Christmas Scenes in Downtown Madrid

Madrid is a wonderful place to spend Christmas. On the evening of December 17 we took the Metro to downtown Madrid to see the street lights and Belenes ("Bethlehems" or Nativity scenes). Here we ascend the escalator to ground level at Puerta del Sol:

Our first stop was at the Belén of of the Community of Madrid near the Puerta del Sol. As you see from the next three photos, a Belén depicts life and events surrounding the birth of the Savior. Here Beverly stand in front of a scene of Bethlehem:

 This part of the Belén shows typical home and family life at the time of Christ's birth:

We loved the the figurines of the wise men and others who traveled with them:

Our next stop was the Plaza Mayor, the main square of historic Madrid. A carousel was set up in the plaza:

Many booths sold figurines for home Belenes and other Christmas decorations:

Beverly poses with a "matador" in the Plaza Mayor:

We stopped at a restaurant and enjoyed hot chocolate with churros, a great treat on a cold wintry night, as we waited for nightfall and the city Christmas lights to be turned on:

Christmas lights adorn the Calle de los Preciados between the Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía:

The baroque Belén located in the Church of San Ginés:

Christmas decorations in the Calle de Arenal near Puerta del Sol:

The Plaza Mayor with Christmas lights and booths:

Beverly poses by the fountain in the Puerta del Sol:

The fountain and Christmas tree of the Puerta del Sol

Christmas lights near the Hotel Liabeny:

The Christmas tree (and moon!) over Plaza Callao on the Gran Vía:

The fountain and Christmas tree on the Plaza de España:

We enjoyed our evening walking around the city center, doing a little shopping, viewing the Belenes and the lights, and feeling the Christmas spirit.