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.
Location: Plaza Cibeles, 1A (center)
2. Museum of History of Madrid
Until February 1, 2026 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 December 12, 13, 19 and 20, 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 24, 25 and 31, January 6 and 1: closed.
Location: 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 11 and there are guided tours that can be obtained through the contact on their website.
Location: San Justo Street, 4 (La Latina)
4. 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 28 years adorning 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 la Constitución from December 7 at 1 pm. The 500 life-size handmade figures that make it up will be distributed throughout the historic center of the town.
Location: Plaza de la Constitución (San Lorenzo de El Escorial)
5. The Sicilian Nativity Scene of El Retiro
Christmas in the city offers unique settings, and this year the monumental Sicilian nativity scene from the Basanta-Martín collection stands out. Located inside the Montaña de los Gatos, the nativity scene looks like something out of an Italian movie, with more than 160 figures handcrafted by artist Angela Tripi, moving away from the Neapolitan style to embrace a rural and Hebrew air. A jewel hidden in a grotto that transforms the park into a small museum of nativity art.
📍 Location: Artificial Mountain of the Cats in the Retiro Park.
🗓️ Dates:until January 8