The Wednesday before Thanksgiving each year, Burnsville's Heart of the City is set aglow during the community's Annual Winter Lighting Ceremony.
More than 200,000 mini lights, 230 streetlight snowflakes and a 30-foot-tall tree will come to life again this November, and all Burnsville residents and winter-lighting enthusiasts are invited to attend.
Residents and visitors are invited to attend the ceremony and stroll through the lights. The ceremony includes a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as entertainment by local school choirs.
Since 2009, Winter Lighting has used light-emitting diode (LED) lights - resulting in approximately 90% less energy use compared to traditional incandescent lights.
The Winter Lighting Ceremony is sponsored and paid for by the Burnsville Community Foundation through generous donations from area businesses and residents. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has raised more than $600,000 to make this event a cherished Burnsville tradition.
Minnesota state law requires that the three highest paid positions be posted annually for the City of Burnsville. Effective January 14, 2019: City Manager - $170,000; Police Chief - $148,963, and Fire Chief - $148,963.