Weekend options: It's all about the holidays

Experience a 19th-century holiday with decorated buildings and horse-drawn trolley rides. Mrs. Claus will be around to help children draft letters to Santa. Stroll through the village with a costumed guide and listen to traditional carols. (4-8 p.m. Fri.; 1-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $3-$5. Dakota City Heritage Village, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. www.dakotacity.org.)

Celebrate the fun and beauty of the holidays. The "Making Spirits Bright" events at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum highlight family togetherness, music and the serenity of winter beauty. This weekend features music by the Minnetonka Choral Society and a "Messiah" sing-along. Children can pose for a picture and visit with Santa and listen to holiday storytime. Dazzle your neighbors by learning about the latest decorating trends including ice decorating and natural ornaments. (10 a.m. Sat.-Sun. $12. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska. www.arboretum.umn.edu.)