Visiting the nativity scenes of Madrid is the highlight of any Christmas plan. They are part of the obligatory itinerary of the outings and routes through the city at this time. In these representations, the little ones discover the history surrounding the most famous nativity scene in the world.
Nativity scenes in Madrid have historical and artistic value and a long tradition. Especially for the variety of Neapolitan nativity scenes, -the oldest form of this representation of the crib- which originated in southern Italy and was promoted in Spain by Charles III.
1. Nativity Scene of the Madrid City Hall
The nativity scene of the Madrid City Hall is one of the most popular in the city. It consists of 200 pieces and is a creation of the master craftsman José Luis Mayo Lebrija. This representation gives life to the scenography designed by the Association of Nativity Scenes of Madrid. The morphology of this year is circular, which has been a design challenge, since the scenery is continuous. It is located in CentroCentro of the Palacio de Cibeles.
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:10 am and 7 pm (last show).
- December 24 and 31 and January 5: from 10:30 am to 1 pm (last show).
- January 1st: closed.
Plaza Cibeles, 1A (downtown)
2. Museum of History of Madrid
Until February 4, 2023 will be open to the public this Neapolitan crib of the eighteenth century that is one of the most valuable works that houses the Museum of History of Madrid. It is composed of 50 pieces articulated in an oriental scenography that reflects the spirit of Baroque culture through the movement of the figures and fabrics. It can be visited during normal museum hours, but also on 14, 15, 21 and 22 December, at 12 noon, there will be a brief explanation of the iconography of the cribs, with special attention to the Neapolitan and a detailed analysis of the eastern figures.
- December 25, December 6 and January 1: closed.
Calle de Fuencarral, 78 (Malasaña)
3. Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel
This monumental nativity scene is designed by María Dolores Criado de la Brida and the figures are made by José Luis Mayo Lebrija, like the one in Madrid City Hall. It depicts several scenes from the history of the nativity scene, such as the flight to Egypt of Mary and Joseph. It can be visited until January 16 and there are guided tours that can be obtained through the contact on their website.
San Justo Street, 4 (La Latina)
4. Bethlehem of the Prince in the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace exhibits at this time a Neapolitan nativity scene of the eighteenth century. Every year it incorporates novelties in its composition and this year the novelty is the wink to the next opening of the Gallery of the Royal Collections in the summer of 2023. You can see it in the Alabarderos Hall of the Royal Palace until January 14.
- General opening hours: from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Sundays: until 4 pm.
- Closed: December 25 and first week of January, subject to change.
- January 6: closes one hour earlier.
Calle de Bailén, s/n (downtown)
5. Nativity Scene of the Casa de México Foundation
A nativity scene of dried flowers has been installed this year at the Fundación Casa de México in Spain. Once again this year they have the mission of showing Mexican traditions through a large-format Nativity scene handmade by master craftsmen in the state of Oaxaca using the artisan technique of immortal flowers. It is complemented by a large Christmas tree (4 meters) with engravings and embossed tinplate spheres. The installation is designed and conceptualized by Mexican designer Ricardo Salas. Guided tours are available from Tuesday to Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., every 30 minutes.
Alberto Aguilera Street, 20 (Arapiles)
6. Monumental Nativity Scene of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
This nativity scene with life-size figures returns to San Lorenzo de El Escorial and celebrates 27 years decorating Christmas in this town in the mountains of Madrid. It has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, and can be seen in the Plaza de Jacinto Benavente until January 8, 2023. The 500 life-size handcrafted figures that compose it will be distributed throughout the historic center of the town.
Jacinto Benavente Square (San Lorenzo de El Escorial)
7. Circular Nativity Scene of El Retiro
In the recently recovered Montaña de los Gatos, a monument in the heart of El Retiro Park, a new large circular nativity scene has been installed this Christmas that can be visited free of charge.
This nativity is circular and occupies an area of almost 30 square meters. Both the scenery and the figures that can be seen in it -with sizes between 7 cm and 35 cm- come from the workshop of José Luis Mayo Lebrija, “one of the most prestigious nativity scene designers in Spain”, according to the Madrid City Council.
El Retiro