Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights 2026

Mission San Juan Capistrano trades its daytime quiet for holiday sparkle on select nights this December. Your Capistrano Lights ticket covers daytime admission to the mission grounds plus an evening of family programming: the nightly Christmas tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers strolling the gardens, a full-scale nativity scene, and visits with Santa through December 23.

New this year is The Story of the Mission ~ In Sound and Light, a digital projection show that turns the ruins of the Great Stone Church — sometimes called the American Acropolis — into a canvas retelling the mission's history after dark. It's a striking way for kids to experience a piece of California history they usually only see by daylight.

The City of San Juan Capistrano kicks off the season a couple weeks earlier with its own Christmas tree lighting downtown on Saturday, December 5 — see the city's website for details.

📅 Dates & Times

December 18–30, 2026, on select nights: December 18–23, December 26–27 and December 29–30 (closed December 24, 25, 28 and 31).

Grounds open at 10:00 a.m.; tree lighting nightly at 5:05 p.m.; The Story of the Mission ~ In Sound and Light begins nightly at 6:05 p.m.; grounds close at 7:00 p.m.

📍 Venue

Mission San Juan Capistrano

26801 Ortega Hwy

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

General admission runs $16–$23 depending on age (children 4 and under are always free), and Mission members pay just $10 per ticket. Tickets are sold online only, one show date per order.

TICKETS FOR CAPISTRANO LIGHTS

🍔 Food

A sweets and hot cocoa vendor is on site most nights, with wine available for purchase on Saturdays; you're welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks too.

🚙 Parking

Public parking is available on nearby streets, including the lot at Old Mission Road and El Camino Real — check posted signage for evening time restrictions. The Metrolink/Amtrak station is about two blocks away if you'd rather skip the drive.

🌐 Website Link

Mission San Juan Capistrano

🧭 Directions

Click on “Google” on the map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.