Enjoy the joy of the season in Burnsville with our detailed event guide. For those who know Burnsville well and those just getting acquainted, our guide is your festive roadmap.
Popular Events: Kick off your holiday celebration at the GLOW Holiday Festival, where enchanting light displays create a magical outdoor experience perfect for all ages. With artisan vendors and seasonal treats, the European Christmas Market offers a delightful atmosphere steeped in tradition. And the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, will bring the spirit of the holidays to life through its beautiful storytelling. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Burnsville
- A Christmas Carol (Minneapolis)
- GLOW Holiday Festival (Minneapolis)
- For KING + COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (Minneapolis)
- The Santa Experience (Bloomington)
- European Christmas Market (St. Paul)
- Hip Hop Nutcracker (Minneapolis)
- North Pole Express (Minneapolis)
- Magic of Lights (Eagan)
- Festival of Christmas (Arden Hills)
- Continental Ballet presents: The Nutcracker (Bloomington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Burnsville Holiday Light Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and unique shopping experience.
Description:
GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, new exhibits, a zip line, and a boutique shopping experience with local vendors.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: GLOW Holiday Festival
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with iconic characters and dinosaurs.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
Where: Eagan | More Info: Magic of Lights
Sever's Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display with festive food and drink vendors.
Description:
Sever's Holiday Lights features over 2.5 million synchronized lights set to holiday music, with festive food and drink vendors, and a variety of installations including a 3D gift box and translucent drum giants.
Where: Shakopee | More Info: Sever's Holiday Lights
Anoka Tree Lighting Celebration
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with horse-drawn trolley rides and Santa visits.
Description:
Join the Anoka Tree Lighting Celebration in historic downtown Anoka for a fun and family-friendly event featuring the lighting of the official City Christmas Tree. Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides, merry holiday music, and bonfires to keep you warm. Bring the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Santa Shack, and explore the unique shops in the Twin Cities.
Where: Anoka | More Info: Anoka Tree Lighting Celebration
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting with horse-drawn wagon rides and carolers.
Description:
The 50th & France Business Association Holiday Tree Lighting is a festive event featuring the lighting of a holiday tree, horse-drawn wagon rides, and holiday carolers. It is part of a day filled with fun events celebrating Small Business Saturday and the holiday season.
Where: Edina | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Miracle at Big Rock
What to Expect:
Extensive Christmas light display with diverse activities.
Description:
Miracle at Big Rock is a festive holiday event featuring over 17 million Christmas lights, food trucks, artisans, sledding, s'mores, fireworks, and crafted cocktails. Enjoy a walk-through or drive-through tour, shop local vendors, and take part in various activities like Santa photos and sledding.
Where: Big Rock | More Info: Miracle at Big Rock
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
What to Expect:
Largest free walk-through Christmas lighting display in the US.
Description:
Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a free walk-through Christmas lighting display featuring millions of lights, festive decorations, and holiday activities like roasting marshmallows and visiting Santa. The event celebrates the holiday season with family, community, and charitable giving.
Where: Duluth | More Info: Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Burnsville Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic traditional holiday market with over 70 vendors.
Description:
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul features over 70 vendors offering handmade European crafts, unique gifts, and European-style food. Enjoy live entertainment, a Holiday Train, and Carousel, along with kids' craft activities and festive performances.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: European Christmas Market
Burnsville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Santa Experience
What to Expect:
Private Santa visits with unique photo opportunities.
Description:
The Santa Experience in Bloomington, MN, offers unique in-person and virtual Santa visits with special photo opportunities and fun Christmas merchandise.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: The Santa Experience
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive and vintage railcar experience with Santa.
Description:
Join Friends 261 for a nostalgic holiday journey aboard the North Pole Express, featuring historic steam locomotives and vintage railcars. Enjoy a short train ride to the North Pole, where Santa will greet you and collect your letter. The event includes holiday treats, entertainment, and activities at St. Paul Union Depot.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: North Pole Express
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Classic tale of redemption through ghostly visitations.
Description:
A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge, is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, forcing him to confront his past, present, and potential future. This adaptation by Lavina Jadhwani stays faithful to Charles Dickens' novella, framing the classic tale as a ghost story.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Hip Hop Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Contemporary dance spectacle blending hip-hop and classical music.
Description:
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle that re-mixes and re-imagines the classic Nutcracker story with hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music. Directed by Jennifer Weber, this holiday event features a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. It transforms the traditional 19th-century German landscape into vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: Hip Hop Nutcracker
Continental Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance with precise technique and milder conflict.
Description:
The Continental Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday classic featuring Clara and her godfather Drosselmeyer's journey to the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy. This family-friendly production develops themes of generosity, non-violence, and responsibility through precise choreography and Tchaikovsky's iconic music.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Continental Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
For KING + COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas
What to Expect:
Grammy-winning duo performing festive holiday classics.
Description:
For KING + COUNTRY brings holiday cheer with their Drummer Boy Christmas Tour, featuring Grammy-winning duo Joel and Luke performing festive classics.
Where: Minneapolis | More Info: For KING + COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas
Festival of Christmas
What to Expect:
Diverse choral performances blending traditional and contemporary pieces.
Description:
The Bethel Choir, directed by Dr. Merrin Guice Gill, presents a concert featuring a wide range of choral literature, including traditional repertoire and newly composed pieces. The choir explores music from various cultures and regularly collaborates with orchestras. This event showcases the ensemble's high critical acclaim and diverse musical offerings.
