Nov 17 – Dec 24, 2022 Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park MAP
All ages
“Camp Christmas feels like a present itself, from Lakewood to its neighbors, from quirky Lonnie Hanzon to all of Colorado. It’s whacky and warm, gooey but sophisticated, retro and very real.”
– The Denver Post
“The most ‘extra’ Christmas event in town… magical.”
–303 Magazine
The “highlight of the holiday season. A must-see for all ages.”
–5280
The season’s Camp-iest and most over-the-top holiday extravaganza is back! Journey through artist Lonnie Hanzon’s fantastical wonderland of lights, dazzling decorations, music, and memorabilia as you explore mesmerizing yuletide scenes spread across a six-acre landscape.
Most importantly, Camp Christmas is an opportunity to rediscover (and reimagine!) the holiday spirit and connect with people you love.
Visit Santa’s Glampsite and share your Christmas wishes with the man himself.
Sip seasonal cocktails and craft hot cocoa as you discover jolly jokes at our 23 pun trees, collect virtual Merry Badges, and enjoy our free Audio Tour.
Snag the perfect holiday photo (or ten!) as you immerse yourself in extraordinary holiday installations, located within and around authentic historic buildings from Denver’s past. Before you leave, take a carefree spin on the Camp Carousel! Rides are free with the purchase of a ticket.
Most importantly, Camp Christmas is an opportunity to rediscover (and reimagine!) the holiday spirit and connect with people you love.
Get a taste of the holiday magic!
See you at Camp!
Camp Christmas takes place at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park (801 S Yarrow St, Lakewood, CO 80226). The experience is primarily outdoors, with several opportunities to visit decked-out indoor displays (and warm up!) throughout.
JOIN IN THE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA, INCLUDING:
New! Companion Digital Field Guide & Audio Tour
When you arrive at Camp Christmas, use our mobile-friendly Digital Field Guide to enhance your Camp experience:
- Navigate the Camp grounds and learn about what you see
- Listen to an audio tour and get the inside scoop from Camp Director and Creator Lonnie Hanzon
- Earn digital Merry Badges as you journey through Camp. Collect all virtual badges to earn an exclusive Camp Christmas honor.
- Discover the pun trees throughout the grounds — guess the pun, and find out the answer before you leave if you’re stumped!
- If you are looking to minimize your sensory experience while at Camp, view our Sensory Guide for detailed information and suggestions.
Safe! Visit with Santa
For an additional $10, buy a ticket for your child (or child at heart!) to have a socially-distanced, outdoor visit with a fully-vaccinated Santa at his Glampsite.
Visits with Santa are available every Saturday & Sunday from Nov 20 – Dec 19, plus Friday, Nov 26, and Monday – Friday December 20 – 24. Camp Christmas values inclusivity and diversity. In this spirit, we will have a range of Santas representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Santa speaks several languages: At all times, Santa speaks English. In addition, Santa will be fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language during select times.
Please see Santa Visit FAQs below for more details.
Yum! Sip, snack and stroll
Grab a light meal or enjoy a variety of sweet and savory snacks at three locations throughout Camp Christmas. And don’t miss the delicious drinks — whether you’re treating your kiddos to a gourmet hot cocoa from the Sweetsville Diner or sipping on a frosty cocktail from Base Camp or Fairy Bar, refreshments are available throughout the grounds and can be enjoyed as you journey through Camp. View our menu before you head to Camp. Plus, we are thrilled to be hosting a local food truck option most evenings – serving up hot food to keep you warm!
¡Vamos! Experiencia en español
En el Campamento de Navidad, valoramos la inclusividad. Toda la señalización del Campamento estará disponible en inglés y en español, al igual que la experiencia de audio guía de los narradores. Nuestra Guía Digital del Campo (página web de actividades para móviles) tendrá una función de interpretación. Del mismo modo, puede utilizar el botón de “TRADUCIR” o “TRANSLATE” en la barra azul de la parte superior de la página para traducir esta página web al español.
