak & Grill is reserved for their patrons.

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. Ferris wheel rides will be rescheduled, if possible. The drive-through light display will remain open, with possible limited displays.