Route to see Nativity scenes in the center of Madrid (Christmas 2025)

One of the tourist activities more traditional in Barcelona during the Christmas season is to take a tour of some of the nativity scenes that institutions and churches install on the occasion of these holidays.

Last year, once the health crisis of the pandemic, the nativity scenes were once again installed in the usual places, becoming a clear invitation to take a walk through the center of the capital to see them.

Next we are going to propose a route to visit 7 nativity scenes in Madrid durante a walk through the center historic city in the Christmas 2025, with free tickets, which will take you about three hours.

Nativity scene route through the center of Madrid

How to visit the Neapolitan Nativity Scene at the Royal Palace

We start the route visiting the Napolitano Nativity Scene from the Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as the Bethlehem of the Prince because it had its origin in the nativity scene that the king Carlos III He started collecting for his son, who was Charles IV.

The collection known as Bethlehem of the Royal Palace It has been completed in the 21st century, now featuring more than 200 Neapolitan figures and houses, starting from the 89 original figures that are part of the National Heritage.

Installed in the Hall of Halberdiers of the Royal PalaceAs a curiosity, in this nativity scene the figures of Carlos III and his wife, queen Maria Luisa of Parma, how he portrayed them Goya at the end of the 18th century, and this year evokes the setting of the Casa del Labrador de Aranjuez.

With free entry, Visiting schedule They are the same as those of the Royal Palace.

That is, you can visit it from December 5 to January 5, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 16 p.m., closing at 14 p.m. on December 24 and 31, and closed to visitors on January 1, 5 and 6.

How to visit the Nativity scene at the Convent of Las Carboneras 

On the way to Sol, behind the Plaza de la Villa, specifically in the Plaza del Conde de Miranda 3, you can visit the traditional Bethlehem of the Carboneras.

This is how it is popularly known Convent of the Carboneras of Corpus Christi located in that corner of Madrid.

In its usual location in a barred room, it shows us a Mystery and a Three Kings, with beautiful baroque figures from Quito made by Antonio José Martínez.

Although of very small dimensions, I consider it to be One of the most beautiful nativity scenes you can see in Madrid.

It is open from the beginning of December until January 9, with Visiting schedule from 8,30:13 a.m. to 16,30:18,30 p.m. and from 9,30:XNUMX p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., opening on Sundays and holidays at XNUMX:XNUMX a.m.

How to visit the Nativity scene in the church of San Ginés

In the nearby church of San Ginés (13 Arenal Street) you find a totally different nativity scene.

In this baroque mystery with life-size figures, Antonio José Martínez Rodríguez.

I can tell you that due to its presentation and lighting, it is a very attractive nativity scene to visit.

El Nativity scene of the church of San Ginés It can be visited from mid-December to January 7, with hours from 9 a.m. to 13 p.m. in the mornings, and from 18 p.m. to 21 p.m. in the afternoons.

On Sundays and holidays in the mornings it opens from 9,30:14 a.m. to XNUMX p.m., maintaining the same hours in the afternoons as the rest of the days of the week.

Nativity Scene of the Community of Madrid in Puerta del Sol

The time has come to visit the traditional Bethlehem of the Puerta del Sol in Madrid installed by the Region of Madrid.

El Bethlehem of the Community of Madrid you can visit it during the December Bridge and until January 6, with schedules every weekday from 10 a.m. to 22 p.m.,

On December 24 and 31 and January 5, the nativity scene is open from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.; on January 6, from 15 to 22 p.m.; and on December 25 and January 1 it is closed to the public.

Traditionally performed by Madrid Nativity Scene AssociationThe nativity scene occupies 145 square meters of surface area, in which 480 figures created by the artists are displayed. José Luis Mayo and the Castells brothers.

How to visit the Nativity scene at the Madrid History Museum 

On the way through the Gran Vía to the Alcala street you can deviate to reach the Madrid History Museum Street Fuencarral 78.

In this museum there is a Neapolitan nativity scene from the 1th century that you can visit from December 1st to February XNUMXnd.

The nativity scene is made up of 50 articulated figures, and you can visit free in the museum chapel, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., but closed on Mondays and on Christmas holidays.

Nativity scene of the church-Basilica of Jesus de Medinaceli

In this route through nativity scenes in Madrid, now you can get back on the path to Puerta del Sol and for the San Jerónimo Race down to the courts.

From there you go to the nearby Jesus Square, until reaching the Basilica of Jesus de Medinaceli church.

El Nativity scene of the church of Jesus de Medinaceli is a baroque mystery with life-size figures.

In an adjacent chapel there is a Nacimiento popular.

Open from mid-December to January 6, Visiting schedule They are, from Monday to Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 13,30:17 p.m. and from 20,45 p.m. to 6,30:22 p.m.; Friday, from XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays it is open from 8,30:13,30 a.m. to 17:2 p.m. and from 45 p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. 

Nativity scene of the City Hall in Palacio de Cibeles

You can now complete the route by visiting the Bethlehem of the City Council of Madrid at its headquarters Cybele Palace.

As is traditional, it is a popular Hebrew nativity scene with about 200 figures from the nativity scene. Jose Luis Mayo. and mounted by Madrid Nativity Scene Association.

It is open until January 4, and Visiting schedule They are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10,30 a.m. to 19 p.m., except on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 5, when they close at 13 p.m.; It is closed on January 1 and 6.

La Admission is free, but it is imperative buy tickets online before your visit.