All ages
Denver’s Quirkiest Holiday Tradition Returns!
We’re back, Campers! Denver’s campiest, quirkiest holiday adventure is returning to Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park in 2022. Explore a six-acre winter wonderland and rekindle your sense of yuletide cheer at Camp Christmas!
With a classic carousel, hot cocoa, visits with Santa, and sweet treats on hand every night, kids from one to 92 are guaranteed to have a jolly old time. Campers will find themselves wandering through the elaborate campgrounds complete with craft cocktails at one (or all) of our three themed bars, shimmering light displays, and immersive exhibits that will fill your head with visions of Christmases past.
Handcrafted by Camp Director Lonnie Hanzon and his band of local magic makers, Camp Christmas is a dazzling dreamscape made just for you. It’s an invitation to leave your worries behind and lean in to the joy of the season. It’s an opportunity to remember, reconnect, and recharge. It’s 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 the whole family (or your chosen family) and join the celebration!
“Camp Christmas feels like a present itself. It’s whacky & warm, gooey but sophisticated, retro & very real.”
– The Denver Post
“Camp Christmas is all of the over-the-top Christmas schmaltz you need, and somehow more.”
–The Aurora Sentinel
The “highlight of the holiday season. A must-see for all ages!”
–5280
Hanzon Studios and DCPA Off-Center Present
Camp Christmas
Created By Lonnie Hanzon
Location: Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park
801 South Yarrow Street, Lakewood, CO 80226
Premiere Sponsors:
Spotlight Sponsor:
ADVISORY: Twinkling and flashing light effects (non-strobe), as well as black light and lasers.
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 also offering a 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 every day until 7pm.
To view available Santa Experience tickets, scroll up to the ticket calendar and select Admission + Santa or Flex Admission + Santa under the Type dropdown menu.
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.
NEW! The VIP Camp Christmas Experience:
Add some extra sparkle to your experience with one of two new, 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!
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.
- This year, we’re also offering a NEW flexible ticket option, for entry at any time on the date selected while our Campgrounds are open! Check out our ticketing calendar for more info.
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 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 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 available.
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 outdoors. Camp Christmas sits on approximately six acres at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Bundle up and be prepared to be outside for most 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.
Indoor restrooms are available before you enter Camp at the Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Visitors’ Center. Outdoor portable toilets are also available near the Barn bar.
How long will a trip to Camp Christmas last?
Camp Christmas is big! You’ll want to plan to visit for around 60-90 minutes and maybe even longer if visiting Santa. (Please note: A special Santa Visit ticket is required — see ticketing calendar for date options!)
Please note closing times on our ticketing calendar.
All Campers will be asked to exit at that time, regardless of the time of arrival.
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 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.
All ages are welcome! Though children 2 and under receive free admission, everyone must have a ticket
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?
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 three locations throughout the Campgrounds. While we aim to have one food truck present nightly, please check our schedule below to confirm!
Please note: Due to the delicate nature of our indoor Camp displays and the historic buildings themselves, food and beverages are not allowed indoors.
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! Restrooms are available throughout the Campgrounds. 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. 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. 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.
- Use the ticketing calendar above to choose a day.
- Select your preferred Camp Christmas ticket – Basic Camp Christmas (fixed entry) or Flexible Camp Christmas – and select the time you would like to enter. Click BUY.
- If you select a Flexible Camp Christmas ticket, you may enter Camp Christmas at any time on the day you selected while our Campgrounds are open!
- The next page will ask whether you’d like to Upgrade to a VIP Experience. Click “Close”.
- You will now see your admission ticket options, each with a drop-down menu to select how many tickets you want. Children 2 and younger receive free admission but must still have a ticket!
- Once you’ve selected your number of Camp Christmas tickets, click ADD TO CART
- At this point, you’ll be prompted to log in or create a new account before continuing with your purchase.
- The next page will ask whether you’d like to Add a Visit for an additional $10.
- Click SELECT and then add a Santa Ticket to your cart for every person in your party – no matter the age! – who will be having a conversation with Santa! While they do receive free admission to our Campgrounds, those under 2 wishing to visit with Santa will also require a Santa ticket.
- Those simply observing the meeting with glee do not require a Santa ticket; your Flexible Camp Christmas ticket will do!
- 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?
This year, visits with Santa will take place every day that Camp Christmas is open! $10 Santa tickets are available for purchase until 7pm each night and visits with the man himself will end at 7:30pm.
Enter Camp Christmas at the time indicated on your ticket. Santa’s Glampsite will be at the front of the experience, just after you’ve made your way through the Camp Christmas welcome gates. 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 is large and can accommodate over 700 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 700 people an hour. We therefore need to limit the number in order to ensure that each Santa visit is personal and special.
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 19
- Tues, Nov 29
- Wed Dec 7
- Wed, Dec 14
- Thurs, Dec 15
- Thurs, Dec 22
- Habla con Santa en español:
- Martes, Nov 22
- Miércoles, Nov 23
- Jueves, Dic 1
- Viernes, Dic 2
- Viernes, Dic 9
- Sábado, Dic 10
- Viernes, Dic 16
- Sábado, Dic 17
- Miércoles, Dic 21
- Viernes, Dic 23
- 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
- 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 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, 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.
NEW in 2022: we’re now offering NEW VIP Camp Christmas Experiences this season 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?
Ticket prices vary based on date and availability, from $8 – $25.
- 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 $15 – $30.
- Best experience = 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 $52 – $64.
We offer the following Camp discount opportunities:
- Select the Basic Camp Christmas ticket option and come in the first week (Nov 17 – 20) when tickets are $12 – $14 and save up to 50%
- Choose a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Weeknight tickets are priced lower than weekend tickets
- 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 $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. If we do experience extreme/severe weather (wind, cold, snow), we will need to close Camp in the interest of everyone’s safety. Otherwise, Camp will remain open, and we encourage you to bundle up and enjoy!
If an advance decision to close is made based on weather forecasts, 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 Campgrounds but you will be required to move through it in order to to experience all areas.
- Camp Christmas and Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park 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. 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.
- 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 19
- Tues, Nov 29
- Wed Dec 7
- Wed, Dec 14
- Thurs, Dec 15
- Thurs, Dec 22
- Habla con Santa en español:
- Martes, Nov 22
- Miércoles, Nov 23
- Jueves, Dic 1
- Viernes, Dic 2
- Viernes, Dic 9
- Sábado, Dic 10
- Viernes, Dic 16
- Sábado, Dic 17
- Miércoles, Dic 21
- Viernes, Dic 23
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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