Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights returns this December on Friday, DEC. 18!

Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission. Join us on select days from December 18, 2026 through December 30, 2026 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.

Event Schedule – Full 2026 Schedule Coming Soon

Capistrano Lights Opening Night: Friday, Dec. 18th
City’s Tree Lighting: Saturday, Dec. 5 (sanjuancapistrano.org)
Mission grounds open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. during Capistrano Lights

Event Information (2026 Information Coming Soon!)

View Schedule 2025 Event Flyer

We are excited to announce the return of Capistrano Lights on select days December 18 through December 30.

Ticket Information

BUY TICKETS Become a Member Download Purchased Tickets

Tickets sales will begin in August 5, 2026. Ticket sales will be available for purchase online only. Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the know!

Mission Members

Mission Members receive discounted admission rates! Become a Member today to received discounted tickets and advanced purchase opportunity to Capistrano Lights. Advance ticket sales begin Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. online only.

To purchase tickets and receive a discounted Member rate, you will need your login information. Enter the last name associated with your membership followed by your 8 Digit Member ID number (shown in red below).

Mission Member Adults (12-59)	$9
Mission Member Seniors (60+)	$9
Mission Member Youth/Student (5+)	$9
Children (4 and younger)	FREE
Mission Member Guest (Member must be present)	$10

General Public

Advance ticket sales begin Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. online only.

Adults (12-59)	$22
Seniors (60+)	$18
Youth/Student (5+)	$15
Children (4 and younger)	FREE

* The following vouchers/promotions/offers are NOT valid for entry to Capistrano Lights : Complimentary Admission Guest Passes (Dated after July 1, 2026), Members $9 guest tickets, CertifiKID, Gold Star, Groupon, and Travel Zoo.

Ticket Policies

All onsite events are subject to change.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Capistrano Lights is offered on select evenings December 18 through December 30, 2026. View calendar.
Tickets are valid all day and include general admission as well as Capistrano Lights. Mission grounds open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
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, 2026.
Capistrano Lights tickets are final sale.
Yes, reentry is allowed. Make sure to get your hand stamped and keep your receipt.
We will have a sweets and hot cocoa vendor on most nights as well as wine available for purchase on Saturdays. You may also bring in your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, however, we encourage you to support our local restaurants. <a href="https://www.missionsjc.com/partners/#RestaurantMembers.
The Christmas tree lighting and music program will begin at 5:05 p.m.
Enjoy visits with Santa every day Capistrano Lights is offered from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Santa leaves for the North Pole after December 23, 2026.
Mission staff will kindly ask you to make your way toward the exit around 6:45 p.m. The Mission grounds will close at 7:00 p.m.
Guest are welcomed to come as late as they’d like but must exit by 7:00 p.m. The Mission Store will close at 7:00 p.m. on Capistrano Lights programming days.
Tickets are currently available for purchase. Scroll to the top of this page and click the on the orange “Buy Tickets” button or go to www.missionsjc.com/tickets to purchase tickets.
Mission Members must have a ticket to enter or use a valid Complimentary Pass clearly marked “valid CapoLights 2026.”
Capistrano Lights members tickets are limited based on your level of membership. You may purchase additional tickets at the public price.
Yes, member guest tickets are available for purchase onsite during days Capistrano Lights is offered for $15 each. Mission Member must be present at time of purchase. Limit of 5 per member.
Due to safety concerns, dogs are not allowed onsite during Capistrano Lights.
A portion of your ticket may be credited toward your membership. This is allowed ONLY on the night your tickets are valid on.
There will be no chairs during Capistrano Lights. You may sit and enjoy the event from one of the many benches in the courtyards.

Community Christmas Trees

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.

Thank you to our 2025 Capistrano Lights Community Christmas Tree Sponsors

ACI
American Legion | Post 721
Buy My Bikes
Capistrano Souvenir Shop
Celebrity Cleaners
Daughters of the American Revolution, San Clemente Chapter
Henry Talone Jr – In Memory of Anna, Linda & Julia Talone
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
Maeflower Logistics – In Memory of Mae Jones and Angelica Molina
Michael Ahumada – Realtor
Mission Basilica School
Our Lady of Fatima Academy, San Clemente
Rancho Mission Viejo
Seen + Unseen – In Honor of the Diocese of Orange’s 50th Anniversary
The Ansari Family
The Batty Family Foundation
Trevor’s at the Tracks

Family Christmas Wreaths

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.

Thank you to our 2025 Family Christmas Wreath Sponsors

Logie Family, Dante, Aubrey, & Decker
Dr. Jacqueline Dupont-Carlson and Marc Carlson
In Honor of Momasaurus, Julia W. Rappaport
In Loving Memory of Don Dorkowski
In Memory of Jim and Rosean Maricondo
Neighbors of San Juan Capistrano Magazine
3:16 Bakery Shop
Orange County Erectors
Reid Eanes
SouthOC Orthodontics
The Baratta Family
The Busch Family – In Memory of Sheila Busch
The Castro Family – In Loving Memory of Ernesto Angeles Castro
The Gottlieb Family – In Memory of Bruce and Cecilia Nott
The Mendoza Family
The Steele Family
The Vermeulen and Patterson Families
Trissa, Cole and Wyatt Thompson – In Loving Memory of Ron Thompson

Elfs On A Mission

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!

Underwriting and Sponsorships

Underwriting and sponsorships available for all events, for more information please contact Stephanie Montes de Oca, Events Director at (949) 234-1316 or by emailing smontesdeoca@missionsjc.com.

Support Mission San Juan Capistrano and Save!

Member benefits include free daily admission and other exclusive perks.

: Join

Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights