Event · Community

Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano

When

Fri, Dec 18 · 10:00 AM–7:00 PMSelect days Dec 18–30, mission open 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; tree lighting 5 p.m.; Santa and carolers 3:30–6:30 p.m. (Santa through Dec 23)

Where

Mission San Juan Capistrano26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Check age guidance

Cost

Capistrano Lights ticket (includes same-day Mission admission); prices on ticketing site

Organizer

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 18 · Sat, Dec 19 · Sun, Dec 20 · Mon, Dec 21 · Tue, Dec 22 · Wed, Dec 23 · Sat, Dec 26 · Sun, Dec 27 · Tue, Dec 29 · Wed, Dec 30

Mission San Juan Capistrano, Orange County's only mission, hosts Capistrano Lights on ten days in late December. A ticket covers daytime admission to the mission (10 a.m.–7 p.m.) plus the evening holiday program: a Christmas tree lighting and music program at 5 p.m., Dickens-era carolers and selfies with Santa from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Santa leaves after December 23), a full-scale nativity in the ruins of the Great Stone Church from about 1806, and light features such as a lighted halo grove, a scented citrus garden and dancing swallows. New this year is a digital projection, The Story of the Mission: A Legacy of Builders, Faith & Time, at 6:05 p.m. Children will find kids' crafts and sweet treats; there are also community Christmas trees, family wreaths, prayer candles, a harpist in the Serra Chapel and an audio tour with a Night Before Christmas reading. The opening night is December 18.