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White River Wonderland
Each winter, the light display that earned Batesville recognition as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™ takes over Riverside Park for locals and visitors to experience a magical holiday season on the White River!
The show features millions of lights and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. 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 ice skating.
Make life-long memories with a trip to Batesville's White River Wonderland.
Light Display
November 24 – January 2
Open Daily
5 p.m. to Midnight
Free Admission
Ferris Wheel
December 10 – 18
Sunday-Thursday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 5 – 11 p.m.
$5 per person.
All riders must have a ticket regardless of age.
Ferris Wheel inclement weather policy: The White River Wonderland will operate continuously throughout the scheduled time. The Ferris Wheel will not run if winds are 67 mph or higher, the ground becomes too saturated, or lighting has struck within the last 30 minutes. If this happens during your scheduled time, please email projects@batesvillesareachamber.com, and we will reach back out to you to find a new time for your ride. We will not reschedule rides for those who are late or miss their scheduled rides for non-weather-related issues.
White River Express Train Rides
November 26 – December 30
Closed December 25
Sunday-Thursday: 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 6 – 10 p.m.
$5 per person for ages two and up.
Must be purchased in person. No reservations accepted.
Train Rides can get chilly. We recommend wearing warm clothing and bringing a blanket.
Carriage Rides
November 26 – December 30
Sunday-Thursday: 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 6 – 10 p.m.
$8 per person for ages two and up.
Must be purchased in person. No reservations accepted.
Carriage Rides can get chilly. We recommend wearing warm clothing and bringing a blanket.
Ice Skating
November 26 – December 30
Closed December 24–25
Monday-Thursday: 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday: 6 – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 4 – 9 p.m.
$5 per person for 1 hour.
Must be purchased in person. No reservations accepted. Skates are provided.
Selfies with Santa
November 26 – December 19
Weekends ONLY
Friday and Saturday: 6 – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 6 – 9 p.m.
$5 for a 3-minute session.
Must be purchased in person. No reservations accepted.
FAQ
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 - $5 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 - $5 per person, ages two and up.
Must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. No reservations accepted.
Carriage Rides - $8 per person, ages two and up.
Must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. No reservations accepted.
Ice Skating Rink - $5 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. Additional restrooms are available at the Riverside Conoco on Myers Ave.
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.
Other Attractions
Kiwanis Christmas Parade
The Kiwanis Christmas Parade is a treasured tradition, held annually on historic Main Street in the heart of downtown Batesville. Try your hand at catching candy thrown to you by little leaguers, enjoy seasonal magic as snow falls from the sky, and catch a glimpse of Santa.
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 6 p.m. on Main Street. The 2021 parade route begins near the intersection of 12th and Main and ends at Marshall Dry Goods. Learn more at facebook.com/BatesvilleKiwanisParade.
A Very Melba Christmas
Enjoy your favorite Christmas movies, as you've never seen before—on the big screen at the historic Melba Theater. If you're taking in the classic "Christmas Vacation," you can expect to see Cousin Eddie greeting guests in front of his infamous RV. Taking a ride on the "Polar Express," expect to hear little bells ringing at the end of the movie. Viewing "Elf" for the first or fiftieth time, look in the concession stand for Buddy the Elf's four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. These personal touches, excellent customer service, historic atmosphere, and FREE admission have created a movie experience unlike any other. And yes, costumes are welcome. Learn more at melbatheater.com.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas
From gingerbread workshops to carols, Main Street Batesville comes alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of an old-fashioned Christmas. Hear live performances of traditional Christmas music as you browse local businesses. Learn more at mainstreetbatesville.org.
