Route to see Nativity scenes in the center of Madrid (Christmas 2023)

One of the tourist activities more traditional in Madrid 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 2023-2024, 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 of the Royal Palace (Madrid)

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 was completed in the 200st century and already has more than XNUMX Neapolitan figures and houses.

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 XNUMXth century.

With free entry, Visiting schedule are the same as the Royal Palace, that is, from the beginning of December until after Reyes, with hours from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., and Sundays, from 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 Bethlehem of the Convento de las Carboneras (Madrid)

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 Jerónimas Nuns 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 very small in size, 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 7, with Visiting schedule from 8,30:13 a.m. to 16,30 p.m. and from 18,30:XNUMX p.m. and XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.

On Sundays and holidays it opens at 9,30:XNUMX a.m.

How to visit the Bethlehem of the San Ginés church (Madrid)

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 7, 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 December 3, from 12,30:22 to 25 p.m.; and on December 1 and January XNUMX it is closed to the public.

Traditionally performed by Madrid Nativity Scene Association, last year it occupied 155 square meters of surface in which 310 figures by the artists were exhibited May, Guilloto, Olot y Almansa.

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 18th century that will possibly also be installed this year (still pending confirmation).

The nativity scene is made up of 50 articulated figures, and you can visit free in the museum chapel from the beginning of December to the beginning of January, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., being closed on Mondays, as well as 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 21 p.m. to 6,30 p.m.; Friday, from 23:8,30 a.m. to 13,30 p.m.; and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 17:21 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., and from XNUMX p.m. to XNUMX p.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 5, and Visiting schedule They are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m., except on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 5, when they close at 14 p.m.; It is closed on January 1 and 6.

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