Each winter, the light display that earned Batesville recognition as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas takes over Riverside Park, allowing locals and visitors to experience a magical holiday season on the White River.
Last year, 99,000 people visited White River Wonderland. Batesville’s holiday activities attracted travelers from all 50 states and 105 countries, reaching more than 2.8 million online impressions.
Batesville’s White River Wonderland has been recognized for contributing to Arkansas’s growing tourism industry. It has been named the Ozark Gateway Region’s “Festival of the Year” and an Arkansas Tourism “Attraction of the Year” Award finalist.
“We’re super excited about the 2024 display,” said Johnathan Abbott, city of Batesville landscape supervisor. “City crews have been hard at work getting Riverside Park ready with expanded displays and interactive attractions.”
The city of Batesville announced that White River Wonderland will open its 2024 display on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. The light display will run daily from 5 p.m. to midnight. The final chance to see the lights will be Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2025.
The show features millions of dancing lights synchronized to holiday tunes. Admission to White River Wonderland is free; however, donations are accepted.
As always, visitors have numerous options for viewing the lights.
“You can walk or drive through the display or ride on a horse-drawn carriage, custom-built train, or the Ferris wheel. That’s what makes us different,” Abbott said. “Most other displays in the state are either drive-thru or walk-thru. We are a little bit of everything in Batesville.”
Visitors can watch the show from the warmth of their cars as they listen to their favorite Christmas tunes on White River Wonderland’s radio station. The entire display is also walkable, with illuminated sidewalks and walking trails. A fully lit walking trail leads visitors to the light show from the overflow parking lot at the Batesville Community Center.
Visitors may also ride through the display in one of White River Wonderland’s horse-drawn carriages. Carriage rides will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, except Dec. 25. Carriage rides are $10 per person ages 2 and up.
The custom-built White River Express train will return from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, except Dec. 25. Train rides are $6 per person ages 2 and up.
The synthetic-surfaced skating rink is a family favorite and will return to the Riverside Park amphitheater. It will be open from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 and closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Ice skating is $6 for one hour; skates are provided.
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the 70-foot LED Ferris wheel for a limited time. Last year, more than 6,700 riders enjoyed the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel is $6 per rider, regardless of age, and will operate from Dec. 13 through 21. Tickets for the Ferris wheel will be available for pre-order online starting Dec. 1.
Santa Claus will return to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas to visit the White River Wonderland lights display. Each weekend, visitors can take selfies with Santa. Visitors get 3 minutes with Santa for $6.
“This year will be the best lights display yet,” Abbott said. “We invite families to build lifelong memories with a trip to Batesville’s White River Wonderland.”
Learn more about the Christmas Capital of Arkansas at whiteriverwonderland.com or by following the Christmas Capital of Arkansas Facebook or Instagram pages.
All images provided by Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce/Top three, photo credit: Storyteller Images
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