Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission. Join us on select days from December 19, 2025 through December 30, 2025 for daytime admission to the Mission and an evening of holiday programming and fun. Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights returns this December with tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, light features including a lighted halo grove, scented citrus grove and more – all are included with any Capistrano Lights ticket which also includes same day admission to the Mission.
The tradition also brings back Community Christmas Trees, Family Wreaths, and a harpist in the Serra Chapel. The Capistrano Lights audio tour will also be available throughout the entire month of December so guests can enjoy hearing the Gospel and the Night Before Christmas reading while learning more about Capistrano Lights evening offerings.
TICKET SALES FINAL
Ticket sales are final. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It requires immense effort and administration to process ticket orders. We are unable to accommodate refunds or exchanges. Thank you for your understanding.
EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
Should there be conditions related to weather, rain, emergency or other conditions beyond control of Mission staff that should necessitate cancellation of the event, tickets will not be refunded. Please consider the cost of your tickets a charitable donation in support of Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic California landmark #200 and 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization #95-1904079.
Holiday programming which includes Dickens era carolers and visits with Santa begins at 3:30 p.m. however, you may enter as early as 10:00 a.m. to enjoy the grounds, daytime holiday decor and listen to the Capistrano Lights audio tour included with admission. Santa leaves for the North Pole after December 23, 2025.
Annually to promote the entire community as part of our Capistrano Lights tree lighting, we have ten community Christmas trees sponsored by key organizations in San Juan Capistrano. Each of these entities will have their very own Christmas tree at the Mission and will decorate it in a way to promote their service as well as contribute to an overall sense of good will to our visitors coming from all over the world. In the same spirit of Franciscan hospitality, these community groups as well as members of the Heritage Tourism Association, will contribute to a setting of inspiration during the holiday season. To participate in the Community Christmas Tree Program, please email
smontesdeoca@missionsjc.com
.
We hope visitors will come see the Mission in lights, and leave with a sense of inspiration that our world famous Mission is known for.
Buy My Bikes, San Juan Capistrano
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – San Clemente
Mission Basilica School
Ortega Dental Care
Floraison
Bridal Loft
ACI
Rancho Mission Viejo
Inn at the Mission
Up to twelve beautifully decorated Christmas wreaths will hang throughout the Mission grounds throughout the run of Capistrano Lights Returns. Each sponsoring family will be invited to write a holiday message to be included on the Christmas wreath which will be placed in special locations at the Mission. Net proceeds will help offset the costs for the Capistrano Lights Returns program. The cost to sponsor a Family Christmas wreath is $150. There is one special opportunity for a family to underwrite the Christmas wreath that will be situated at the historic Serra Chapel for $500.
Businesses, non-profits and individuals are also invited to consider sponsoring a Christmas wreath too. The Mission Preservation Foundation is especially grateful to all of those who want to help support our Christmas programming in a way that is meaningful and purposeful. Each family Christmas wreath sponsor receives a voucher for 6 complimentary tickets to attend any evening of Capistrano Lights Returns programming.
If you are interested in this new sponsorship program, please reach out to our Events Director, Stephanie Montes de Oca at
smontesdeoca.missionsjc.com
.
The Treuhaft Family
The Busch Family
The Mission “Work” Family
The Griffith Family
The Baratta Family
Nova, Gracie and Aero
Momasaurus – Julia W. Rappaport
Each December Sullivan the Elf and his best friend Poppy make their way back to Mission San Juan Capistrano from the North Pole. Join us daily through the month of December to see if you can spot where these mischevious elves are hiding. Once you find them, snap a photo, post and tag #ElvesOnAMission. Follow along on Sullivan and Poppy’s journey and learn fun interesting facts about the Mission on the way on our social media accounts. Follow us on
Facebook
and
Instagram
to join in on the fun!
Shop the Mission Store
Capistrano Lights features holiday shopping for unique gifts, nativity scenes and beautiful handcrafted items from around the world. Visit the Mission Store and also the Mission Store Cart, a special extension of the Mission Store, located near the West gate area inside the Mission grounds.
Shop Now
Discover Downtown
Capistrano Lights ends around 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the evening or stay for the weekend in historic San Juan Capistrano. Plan your whole visit to historic San Juan Capistrano for dining, shopping and exploring before and after the Mission by checking out all our recommendation destinatio
Map & Guide
Stay in San Juan
For accommodations to Capistrano Lights, we recommend staying with one of our community hotel partners. Book a room for family and friends at Best Western Capistrano Inn, Residence Inn Dana Point/San Juan Capistrano or our newest hotel Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Learn More
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Closed for Annual Gala on September 12, 2025.
Closed early on Good Friday.
Hours subject to change
