All ages
Welcome home, Campers!
The season’s campiest, quirkiest holiday tradition is returning to its original location — Stanley Marketplace — after a nearly sold-out run in 2019! Immerse yourself in a 15,000 square-foot, 360-degree kaleidoscope of yuletide cheer at this year’s Camp Christmas!
Handcrafted by Camp Director Lonnie Hanzon and his band of Denver-based magic makers, Camp Christmas is a dazzling dreamscape made just for you. It’s an invitation to come in from the cold and wrap yourself up in the ooey-gooey, eclectic rituals that have brought light to the darkness of winter for thousands of years.
At Camp, you can leave your worries behind, discover your holiday superpower, pay a visit to Santa, and savor craft cocktails from our Base Camp and Fairy Bars. You can wander through a surreal mashup of nostalgic scenes, scratch your head at playful pun trees, and, most importantly, reconnect with the joy of the season.
Camp Christmas is fun, fleeting, and just a little bit weird. It’s everything you love about the holidays all wrapped up into one enchanting experience. Round up everybody on your Nice List and come get your spirit on!
Ticket Calendar
Campgrounds are open Tues – Sun, Nov 16 – Dec 24 and Monday, Dec 18. Closed Thanksgiving, Nov 23.
Visits with Santa are available Thurs – Fri until 7pm and Sat – Sun from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. Additionally, visits with Santa will be available every day from Mon, Dec 18 – Fri, Dec 22 from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm!
VIP Camp Director Lonnie Experiences are available at 5:45pm on Tues – Thurs from Nov 17 – Dec 14, plus Mon, Dec 18.
VIP Camp Drag Queen Experiences are available at 6:45pm on Sun, Tues, and Wed, and at 7:45pm on Thurs – Sat.
november, 2023
Don’t take our word for it!
Get campy in one of four ways
The Classic Camp Christmas:
Our basic ticket offers fixed time entry to the wacky, wonderful world of Camp Christmas, with admission every 15 minutes. This year, we’re bringing back the popular flexible ticket option, for entry at any time on the date selected while our Campgrounds are open!
The Bonus Santa Experience:
Meet the man himself! For just $10 extra per ticket, kids (and kids at heart!) can visit Santa’s Glampsite to share their Christmas wishes. Visits with Santa are available on Thursdays and Fridays until 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. Additionally, visits with Santa will be available every day from Monday, December 18 – Friday, December 22 from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm!
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.
The VIP Camp Christmas Experience:
Add some extra sparkle to your experience with one of two guided VIP Camp Christmas Experiences! Packages include priority admission, a guided tour, a free drink, a swag bag, and access to a secret Camp location not available to the public.
OPTION 1 | VIP Camp Christmas – Camp Director Lonnie Experience
For the Artsy Camper!
Deep dive into the world of Camp Christmas with Camp Director (and creator!) Lonnie Hanzon. He’ll show you the ins and outs of Camp and explain how we make the magic every night. With Lonnie as your guide, you’ll savor every delicious detail of our immersive installations and walk away with the very best Camp experience.
OPTION 2 | VIP Camp Christmas – Camp Drag Queen Experience
For the Spirited Camper!
Enjoy the campiest, most boisterous Camp Christmas experience possible with an exclusive Drag Queen Tour led by some of Denver’s best. It’s a sure-fire way to shake up girls’ night, date night, or any night for that matter!
Get a taste of the holiday magic at Stanley Marketplace from Camp Christmas 2019!
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 5pm, you’ll be allowed entry between 5pm and 5:15pm.
- Camp Christmas entry times can sell 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 on-site box office.
- You may also buy at the at the on-site box office for a future day, subject to availability.
- Our flexible ticket option allows for entry at any time on the date selected while our Campgrounds are open!
Why 15-minute entries?
To give you the time and space to look at all the delicious details! Timed ticketing greatly reduces wait times and overcrowding.
Where is Camp Christmas? How do I get there?
Camp Christmas is heading back to its original home at Stanley Marketplace, located at 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010
- Stanley Marketplace is a community of 50+ independently owned Colorado businesses that offer a place for you to eat, drink, shop, exercise, play, work, and more. Learn more ➤
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
Does this event take place indoors or outdoors?
Mostly Indoors. Camp Christmas is moving back inside at Stanley Marketplace!
A portion of the experience, including visits with Santa, will lead you to our outdoor Funky Forest Frolic. We recommend keeping an outdoor layer with you so you can stay warm during this loop! Note that the outdoor loop is completely optional for all Campers without Santa tickets.
How long will a trip to Camp Christmas last?
There’s so much to explore at Camp Christmas! You’ll want to plan to visit for around 60-75 minutes and maybe even longer if visiting Santa. (Please note: A special Santa Visit ticket is required for all those young and young at heart electing to sit on his lap)
What can / can’t I bring with me?
There will be a small, self-serve coat rack at the beginning of the experience. Large bags and/or backpacks are not allowed inside the experience — 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.
Stroller parking is available. While the entire experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, we encourage you to leave your stroller in the stroller parking area to avoid over crowding and for a better experience for you and your fellow Campers.
All ages are welcome! Though children 2 and under receive free admission, everyone must have a ticket
What should I wear?
Come as you are! There is no dress code at Camp Christmas. But because a portion of the experience takes place outdoors, we do recommend bringing your winter layers with you!