Free! Visits to the Camp History Museum
The Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Visitor Center will house the first of Camp Christmas’s dazzling displays, free and open to the public during all Camp Christmas operating hours (see ticketing calendar above for specific days). Tickets are not required — stop on in and get a taste of the glorious fun!
Come Early or Stay Late!
Our Lakewood neighbors are getting into the Camp Christmas spirit – show your ticket at 35 local restaurants, shops and businesses for special Lakewood discounts outlined here now through January 2, 2022.
CAMP FAQs
Entrance & Arrival Info
How do timed tickets work? Do I have to buy in advance?
Entry to Camp Christmas is in 15-minute increments. For example, if your ticket is for 3pm, you’ll be allowed entry between 3pm and 3:15pm.
- In 2019, many entry times for Camp Christmas sold out, especially on weekends and school holidays. We highly encourage purchasing tickets in advance.
- If they are not sold out, tickets will be available for purchase at the gate.
- You may also buy at the gate for a future day, subject to availability.
For the most up-to-date schedule, please see our ticketing calendar above.
- Schedule is subject to change.
Why 15-minute entries? To give you the time and space to look at all of the delicious details! Timed ticketing greatly reduces wait times and overcrowding.
Where is Camp Christmas? How do I get there?
New location! In 2021, Camp Christmas will take place at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, located at 801 S Yarrow St, Lakewood, CO 80226.
- This unique park is home to 15 historic buildings, exhibitions, and festivals. Learn more ➤
RTD
- The RTD 11, 14 & 76 bus lines all stop at S. Wadsworth Blvd. & Ohio Ave., approximately a 3-minute walk. The 76 bus connects to the W light rail line at Lakewood-Wadsworth station
- The RTD 1, 3, & 9 bus lines stop at W. Virginia Ave & S. Wadsworth Blvd., approximately a 7-minute walk
Car
- There is plenty of free parking around Camp Christmas. In addition to the main Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park lot and free street parking along South Yarrow Street, there will be overflow parking on nights and weekends in the two Irongate Executive Plaza parking lots to the north of the grounds. Please review our parking map and look for event parking signs when you arrive.
What if I am running late?
Late entry is at the discretion of Camp Christmas staff. Our team will do its very best but late entry is not guaranteed.
About the Experience
How do I use the Digital Field Guide and access the audio tour?
All Campers are invited and encouraged to enhance their experience by using our free, mobile-friendly Camp Christmas Digital Field Guide.
You will receive a reminder email prior to your visit to Camp Christmas, including a link to the Guide. Feel free to check it out here in advance, but preparation is not required!
When you arrive at Camp Christmas, a Camp counselor will show you how to open the Field Guide on your phone and use it to navigate the grounds, listen to the audio guide, and collect Merry Badges as you go.
Experiencia en español: La Guía Digital del Campo tendrá una función que le permitirá traducir el sitio al español. Además, todos los clips de audio de las historias estarán disponibles en español.
Does this event take place indoors or outdoors?
Mostly outdoors. Camp Christmas sits on approximately six acres at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Bundle up and be prepared to be outside for the majority of your experience.
The Park is also home to unique historic structures, several of which will be decked out on the inside for Camp Christmas, giving you the opportunity to pop indoors to take in a dazzling display and to warm up. You can easily skip the indoor experiences if you would prefer to remain outside the entire time.
The Base Camp bar will be outdoors, while the Fairy Bar will be indoors. Indoor restrooms are available before you enter Camp at the Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Visitors’ Center.
How long will a trip to Camp Christmas last?
Camp Christmas is big! With mesmerizing light displays, gobs of over-the-top decorated buildings and installations, plus a free audio tour experience, you’ll want to plan to visit for around 60 – 90 minutes and longer if you will be visiting Santa. (Please note: A special Santa Visit ticket is required — see ticketing calendar for date options.)
- As with all self-guided exhibits, some people will finish sooner and others will take longer.
Please note closing times on our ticketing calendar. All Campers will be asked to exit at that time, regardless of what time they entered Camp Christmas.
What can / can’t I bring with me?
There is no coat check nor locker / cloakroom. Please be prepared to carry all of the belongings you bring. Large bags and/or backpacks are not allowed inside the historic building installations — we recommend leaving items like these at home.
