CAPISTRANO LIGHTS: Mission in Lights returns to scenic Mission San Juan Capistrano on select dates between Dec. 19 and 30. A special opening night ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 19, beginning at 4:50 p.m. with the tree lighting at 5:05 p.m. The new holiday programming dates are held in anticipation of the Mission’s 250th anniversary celebrations beginning in early 2026.
MISSION VIEJO RESIDENTS CAROLINE KAHF, STEVE GOOLD, LINDA GOOLD, CREW KAHF, USAMA KAHF AND ELIZABETH KAHF, FROM LEFT, SIT WITH SANTA IN THE CENTRAL COURTYARD AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO DURING CAPISTRANO LIGHTS ON DEC. 7, 2024.
An annual holiday tradition, Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights features a nightly musical Christmas tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale Nativity scene, selfies with Santa (through Dec. 23), live holiday performances, light features and activities for children. Community Christmas trees and family wreaths will be displayed throughout the historic landmark along with prayer candles, a 10-foot Christmas wreath for photos, family crafts, refreshments by 3:16 Bakery Shop and wine and beer offerings by Rancho Capistrano Winery and Mission Brewing on select days. Other highlights are the path of remembrance, lighted California poppy garden and halo grove, scented citrus garden and large-scale butterflies in the Mission’s beautiful Central Courtyard.
Event dates and tickets are now available at www.capistranolights.com with special pricing for Mission members. Capistrano Lights tickets include all day Mission admission between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and multi-language Capistrano Lights audio tour with the Gospel and The Night Before Christmas readings. The holiday programming takes place between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting and music program at 5:05 p.m.
All proceeds help to protect the religious and historic significance of California’s historic landmark No. 200, Mission San Juan Capistrano and further educational programs, exhibits and preservation efforts.