Capistrano Lights
Guests can explore the historic Mission grounds decorated for the season with light features, a lighted halo grove, a scented citrus grove, a full-scale nativity, and community Christmas trees. Evening programming features Dickens-era carolers, visits with Santa, a harpist in the Serra Chapel, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The experience also includes an audio tour and a digital projection light show displayed across the Ruins of the Great Stone Church.
What to Expect
Holiday lights and digital projection show on historic Great Stone Church ruins.
Event Details
Ages
Children 4 and younger are FREE
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Food & Drink
Sweets and hot cocoa are sold on most nights, wine is available on Saturdays, and guests may bring non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-lights fans
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Mission Member Adults (12–59): $10; Mission Member Seniors (60+): $10; Mission Member Youth/Student (5+): $10; Children (4 and younger): FREE; Mission Member Guest (member must be present): $15. General Public Adults (12–59): $23; Seniors (60+): $19; Youth/Student (5+): $16. Member guest tickets can also be purchased onsite during Capistrano Lights for $15 each, with a limit of 5 per member. The page gives no general-public price for children age 4 and younger. – Get tickets
- Hours: Grounds open 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. during Capistrano Lights; holiday programming begins at 3:30 p.m.; Christmas tree lighting and music program begins at 5:05 p.m.; projection show listed as nightly at 6:15 p.m. and elsewhere as beginning at 6:05 p.m.; Santa visits 3:30–6:30 p.m. on every offered day.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed onsite during Capistrano Lights.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online ahead of time, because sales are online only and final, and there are no refunds if weather cancels the night.
- Come early in the day, since tickets are good all day, so you can walk the grounds and use the audio tour before the evening program.
- Leave Groupon, CertifiKID, Travel Zoo and Gold Star vouchers at home, because none of them are valid for entry to Capistrano Lights.
- Plan to come by December 23 if the kids want to see Santa, because he visits each Capistrano Lights day only until then.
- Pack your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, which are allowed, or get treats from the sweets and hot cocoa vendor there most nights.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: The Story of the Mission ~ In Sound and Light, a digital projection show on the Ruins of the Great Stone Church, runs nightly.
- Santa visits every Capistrano Lights day through December 23, then heads back to the North Pole.
- Wine is for sale on Saturdays.
- Mission Members get discounted tickets and early access, and can buy member guest tickets onsite when they are with their guests (limit of 5).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit during the day with my Capistrano Lights ticket?
Yes. Your ticket is good all day and includes general Mission admission. You can come when the grounds open to see the daytime holiday decor and use the included audio tour, then stay for the evening program.
Can I leave and come back for the evening program?
Yes, re-entry is allowed. Get your hand stamped and keep your receipt.
Is there food and drink?
A sweets and hot cocoa vendor is there on most nights, and wine is for sale on Saturdays. You can also bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Will there be seating?
No chairs are set out, but you can sit on the many benches in the courtyards.
Do Mission Members need a ticket?
Yes. Members need a ticket or a valid Complimentary Pass clearly marked "valid CapoLights 2026." Members get discounted tickets, with numbers limited by membership level, and can buy extra tickets at the public price.
More Christmas Events Near San Juan Capistrano
More Christmas Events near San Juan Capistrano
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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