You can bring in a water bottle. Any other outside food and drink will not be permitted.
Pets are not allowed inside Camp Christmas. Per Colorado law, service animals (dogs) individually trained to perform a task for the benefit of an individual with a disability are allowed inside.
Strollers are allowed.
What should I wear?
Because most of Camp Christmas takes place outdoors, please come prepared for the weather conditions. We recommend bringing extra layers to keep warm, especially at night. Wear shoes with good traction, as some of the pathways are dirt and gravel.
How much walking should I expect?
The journey is approximately a half mile along well-maintained, accessible paths.
Can I take photos?
Yes please! Don’t forget to tag us and use our hashtag #CampChristmas
- Created by @lonnie.hanzon
- Produced by @denvercenter | #DCPAToday
- Located at @heritagelakewood | #HeritageLakewood
Please note: photos are permitted for personal use only. The exhibition or sale of any Camp Christmas photos is prohibited. You may bring in a professional camera or a professional photographer to capture your personal photos; everyone must have a ticket.
I’m bringing kids with me. What do I need to know?
It’s open during the day and on weekends and is amazingly fun, so Camp Christmas is perfect for families! Here are some helpful tips to plan ahead:
- Everyone, regardless of age, needs a ticket.
- Kids can’t come on their own. Anyone under 14 will need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
- Children 2 & younger are free. Please use the “Children 2 & Under” option when buying to book tickets for little ones, including babes in arms.
- Strollers are permitted.
- Some installation items are delicate, so please don’t touch anything unless otherwise instructed to do so.
Are there concessions available?
Yes! Food and drinks are available at three locations throughout the Camp grounds: Base Camp, the Sweetsville Diner, Fairy Bar. Peruse our food and drink menu in advance of your visit here. All food and beverages are provided by our incredible partners, Peak Beverage.
- There is not a full restaurant on-site — if you’re looking for a larger meal, we recommend dining before or after your visit. Show your ticket at 35 local Lakewood restaurants, shops and businesses for discounts now through January 2, 2022 outlined here.
Please note: Due to the delicate nature of our indoor Camp displays and the historic buildings themselves, food and beverages are not allowed indoors except at the Fairy Bar in the Lodge.
What about merchandise?
Oh yeah! The Camp Christmas Gift Shop is the perfect place to find unique gifts designed by Camp Director Lonnie so you can share the magic of Camp with friends and family.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes! Indoor restrooms are available throughout the grounds. The Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Visitor Center has the largest and nicest restroom facilities, so we strongly encourage you and your group to use those prior to entering Camp Christmas.
Can I exit and re-enter?
No.
The Denver Center is known for theatrical productions. Is Camp Christmas a play? Is it religious?
Camp Christmas is not a play and it is not religious. It is a wholly unique and completely secular immersive artistic experience.
Camp Christmas is intended to celebrate the ways we celebrate. It does not have nativity scenes, angels or other religious iconography. It does include trees, ornaments, animals and tons of other adornments, lights, and over-the-top festive elements.
Visiting Santa
How do I buy a ticket to visit Santa?
Visits with Santa are strictly limited and require purchasing a Santa Visit ticket.
Every child (or child at heart) who will be visiting with Santa needs a Santa Visit ticket. No exceptions will be made Santa visit tickets cannot be shared.
Visits with Santa are an additional $10. Photographing or otherwise observing a visit with Santa does not incur an additional charge.
- Use the ticketing calendar above to choose a day when Santa will be at Camp Christmas.
- Select the time you would like to enter Camp Christmas and click BUY (this is the time you will enter the grounds, not the time you will see Santa. See FAQ below for more details.)
- The next page will show you two Price Zone options. Choose “Camp Christmas Admission + Visit with Santa”
- You will now see 4 ticket type options, each with a drop-down menu to select how many tickets you want:
- Camp Christmas Admission + Santa Visit — Select this option for each child age 3+ (or child at heart!) who will be having a conversation with Santa.
