Things to Do in Denver This Weekend (Dec. 7-9): Cat Convention, Breakfast With Santa, and More!

From holiday parties to lights festivals to ugly sweater contests, here's what's happening in Denver this weekend.

Friday, December 7

When: Nov. 16 – Dec. 23

Where: 1515 Arapahoe St.

Experience German and European holiday traditions during this annual Denver event. Eat authentic food and festive drinks, enjoy live entertainment, and shop a wide selection of gifts. Admission is free.

When: Nov. 10 – Dec. 23

Where: Colorado Railroad Museum

Experience a theatrical recreation of the classic children’s story. Dancing waiters serve cookies and hot cocoa as the story unfolds. (Read more about winter train experiences.)

When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31

Where: Hudson Gardens and Event Center

See a winter wonderland of outdoor lights at Hudson Gardens. You can even get a photo in Santa’s sleigh while sipping hot cider or cocoa.

When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 1

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens

See the extravagant annual holiday light show at Denver Botanic Gardens, which features an interactive light display and entertainment on select evenings.

When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 24

Where: Stage Theatre

See this musical interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel come to life on stage.

When: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24

Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House

See The Colorado Ballet’s 58th performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. (Read more about The Nutcracker.)

Courtesy of Facebook

When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31

Where: Water World

Drive through this spectacular lights festival synchronized to holiday music on your radio at Water World.

When: Dec. 7, 9 p.m.

Where: Hi-Dive

Hear the hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s at this monthly dance party. Admission is $5.

When: Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m.

Where: History Colorado Center

Enjoy some cookies, hot cocoa, and a cozy heated bus ride through Denver's neighborhoods, where you can see Christmas lights and hear holiday stories.

When: Monthly

Where: Denver's Art District on Santa Fe

See hundreds of artists along with live entertainment, food, and beverages.

When: Dec. 7-9

Where: RiNo Art District

This weekend-long holiday party brings together local artists and makers, food and beverages, and music. There will also be fashion trucks, fire pits, and more. This event is family and dog-friendly. Admission is free for the first two hours and $5 thereafter, or you can submit your email address online to get a free ticket.

When: Nov. 30 – Jan. 6

Where: Denver Zoo

Back for its 28th year, this lights festival typically sells out on most nights. The light show covers 60 acres and features animated animal sculptures, animal encounters, and entertainment.

When: Nov. 23 – Jan. 6

Where: Denver International Airport

Looking to kill some time before your flight? Go ice skating at the DEN Plaza, completely for free!

When: Dec. 7-8

Where: Paramount Theatre

See this spectacular ballet with hand-painted sets and nesting dolls to get into the holiday spirit.

Saturday, December 8

Courtesy of Facebook

When: Dec. 8-9

Where: EXDO Event Center

This two-day cat celebration brings together music, art, and pop culture and features celebri-cat appearances. Denver Cat Company provides a lounge experience where you can adopt a kitten, you'll be able to shop unique cat brands, and there will even be cat-themed cocktails. (Read more about the Snowcats Cat Convention.)

When: Dec. 8, 11 a.m.

Where: 3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood

Don your ugliest holiday sweater and participate in this 5k walk/run and fundraising party, which will feature live music, seasonal brews, and a sweater contest.

When: Dec. 8-9

Where: Downtown Denver Aquarium

If you attend this breakfast buffet, you just might catch Santa swimming with the fishes.

Sunday, December 9

When: Dec. 9

Where: Denver Botanic Gardens

Learn about the cacao bean and make your own chocolate from scratch!

When: Dec. 9

Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for free all day on December 9!

What special events do you plan to check out this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.