Where: Arden Hills | More Info: Festival of Christmas
Love and Joy Come to You
What to Expect:
World-class collegiate musical performance with 500 student musicians.
Description:
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is a century-old tradition featuring over 500 student musicians from five choirs and the orchestra, led by five conductors. This musical celebration includes special events and concerts, showcasing the college's rich musical heritage.
Where: Northfield | More Info: Love and Joy Come to You
Tree Lighting & Movie Night
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with tree lighting, live music, and a classic movie.
Description:
Join Union Depot for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration and Movie Night. The event features the St. Paul Winter Carnival button reveal, a holiday performance by The Mistletones, free cider, photo ops, craft stations, and a light-up wand giveaway for kids. The tree lighting ceremony will be followed by a short fireworks display and a holiday sing-along. Guests will then move inside for a showing of the holiday favorite, Elf. Concessions will be available, including popcorn, and chairs will be provided for extra seating. The European Christmas Market on the East Plaza offers unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations, along with European-inspired food and drinks.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Tree Lighting & Movie Night
Burnsville Other Holiday Activities
Halloween Fest
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with an illuminated trick-or-treat trail.
Description:
Halloween Fest at Nicollet Commons Park features an illuminated trick-or-treat trail, music, and entertainment for all ages. Local businesses and organizations will hand out candy and trinkets, while a DJ and roaming entertainers keep the party going.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: Halloween Fest
Howl-O-Ween
What to Expect:
Fall-themed photo booth and costume contest with various prize categories.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular dog costume contest at Alimagnet Park, featuring prizes for the cutest, scariest, best group, and best overall costumes, along with a fall-themed photo booth.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: Howl-O-Ween
Faith & Blue
What to Expect:
Interactive community event with police officers.
Description:
Join the Burnsville Police Department for a Building Bridges to More Inclusive Communities event on October 11th. View police vehicles, visit with officers, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: Faith & Blue
Fire Department Open House
What to Expect:
Interactive fire and EMS safety demonstrations.
Description:
The Burnsville Fire Department is opening its doors for a look into how they keep our community safe. Explore the station, fire engines, and ambulances. Meet firefighters and paramedics, and see live safety demonstrations of fire and EMS operations.
Where: Burnsville | More Info: Fire Department Open House
Visits with Santa
What to Expect:
Personalized holiday interactions with Santa.
Description:
Meet Santa Claus at Blaine City Hall for a special visit, offering a chance to share holiday wishes and take memorable photos.
Where: Blaine | More Info: Visits with Santa
Santa's Train Shop
What to Expect:
Interactive train rides and festive activities.
Description:
Families can ring in the holiday season at Santa's Train Shop by greeting Santa as he arrives on the 10:30 AM train and then riding the first train. Once back at the Roundhouse, enjoy train rides, Christmas games, LEGO activities, and live music.
Where: St. Paul | More Info: Santa's Train Shop
Snowed In
What to Expect:
Interactive nature education activities with free rentals.
Description:
Embrace winter at the Winter Play Day Festival, featuring free mini-lessons, snow-making demonstrations, and interactive nature education activities. Enjoy free walk-up rentals for snowshoes, cross-country skis, and kicksleds. Explore the park, climb a snow mountain, and play in a quinzhee shelter. Warm up by bonfires and enjoy free roasted marshmallows. Connect with local community partners and enjoy fireside book readings, winter yoga, and live music.
Where: Bloomington | More Info: Snowed In
Lighting Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven activities with a mix of traditional and modern holiday events.
Description:
The Lighting Festival is a community-driven event featuring various activities such as s'mores, hot cocoa, and Christmas exhibits. It includes a Santa parade, face painting, and a medallion hunt with prizes. The event also includes craft fairs, wassail parties, and live music performances.
Where: Taylors Falls | More Info: Lighting Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Savage (3 miles)
- Apple Valley (4 miles)
- Bloomington (5 miles)
- Eagan (6 miles)
- Rosemount (8 miles)
- Richfield (8 miles)
- Prior Lake (8 miles)
- Lakeville (8 miles)
- Edina (9 miles)
- Farmington (11 miles)
- Eden Prairie (11 miles)
- Shakopee (12 miles)
- Inver Grove Heights (13 miles)
- Saint Louis Park (13 miles)
- Chanhassen (14 miles)
- Minnetonka Mills (14 miles)
- Minneapolis (15 miles)
- South Saint Paul (15 miles)
- Minnetonka (15 miles)
- Saint Paul (15 miles)
- Chaska (16 miles)
- Cottage Grove (17 miles)
- Golden Valley (17 miles)
- Roseville (18 miles)
- Crystal (19 miles)
- Maplewood (19 miles)
- Plymouth (19 miles)
- Woodbury (19 miles)
- New Hope (19 miles)
- Oakdale (20 miles)
- New Brighton (21 miles)
- Hastings (21 miles)
- Brooklyn Center (21 miles)
- Fridley (22 miles)
- Northfield (22 miles)
- Shoreview (22 miles)
- Maple Grove (23 miles)
- Coon Rapids (24 miles)
- White Bear Lake (26 miles)
- Blaine (27 miles)
- West Coon Rapids (27 miles)
- Lino Lakes (29 miles)
- Champlin (30 miles)
- Andover (32 miles)
- Faribault (33 miles)
- Ramsey (35 miles)
- Elk River (40 miles)