Cookie records and naughty nutcrackers: Your weekend planning guide

Set a cookie decorating record or catch a not-so-G-rated version of "The Nutcracker."

From free events to family fun to adults-only, here's a roundup of events to get you out of the house — or not.

Free: Make history decorating cookies

The Pillsbury Doughboy turned 50 years young last month and is showing no signs of slowing down.

On Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., join Pillsbury for its cookie decorating party at the Mall of America. Between 2 and 3 p.m., Pillsbury will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for "Most Cookies/Biscuits Iced in an Hour."

Cookies, frosting and decorations will be provided.

For families: Driving through a winter wonderland

Take in more than 80 colorfully animated displays in the Sertoma Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd, all from the comfort of your own car.

Cost is $15 per vehicle or $50 for small buses and limos. Advance tickets are also available for $10.

A walking version of this driving tour is available this Sunday and next for $3 per person.

In St. Paul, see more than 60 holiday themed light displays on a driving path at Phalen Regional Park.

Tickets are $10 per vehicle, $15 per limo/passenger van or minibus, or $30 per coach bus. Cash only at the gate. Discounted tickets are available online for $8 per vehicle.

For adults: Naughty nutcrackers

Dozens of "Nutcracker" performances are playing across the state this month, but none are like "Visions of Sugarplums," a burlesque "Nutcracker," at The Ritz Theater in Minneapolis.

Join Nadine DuBois on a trip to the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy to "find out what really happens when the twinkling lights go out at night."

Tickets are $35.

Indoors: Lift up your heads and sing

Get ready to croon your heart out at the "Messiah Sing-Along" with the Minnesota Orchestra on Sunday.

You can sit with audience choristers and Minnesota Chorale members of the same voice part, within a mixed-part section or with friends and family.

If you do plan to go, the orchestra asks that you complete this one-question survey so that it can provide enough spaces for those who wish to sit in the singing sections.

Outdoors: Celebrating all things snowmobile

Sure, it's not exactly snowy around these parts of Minnesota right now, but that's not going to put a stop to SNOWfest in Wahkon, Minn.

Events include a vintage snowmobile show and a film festival featuring — you guessed it — snowmobile action films.