Mission San Juan Capistrano, CA

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle

Sullivan the Elf was found hanging around the El Camino Real Bell. #ElfOnAMission #DidYouKnow The El Camino Real Bell originally stood at the entrance of the Mission from about 1915-1950. The bell signified the importance of Mission San Juan Capistrano's place on the El Camino Real or King's Highway. To view the original El Camino Real bell that once stood outside the entrance, visit the Mission Treasures Exhibit.

Join us online for an evening of family fun from the comfort of your home. The Mission will celebrate the holidays with an online Christmas Tree Lighting. See the Ruins of the Great Stone Church in lights, enjoy the large-scale nativity and sing along with our 30’ Christmas Tree Lighting and music program beginning at 4:00 p.m. digitally on Saturday, December 19. The perfect way to still celebrate the season together while staying safe during the stay-at-home orders.

We were so saddened to have to close our doors and cancel our holiday programming and this morning awoke to even more disappointing news when it was discovered someone decided to damage 244 years of history with vandalism. We need your help now more than ever. Mission San Juan Capistrano remains committed to preserving the religious and historical significance of the site. Help us fund critical security and maintenance costs during this temporary closure so we can reopen and continue being a place of inspiration, education, preservation and celebration. A gift in any amount will help us offset costs during our temporary closure >> www.missionsjc.com/donate

Sullivan the Elf was found looking at a recipe from the award-winning The Bells are Ringing: A Call to Table cookbook! #ElfOnAMission #DidYouKnow Now in its fourth printing, the beautiful, prize-winning, "The Bells are Ringing - A Call to Table" hardcover cookbook includes tried and true recipes and is filled with impressionist artwork, beautiful photographs and history relevant to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Pick up your copy today at the Mission Store, a perfect Christmas gift for your relatives or friends.