Belenes en Centro

Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel

C/ San Justo, 4

From 1 December to 11 January

Opening hours (maintaining the original structure):

Monday to Saturday
Mornings: 9:45–13:15 (except during masses at 10:30 and 12:30, and the guided visit 11:15–12:00)
Afternoons: 17:30–21:00 (except during masses at 18:30 and 20:30, and the guided visit 19:15–20:00)

Sundays and public holidays
Mornings: 9:45–14:15 (except during masses at 10:30, 12:30 and 13:30, and the guided visit 11:15–12:00)
Afternoons: 18:30–21:15 (except during masses at 18:30 and 20:30, and the guided visit 19:15–20:00)

Closed afternoons: 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December
It is recommended to check Christmas special hours and closure days on their official website.

Guided visits to the Nativity scene: Daily at 11:15 and 19:15
Tickets on eventbrite.es
Adults: €5 + fees; children under 12: free
Free unguided visits: voluntary donation

Traditional Nativity Scene of the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel by Jose Luis Mayo Lebrija

A traditional Nativity scene with scenery and figures created between 2003 and 2005 by sculptor José Luis Mayo Lebrija. The iconographic programme, designed by María Dolores Criado, includes biblical scenes such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, the angels’ announcement to the shepherds, the Bethlehem crib, and a magnificent procession of the Magi.

Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales

Plaza de las Descalzas, 3

From 16 December to 5 January
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00–13:45 and 16:00–18:15
Sundays and public holidays: 11:00–14:45 (except during 12:00 mass)
Closed: Mondays; 24, 25, 31 December; 1 and 6 January

Popular Nativity Scene with Olot figures and landscapes of Judea

Monastery of the Incarnation

Plaza Encarnación, 1

From 1 December to 7 January
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00–13:45 and 16:00–18:15
Sundays and public holidays: 11:00–14:00 (except during daily masses at 12:00 and 13:00)
Closed: all Mondays, 24, 25, 31 December; 1 and 6 January

Nativity Scene with figures by José Luis Mayo and Olot workshops, including a reproduction of the monastery façade

Royal Palace of Madrid

Génova Room

C/ Bailén, s/n

From 5 December to 5 January
Special closure times preserved as in original.

Neapolitan Nativity Scene begun by Charles III

Started by Charles III for his son, the Prince of Asturias (future Charles IV). Expanded in the 1990s with new pieces from Neapolitan workshops. In the 21st century, National Heritage conservators have continued expanding it with new figures, buildings, and architectural elements.

This year, it commemorates the reopening of the Casa del Labrador in Aranjuez and the restoration of the Royal Pharmacy. New figures include the royal pharmacist and three halberdiers gifted by the Royal Guard.

Monastery of Santa Isabel

C/ de Santa Isabel, 48–46

From 1 December to 7 January

Traditional popular Nativity scene with figures by José Luis Mayo Lebrija, plus a Neapolitan Nativity inspired by 18th-century models.

Municipal Printing House – Book Arts

C/ Concepción Jerónima, 15
Permanent Exhibition Hall

From 16 December to 17 January
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–20:00
Closed on 24, 25, 31 December and 1, 6 January

Traditional Popular Nativity Scene
Featuring figures of different sizes, key biblical scenes, animals, and illuminated architectural elements.

Corpus Christi Monastery Church (Carboneras Convent)

Plaza del Conde Miranda, 3
8 December – 9 January
08:30–13:00 & 16:30–19:00

17th-century Baroque Quiteño Nativity Scene

A rare historical Nativity preserved since the convent’s foundation in 1605. It includes unique figures such as “The Knight of the Star” and “The Herald”, typical of 17th-century Habsburg Nativities but absent from later Bourbon-era ones.

Church of the Royal Conception of Calatrava

C/ Alcalá, 25
Located in the chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat

From 15 December to 8 January
Monday to Friday: 7:30–13:00
Tuesday to Friday: 18:00–20:00
Half an hour before masses (Monday to Saturday at 8:00)
Thursday mass: 19:00
Saturday mass: 19:30
Sunday mass: 12:30

30-square-metre Nativity Scene

Composed of the Nativity, an angel with shepherds, and villagers bringing offerings.
Figures are 70 cm tall.

Telefónica Foundation Space

C/ Fuencarral, 3

From 18 November to 4 January
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00–20:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00–20:00

Popular Hebrew-style Nativity Scene

With figures and constructions created in the José Luis Mayo workshop, belonging to the Telefónica Foundation Collection.

Church of the Most Holy Christ of the Faith

C/ Atocha, 87

From 1 December to 5 January
Monday to Saturday: 11:00–13:00 & 18:00–20:00
Sundays: 11:00–13:00 (closed in the afternoon)
Closed: 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January

Nativity Scene of the Brotherhood of Silence

Mid-20th-century polychrome wooden figures, approx. 50 cm tall, by Valencian sculptor Enrique Casterá Masiá (1910–1983).

San Andrés Apóstol Parish

Plaza de San Andrés, 1
Open daily: 9:00–13:00 & 18:00–20:00

Permanent exhibition:

Neapolitan Nativity Scene located at the back of the church

Nativity Scene by José Luis Mayo in the side chapel

El Corte Inglés – Callao

Plaza de Callao
21 November – 6 January, 10:00–22:00

A unique Nativity set designed by master craftsman Andrés Fernández with “palillo” (hand-carved) figures. A sensitive and artistically expressive representation of the Nativity and its main scenes.