- Camp Christmas Admission + Santa Observer — Select this option for each adult or child age 3+ who will NOT be visiting with Santa. As a “Santa Observer,” you may wait in line with your child, watch your child’s visit with Santa, and take photos and videos. At least one member of your party must visit with Santa to select this option; otherwise, please select tickets within price zone 1 “Camp Christmas Admission.”
- Child 2 & Younger + Santa Visit — Choose this option for children ages 2 or younger who will be visiting with Santa.
- Child 2 & Under – NOT Visiting Santa — Everyone needs a ticket, even babes in arms. Select this option for any children age 2 or younger who will NOT be visiting with Santa.
- Continue the prompts to complete your purchase
When will Santa be at Camp Christmas? Do I need to arrive at Santa’s Glampsite at the time listed on my ticket?
Visits with Santa will take place on the following 16 days. The times listed below indicate when you can purchase a ticket to ENTER Camp Christmas. Your party is not expected to arrive at Santa’s Glampsite at this time.
Enter Camp Christmas at the time on your ticket and make your way through the experience at your leisure. When you arrive at Santa’s Glampsite, please get in line and your visit will take place when it is your turn.
- Sat, Nov 20 from 12pm – 3:45pm
- Sun, Nov 21 from 12pm – 3:45pm
- Fri, Nov 26 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sat, Nov 27 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sun, Nov 28 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sat, Dec 4 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sun, Dec 5 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sat, Dec 11 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sun, Dec 12 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sat, Dec 18 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Sun, Dec 19 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Mon, Dec 20 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Tue, Dec 21 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Wed, Dec 22 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Thur, Dec 23 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Fri, Dec 24 from 10am – 4:15pm
- Please note: this list will not be updated if and when tickets for visits with Santa sell out. For up-to-date Santa availability, please view the ticketing links above.
Why does visiting Santa require a special ticket?
Camp Christmas is large, and can accommodate over 600 Campers per hour on the six acre grounds. While he is a magical person, Santa is still just one person and he is unable to visit with 600 people an hour. In order to create a positive Santa experience, we therefore need to limit the number of Santa visits.
What does Santa look like?
Camp Christmas values inclusivity and diversity. In this spirit, we will have a range of Santas representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds. If you would like to request a visit with a specific Santa, please contact our box office at 303.893.4100.
In what languages does Santa communicate?
At all times, Santa speaks English.
Habla con Santa en español:
- Fri, Nov 26 de 10am a 11:15am
Sat, Nov 27 de 10am a 11:15am
Sun, Nov 28 de 10am a 11:15am
Sat, Dec 4 de 10am a 11:15am
Sat, Dec 11 de 10am a 11:15am
Sat, Dec 18 de 10am a 11:15am
Sun, Dec 19 de 10am a 11:15am
Mon, Dec 20 de 10am a 11:15am
Fri, Dec 24 de 10am a 11:15am
ASL fluent Santa will be able to visit with those who communicate using American Sign Language during select dates/times. Please purchase “Santa Visit” tickets within these windows:
- Sun, Dec 5 from 2:30pm – 4:15pm
Mon, Dec 20 from 12pm – 1:15pm
Tue, Dec 21 from 10am – 11:15am
Thur, Dec 23 from 10am – 11:15am.
What are Santa’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols?
Santa’s first priority is your safety! Visits with Santa will operate as follows:
- Visits with Santa will take place outdoors in Santa’s Glampsite
- All visits will be socially distanced. Children will sit 6 feet from Santa.
- Our incredible creative team will create a fantastical environment to help you get a safe, magical Christmas photo.
- All Santas will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Are photos with Santa included? Do you sell professional photographs?
A Camp Counselor will be available to take your family photo with Santa with your phone or camera. We do not have a professional photographer and do not sell photos with Santa.
Please note: photos are permitted for personal use only. The exhibition or sale of any Camp Christmas photos is prohibited. You may bring in a professional camera or a professional photographer to capture your personal photos; everyone must have a ticket.
Ticketing Details
Can I bring a large group?
At Camp Christmas, the more the merrier! You may purchase up to 9 tickets online. For groups of 10+, contact our Group Sales team for help in finding the right day and time for you. Groups of 10+ enjoy reduced service fees.