How much walking should I expect?
The journey follows an accessible path of approximately 1,000 feet.
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 @stanleymarketplace | #StanleyMarketplace
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?
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! Drinks are available at two locations throughout the Campgrounds.
If you’re looking for a larger meal, we recommend arriving early or staying late to explore the numerous tasty options at Stanley Marketplace! LEARN MORE >
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. Trust us: it’s worth a perusal!
Are there restrooms available?
Yes! Restrooms are available within Stanley Marketplace before you enter the experience. Please note that there are no restrooms inside the Campgrounds, so make sure all Campers have used the restroom before you enter the experience!
Can I exit and re-enter?
No. Re-entry is not permitted.
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. Parents or guardians snapping a shot of the special moment do not need a Santa Visit ticket! No exceptions will be made and 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.
When will Santa be at Camp Christmas? Do I need to arrive at Santa’s Glampsite at the time listed on my ticket?
This year, $10 visits with Santa will be available at the following times:
- Thursdays and Fridays until 7pm.
- Santa tickets will be available for purchase until 7pm. Visits with Santa will close at 7:30pm.
- Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-1pm and again from 2-5pm.
- Santa tickets will be available for purchase from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Visits with Santa will close at 1:30pm and 5:30pm, respectively.
- Santa will be at Camp every weekday during the week leading up to Christmas (Monday, December 18 – Friday, December 22) from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm.
- Santa tickets will be available for purchase from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Visits with Santa will close at 1:30pm and 5:30pm, respectively.
If you are visiting with Santa, enter Camp Christmas at the time indicated on your ticket. Santa’s Glampsite will be outside on the Funky Forest Frolic about halfway through the experience. Please get in line when you’ve arrived; our Camp Counselors will be there to assist!
Why does visiting Santa require a special ticket?
Camp Christmas can accommodate over 250 Campers per hour. While he is a magical person, Santa is still just one person, and he is unable to visit with 250 people an hour. 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. At certain times, Santa also speaks Spanish and communicates in American Sign Language.
- 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:
- Sat, Nov 18 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 7 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 14 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sat, Dec 16 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Mon, Dec 18 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Tues, Dec 19 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Wed, Dec 20 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 21 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Fri, Dec 22 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Habla con Santa en español:
- Jueves, 16 de nov de 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Viernes, 17 de nov de 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Viernes, 24 de nov de 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Domingo, 26 de nov de 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Jueves, 30 de nov de 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sábado, 2 de dic de 2:00pm – 5:00pm
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?
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 noreply@tix.denvercenter.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. Because Camp Christmas can entertain hundreds of people per hour, in most cases, an exclusive private buy-out will not be possible.
VIP Camp Christmas Experiences are also available that include priority admission, a guided tour, a free drink, a swag bag, and access to a secret Camp location not available to the public! Interested in a private tour experience? Contact our Group Sales team to learn more: 303.446.4829.
What discounts are available?
Camp Christmas ticket prices vary based on date and availability. This holiday season, we’re offering three ways to enter our Campgrounds:
- Lowest price = Basic Camp Christmas tickets (fixed time entry only) range from $12 – $24.
- Most flexible = Flexible Camp Christmas tickets (flexible time entry) range from $17 – $29.
- Most exclusive = VIP Camp Christmas Experience tickets (priority admission, a guided tour, a free drink, a swag bag, and access to a secret Camp location not available to the public) range from $62 – $74.
We offer the following Camp discount opportunities:
- Select the Basic Camp Christmas ticket option and join us from Nov 16 through 26 when tickets are $12 – $14 and save up to 50%
- Choose a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Weeknight tickets are priced lower than weekend tickets.
- Choose a time between 1pm – 3:45pm on Saturday and Sunday. Off-peak weekend hours are priced lower than all other weekend times.
- Free for children 2 and younger
- Everyone needs a ticket! Free tickets for kids aged 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 $5 tickets for select days and times. Learn more ➤
- Become a DCPA 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 is back indoors at Stanley Marketplace this season, so we do not anticipate any weather-related closures! While a short portion of the experience takes place outdoors (including visits with Santa), the Funky Forest Frolic is optional and can be skipped if preferred. In the case of severe weather, we will redirect Santa visits to an indoor location.
About Mobility, Accessibility, and Language
Camp Christmas is designed for you to explore and wander.
- There will be limited seating throughout the Campgrounds but you will be required to move through it in order to to experience all areas.
- Camp Christmas and Stanley Marketplace are wheelchair accessible.
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.
- There will be 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 will be available at a later date.
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.
For Campers interested in visiting Santa’s Glampsite, Santa will be fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language at certain times.
- 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:
- Sat, Nov 18 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 7 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 14 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sat, Dec 16 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Mon, Dec 18 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Tues, Dec 19 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Wed, Dec 20 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 21 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Fri, Dec 22 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Tues, Dec 19 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Wed, Dec 20 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Thurs, Dec 21 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Fri, Dec 22 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Habla con Santa en español:
- Jueves, 16 de nov de 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Viernes, 17 de nov de 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Viernes, 24 de nov de 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Domingo, 26 de nov de 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Jueves, 30 de nov de 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sábado, 2 de dic de 2:00pm – 5:00pm
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.
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.
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