The City of Batesville and Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Announce the Return of White River Wonderland to Riverside Park

November 4, 2022 (Batesville, AR) — 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.

Last year, over forty-eight thousand cars drove through the display, drawing the interest of travelers from 33 states and 12 countries. Forty-five percent of Ferris Wheel riders were out-of-state visitors.

Batesville’s White River Wonderland has been recognized for contributing to Arkansas’s growing tourism industry. It was named the 2022 Ozark Gateway Region’s Festival of the Year and was a finalist for the Arkansas Tourism Attraction of the Year Award.

“The 2022 display will be back and bigger than ever,” said Johnathan Abbott, City of Batesville Landscape Supervisor. “Our crews have been hard at work getting Riverside Park ready with expanded displays and new interactive attractions.”

The City of Batesville and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce jointly announced that the White River Wonderland would open its 2022 display on Wednesday, November 23, at 5 p.m. The lights display will be on daily from 5 p.m. to midnight. The final chance to see the Lights will be on Monday, January 2, 2023.

The show features millions of lights and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Admission to White River Wonderland is free; however, donations are accepted.

As always, visitors will have numerous options for viewing the lights. 

“You can walk or drive through the display or catch a horse-drawn carriage, train, or Ferris wheel ride. That’s what makes us different,” continued Abbott. “Most other displays in the state are either drive-thru or walk-thru. We are a little bit of everything in Batesville.”

Watch the show from the warmth of your car as you listen to your 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 the White River Wonderland’s horse-drawn carriages. Carriage rides will run from November 25 through December 30, except December 25. Carriage rides are $10 per person ages two and up.

The custom-built White River Express train will return this year from November 25 through December 30, except December 25. Train rides are $6 per person ages two and up.

A family favorite, the synthetic-surfaced skating rink will also return to the Riverside Park amphitheater. The rink will be open from November 26 through December 30. The rink will be closed on December 24 and 25. Ice skating is $6 for 1 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, over 5,400 riders enjoyed the Ferris Wheel. The Ferris wheel is $5 per rider, regardless of age, and will operate from December 16 through 22. Tickets for the Ferris Wheel will be available for pre-order online on December 1.

Santa Claus will make his return to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™ to visit the White River Wonderland lights display. Each weekend, visitors will be able to take Selfies with Santa. Visitors will get to spend 3 minutes with Santa for $5. 

“We think this year will be the best lights display yet,” continued Abbott. “We think families will build life-long memories with a trip to Batesville’s White River Wonderland.”

Learn more about the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™ at whiteriverwonderland.com or the White River Wonderland Facebook page.

Photo provided by Storyteller Images