Discover Valencia’s nativity scene trail

Monumental nativity scene in the Crystal Room at the City Hall

From 2 December to 3 January – Opening hours – Free

The Crystal Room at the City Hall is the setting for a 40 m² nativity scene with classic scenes and Valencian influences, designed by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Valencia and inspired by Saint Luke’s Gospel.

It includes close to 400 figures, over 200 animals and half a thousand objects, such as baskets, jars, palm trees and carpenter’s and blacksmith’s tools, all of which are entirely handmade.

The Nativity scene depicts the Annunciation, the Three Kings and ancient trades, alongside references to Valencian traditions, including a scene inspired by the festival of Saint Christopher.

Other highlights include exclusive pieces by international craftspeople and the new figure of the buñolera (fritter maker), created especially for this year.

Life-size Municipal Nativity Scene in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento

2 December to 6 January – All day – Free

This life-size nativity scene is in front of the City Hall balcony.

It’s a Greco-Latin nativity scene made by Fallas artists, where the ox, mule, and Star of the East created by Ceballos i Sanabria complement the traditional nativity scene with the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, made by Fallas artist José Puche.

It will become part of the stage design of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and during the Epiphany Parade on 5 January, Their Majesties from the East will stop in front of the nativity scene to represent the Adoration.

Life-size nativity scene in Plaza de la Reina

2 December to 6 January – All day – Free

This unique outdoor space in Plaza de la Reina is home to the largest open-air nativity scene in the city.

It was created by artists Pilar and María José Luna using over a dozen figures donated by the Guild of Fallas Artists.

You can see the Nativity, the Announcing Angel, the Adoration of the Magi and the shepherds. Everything!

Nativity scene by the Bancaja Foundation

Until 11 January – 

The Bancaja Foundation’s nativity scene is back in Valencia after three decades, and it’s making a grand return!

This large-scale nativity scene brings together more than 1,000 handcrafted figures that accurately recreate the most important moments in the life of Jesus: the Annunciation, the Birth in Bethlehem, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt.

The stage design is huge, so get ready for a complete tour, full of scenes that will leave you speechless.

The project is led by master nativity scene maker José Luis Catalá, with figures modelled by José Luis Mayo in fired clay and made entirely by hand.

A real marvel of craftsmanship.

Monumental nativity scene by the Provincial Council of Valencia

Until 5 January, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (holidays only in the mornings) – Free

The Palau dels Scala is the setting for a truly Valencian monumental nativity scene, created by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Valencia and full of references to the municipalities throughout the province.

You will find a commercial street with traditional trades such as the shoemaker and the baker, including a reference to the monas de Alberic (traditional Easter treats), the festeig de María y José (a traditional dance), an orange grove, Manises ceramics and a nativity scene with offerings that are so typical of our region, such as mandarins, persimmons and figs from the orchard.

You can also see the scene of the Annunciation to the shepherds, one of the most impressive in the ensemble.

A nativity scene that beautifully encapsulates the essence and traditions of the entire province.

Monumental nativity scene in the Plaza Exterior de Nuevo Centro

From 21 November to 5 January – All day – Free

In the Plaza Exterior of Nuevo Centro, you’ll find one of the largest and most carefully crafted nativity scenes in the city: 27 m² of handcrafted scenes created by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Valencia.

This nativity scene transports you to Palestine 2,000 years ago, with shepherds shearing sheep, washerwomen by the river, children playing and traditional trades such as bakers, blacksmiths and shoemakers.

The centrepiece recreates the adoration of the Baby Jesus in the stable, with the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

All the figures and structures are handmade, using polystyrene, plaster and paint, thanks to a whole year of craftsmanship.

This is a beautiful and detailed nativity scene, perfect for visiting with the family.

Nativity scene at the Colón Market

From 21 November to 5 January – All day – Free

The Colón Market is decked out for Christmas with a large nativity scene featuring an impressive fir tree, transforming this modernist space into one of the most festive and welcoming spots in Valencia.

You can also enjoy its heated terraces, cuisine, live concerts and seasonal markets: the Market Belenistas and the Mostra de Nadal.

And to top it all off, from 2 to 5 January, from 5 pm to 9 pm, the Three Wise Men will visit the market so that children can give them their letters.

Neapolitan Nativity Scene at the Cervelló Palace

From 21 November to 6 January – Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Free

This nativity scene sets itself apart with its exquisite detail and sheer exuberance.

Based on the Neapolitan tradition, it combines sacred scenes with everyday scenes from the 18th century, including markets, taverns, workshops and guilds, all depicted with a wide variety of figures.

You have to come and see it at the Cervelló Palace! It is a true postcard of Baroque Naples, with a setting that will captivate you with its realism.

Nativity scenes from the Junta Central Fallera competition

The JCF of Valencia joins in the Christmas festivities with a nativity scene competition featuring two categories: freestyle and classic, some of which measure up to 60m². There are also categories A and B depending on size.

Following the tradition of the Fallas, around 100 committees design and assemble their nativity scenes to take part in the competition. Some of these are Malvarrosa-Antonio Ponz-Cavite, Sueca-Literato Azorín, Mercado de Cabañal, San Vicente-Marvá and Cruz y Mislata, among many others.

If you would like more details, the routes can be found on the Junta Local Fallera website.

Illuminated nativity scene on Calle del Hospital

From 21 November to 5 January – All day – Free

This year, the traditional illuminated nativity scene is set up on Calle del Hospital, next to the façade of the Old Hospital.

This is a very special nativity scene, made up of light figures that create a photogenic Christmas scene, perfect for enjoying a stroll through the city centre while discovering the rest of the city’s Christmas lights.