The “Christmas Capital of Arkansas” is set to shine brighter than ever. Batesville’s White River Wonderland returns Nov. 26 with new attractions, expanded displays, and a reimagined layout that organizers say will make the 2025 season the most magical yet.
Each winter, the popular event transforms Batesville into a glowing holiday destination. Last year, more than 119,000 people visited, generating an estimated $6.9 million in local economic impact. The celebration reached audiences in all 50 states and 84 countries, earning more than 3 million online impressions.
This year’s display will be centered around the Batesville Community Center while Riverside Park, the event’s traditional home, undergoes a $25 million renovation. The expanded layout stretches along Chaney Drive, 20th Street, and the Batesville Greenway Trails.
When it reopens next year, Riverside Park will include an event center overlooking the river, inclusive playgrounds, expanded trails, a skate park, upgraded restrooms, and additional parking — all designed to enhance future events.
“White River Wonderland has become a cornerstone of who we are as a community,” said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. “Even as Riverside Park undergoes its exciting transformation, we’re making sure the Christmas Capital of Arkansas shines brighter than ever.”
Returning favorites include horse-drawn carriage rides, the White River Express train, and a skating rink, all open from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. Santa Claus will also return for “Selfies with Santa” on weekends.
New attractions include Avalanche, a 150-foot mega-slide, and Reindeer Speedway, a 50-foot self-propelled racing experience. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will also debut special-edition Holiday Glasses as part of its “Holiday SPECtacular” promotion, turning each light into a festive shape.
“This year will be our best display yet,” said Johnathan Abbott, the city’s landscape supervisor. “Even with park construction underway, we’ve expanded the displays and added new interactive attractions.”
White River Wonderland runs nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight, Nov. 26 through Jan. 4, 2026. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
More information is available at WhiteRiverWonderland.com or on social media.
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