EACH DECEMBER VISITORS flock to Mission San Juan Capistrano for the festive Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights.
THE GOODE TIME CAROLERS PERFORMS HOLIDAY CLASSICS FOR GUESTS DURING THE OPENING NIGHT OF CAPISTRANO LIGHTS AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO.
The much-anticipated holiday event attracts families and guests both young and old to the Mission’s historic grounds for an evening of holiday fun.
CAMILA DEBRINCAT, 2, OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ISN’T QUITE SURE WHAT TO THINK OF HER FIRST TIME MEETING SANTA DURING THE OPENING NIGHT OF CAPISTRANO LIGHTS. PHOTOS BY JEFF ANTENORE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Guests are treated to impressive light displays throughout the courtyards, community-donated Christmas trees, visits with Santa (candy canes included) and carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes singing old-time favorites.
COLORFUL LIGHTS ILLUMINATE A NATIVITY SCENE IN THE RUINS OF THE GREAT STONE CHURCH DURING CAPISTRANO LIGHTS AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ON SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2024.
Attendees are also invited to visit Serra Chapel after hours and to light candles for peace in front of the full-scale Nativity located in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church.
The official opening night of Capitano Lights took place on Dec. 7. In her welcome address, executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams invited everyone to enjoy the evening. She also encouraged guests to make a return visit and continue to learn and explore what makes San Juan Capistrano the jewel of the Missions.
DR. MARSHA LONG PLAYS THE HARP AND SINGS CLASSIC HOLIDAY SONGS FOR GUESTS IN THE SERRA CHAPEL DURING OPENING NIGHT OF CAPISTRANO LIGHTS AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO.
“This is probably the site of the very first Christmas in Orange County,” she told guests.
LAGUNA NIGUEL RESIDENTS VALERIE MCDOWELL, CADEN MCDOWELL, 2, AND BEATRICE DEBERRY, FROM LEFT, ARRIVE THROUGH A TUNNEL OF LIGHTS FOR THE OPENING NIGHT OF CAPISTRANO LIGHTS ON DEC. 7, 2024.
Capistrano Lights runs through Dec. 29. Tickets include same day admission to the Mission. An audio tour featuring Gospel readings and “The Night Before Christmas” is also available as you make your way around the grounds.
For ticket information visit https://www.missionsjc.com/capistrano-lights/