Hotels near Belén de la Plaza del Pilar

The giant nativity scene (belén) in the Plaza del Pilar is the star attraction of Christmas in Zaragoza. Covering around 1,000 square metres, it is described by local media as the largest in Spain and draws around 300,000 visitors each year.

The nativity recreates scenes from the Christmas story with life-size figures, buildings and landscapes, and it is laid out as a walk-through route. In 2025, it opened on 29 November and stayed open until the Epiphany on 6 January.

Guided visits combining the nativity and the Basilica del Pilar have been offered by the city's tourist office in previous years.

Pro Tip: Visit the nativity on a weekday morning to avoid the long queues that form in the evenings and at weekends, especially during the December holidays.