Where are my tickets?
For a contactless experience, all Camp Christmas tickets purchased in advance are digital. Upon completing your order, you should have received a confirmation email with your tickets attached as a PDF from DO_NOT_REPLY_boxoffice@dcpa.org. If you did not receive this email, please first check your spam/junk folder. Then, contact the DCPA box office to troubleshoot your order.
Can I host an event?
Yes! We would be thrilled to welcome your large group and our Off-Center team can help curate a full experience including tickets, food and beverage, and a private event space. Because Camp Christmas can entertain hundreds of people per hour, in most cases, an exclusive private buy-out will not be possible.
What discounts are available?
Ticket prices vary based on date and availability, from $8 – $25.
We offer the following Camp discount opportunities:
- Come in the first week (Nov 18 – 21) when tickets are $8 – $12
- Choose a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Weeknight tickets are $15 from Nov 18 – Dec 9, and after Christmas from Dec 28 – 30
- Come in the daytime when tickets are up to $5 less than evenings
- Free for Kids Age 2 & Younger
- Everyone needs a ticket. Free children’s tickets for kids age 2 and younger can be booked online. Please read our FAQ for more tips about bringing kids!
- DCPAccess — Camp Christmas will be a part of DCPA’s access program, offering $10 tickets for select days and times. Learn more ➤
- Become a Subscriber or 30 & Under Radvantage Member to save on Camp Christmas, and nearly every show at DCPA! Learn more ➤
Will Camp Christmas close in bad weather?
Camp Christmas was designed and built as an outdoor activity, and is most photogenic and magical when it snows. We plan to follow the City of Lakewood and will close Camp if the City closes down due to severe weather. Otherwise, Camp will remain open and we encourage you to bundle up and enjoy!
While we do not anticipate weather-related closures, if an advance decision to close is made, all patrons will be notified by email with information regarding their ticketing options.
About mobility, accessibility, and language
Camp Christmas is designed for you to explore and wander.
- There will be limited seating throughout the grounds, but moving through it will be required to experience all areas.
- Camp Christmas and Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park are wheelchair accessible.
- Because many of the structures are historic buildings, there may be moments when a building has a separate accessible entrance and/or exit.
Camp Christmas is a fantastic, primarily visual experience.
- Camp Christmas features twinkling, blinking and flashing light effects (non-strobe), as well as black light and lasers. A light show will be presented in the barnyard.
- There will be some holiday music playing but there are no audio cues that are necessary to understand the experience.
- A sighted guide will be available on request with a two week notice. Email accessibility@dcpa.org to request.
- A sensory guide with detailed information and suggestions for ways to minimize your sensory experience can be found here.
We welcome patrons of all languages and language abilities.
While there will be some materials and signage written in English and Spanish, reading or understanding English/Spanish are not required to enjoy this experience.
- A written transcript of the Audio Tour components will be available within the mobile-friendly Digital Field Guide website.
- ASL fluent Santa will be able to visit with those who communicate using American Sign Language during select dates/times. Please purchase “Santa Visit” tickets within these windows:
- Sun, Dec 5 from 2:30pm – 4:15pm
- Mon, Dec 20 from 12pm – 1:15pm
- Tue, Dec 21 from 10am – 11:15am
- Thur, Dec 23 from 10am – 11:15am
- Habla con Santa en español:
- Fri, Nov 26 de 10am a 11:15am
- Sat, Nov 27 de 10am a 11:15am
- Sun, Nov 28 de 10am a 11:15am
- Sat, Dec 4 de 10am a 11:15am
- Sat, Dec 11 de 10am a 11:15am
- Sat, Dec 18 de 10am a 11:15am
- Sun, Dec 19 de 10am a 11:15am
- Mon, Dec 20 de 10am a 11:15am
- Fri, Dec 24 de 10am a 11:15am
Other questions?
For more details about exchanges or other ticketing questions, please view the Denver Center’s ticketing terms and conditions. You may also contact the DCPA box office to speak to one of our agents.
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