Ruta de Belenes: Palma’s Christmas Nativity Trail for Families

Mallorca’s Belenes (miniature Nativity Scenes) pop up everywhere in December, from churches to shop windows and busy city squares. Palma has some real favourites: Cort, La Misericòrdia, the huge Sant Antoniet cloister, the elegant Fundació Barceló Belén, and the 1,200-piece marvel at the Military History Centre.

Belenes have a long history on the island and originally arrived in Spain around the 18th century. The tradition began earlier though in Italy, when St Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene back in 1200s to bring the Christmas story to life for local villagers. Today, wandering between the city’s displays is a simple December ritual, an easy way to dip into local tradition while keeping little legs moving.

The official Ruta de Betlems includes plenty more, but this is the family-friendly shortlist that’s worth your time. You’ll spot both Belén (Spanish) and Betlem (Catalan) used around the island, both refer to the miniature nativity scenes.

And don’t forget to try and spot the caganer, a tiny (pooping) figurine linked to good fortune and fertile land. He’s often hidden somewhere in the scene and its a cheeky yet traditional fun game for kids to hunt for in some of the displays

The Route

For a simple, family-friendly loop through Palma’s most impressive nativity scenes, start at La Misericòrdia to see the main Belén and the Diorama Exhibition. Walk around ten minutes up to the Centre d’Història i Cultura Militar (Carrer de Sant Miquel 69), home to more than 1,200 international nativity scenes, then head five minutes down Carrer de Sant Miquel to the monumental Belén at Sant Antoniet (no. 30). From here it’s a short stroll to Plaça de Cort to visit the Belén inside Palma’s City Hall, before finishing at the elegant Fundació Barceló on Carrer de Sant Jaume 4.

1. La Misericòrdia (Belén + Dioramas)
One of the island’s biggest and most intricate displays. Mallorca’s historic landscapes, villages and trades are recreated with a lot of care. The Dioramas are a curated collection of miniature scenes, crafted like little theatre sets, displayed alongside the main Belén.
📍 Plaça de l’Hospital 4, 07012 Palma
→ Walk to Military History Centre: ~10 minutes
🗓️ 7 December to 5 January
⏰ Daily 10–21, 24 & 31 Dec 10–14, Closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 Jan

2. Centre d’Història i Cultura Militar de Palma
A hidden favourite: five traditional nativity scenes plus more than 1,200 international Belenes from around the world
📍 Carrer de Sant Miquel 69, Palma
→ Walk to Sant Antoniet: ~5 minutes (straight down the same street)
🗓️ 10 December to 4 January
⏰ 10.30–13.30 & 18–20

3. Sant Antoniet (BBVA Monumental Belén)
Palma’s largest indoor nativity scene and set in one of the city’s oldest cloisters.
📍 Carrer de Sant Miquel 30, Palma
→ Walk to Cort (Ajuntament): ~7–8 minutes
🗓️ 1 December to 7 January
⏰ Daily 10–13.30 & 17–20.30, 24 & 31 Dec 10–14, Closed 25 Dec & 1 Jan

4. Cort (Ajuntament de Palma)
The city’s official nativity and always one of the most detailed. It’s large, beautifully lit and right in the old town so it’s easy to pair with the lights trail. Stop for a hot chocolate and take in the lights from Hotel Cappuccino right next door.
📍 Plaça de Cort, Palma
→ Walk to Fundació Barceló: ~4 minutes
🗓️ 22 November to 5 January
⏰ Weekdays 09–20.30, Weekends & holidays 10–20

5. Fundació Barceló
A beautifully presented Belén inside an elegant old-town building. Nicely lit, refined and usually less crowded.
📍 Carrer de Sant Jaume 4, Palma
🗓️ 2 December to 4 January
⏰ Mon–Sat 11–13.30 & 17–20, Closed Sundays & holidays

The full route takes around 25–30 minutes of walking (without stops), and its all pushchair friendly, making it an easy, central Palma outing for families.

Just before the fifth and final stop, you can pass through the Christmas Market in Plaça d’Espanya to see the Belén figures and tiny nativity houses on display, ideal if you’re feeling inspired to start your own Belén at home.

And don’t forget to stop for a hot chocolate on route. One of favourite spots for churros and chocolate  is perfectly placed for a quick refuel.

Suggested start times are either 11h (when all venues are open and the route fits neatly before lunch) or 17h, which works well if you want to combine the Betlems with Palma’s Christmas lights.

To discover all of Palma’s official Betlems in 2025, Click Here.