Traffic plan, events set as White River Wonderland begins this week in Batesville

White River Wonderland opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday, marking the start of the holiday season in what organizers call the Christmas Capital of Arkansas.

The popular drive-through light display returns with millions of Christmas lights and new routes designed to keep vehicles moving through one of the city’s largest annual attractions. Additional features — including carriage and train rides, the Avalanche mega-slide, Reindeer Speedway, and other activities — will open Friday.

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.

City officials released a detailed traffic and parking plan to guide visitors through the display. Drivers approaching from the east, including Newark, Jonesboro, and Memphis, are asked to enter at Harrison Street and 20th Street and use the left lane while keeping the right lane clear for emergency vehicles and through traffic.

Those traveling from the south, such as Southside, Searcy, and Little Rock, should enter at St. Louis Street and Myers Avenue and remain in the right lane. Visitors arriving from the north or west may use either entrance, but are encouraged to merge early and stay in the inside lane.

Clearly marked walking routes will assist visitors during walk-through nights and special events. Parking will be available at the Batesville Community Center, White River Health, and Riverside Park. Officials urge guests to avoid blocking driveways and to follow posted signage.

The holiday festivities continue downtown on Nov. 29, when Main Street Batesville businesses offer seasonal promotions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring cocoa stations and visits with Christmas characters.

That evening, the Citizens Bank Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at Citizens Bank Pocket Park. The event begins at 6 p.m. with hot chocolate, caroling, and a reading of The Night Before Christmas. Photos with Santa will follow.

Organizers and city officials encourage visitors to plan ahead.