Yaiza Nativity Scene 2025: one of Lanzarote’s must-see Christmas cribs

Belén de Yaiza 2025 with illuminated church model and traditional scenes in Lanzarote — Central model of the Belén de Yaiza, one of the most detailed and visited nativity scenes in Lanzarote. *Credit: Ramón Pérez Niz.*

The Belén de Yaiza 2025 surprises this year with a unique design: a 400-square-metre volcanic caldera that visitors can walk through from the inside. It’s the first time the nativity scene offers an immersive experience, featuring a Timanfaya eruption simulation that activates every five minutes with fire, gas, lava and sound effects.

The nativity scene has been open since 28 November 2025 and will remain on display until 19 January 2026. Entry is free.

What makes the Belén de Yaiza 2025 special

This year, the municipal team has created something different: instead of the traditional perimeter walkway, visitors enter the interior of a recreated volcanic caldera. Inside you’ll find:

Timanfaya eruption simulation: every five minutes, fire, gas, lava, lighting and sound effects recreate the 1730 eruption.
Waterfall feature: a new large-scale decorative element.
Over 300 figures and around 50 houses, churches and buildings representing Lanzarote.
Models of Playa Blanca, Salinas de Janubio and Arrecife in the centre of the caldera.
Interior walkway: a path allows you to see the details from inside—something new for this edition.

The nativity scene pays tribute to Tito Viera, the original creator who started this tradition over 40 years ago, and to Guelo Viñoly, a collaborating carpenter who passed away this year. The 2025 edition was created by municipal workers Gabino Cabrera, Pancho Ortiz, Orlando Caraballo and Aridane Cabrera.

When and where to visit

Dates: 28 November 2025 to 19 January 2026.
Location: Plaza de Los Remedios, in the historic centre of Yaiza.
Opening hours: open mornings and afternoons (check exact times with Yaiza Town Hall).
Price: free entry.

Tip: it’s worth visiting both during the day and at night. Daytime visits let you appreciate the model details; at night, the lighting and eruption effects are more spectacular.

Other must-see nativity scenes in Lanzarote

Besides the Belén de Yaiza, several municipalities set up beautifully crafted nativity scenes each Christmas that are well worth a visit:

Belén de Haría: traditional nativity in the village square, inaugurated on 5 December. Cosy atmosphere with wood and stone decorations.
Belén de Teguise: installed in Plaza Camilo José Cela since 2 December, created by sculptor Rigoberto Camacho Pérez.
Arrecife municipal nativity: located in Parque José Ramírez Cerdá, part of the ‘Arrecife, Puerto de la Navidad’ programme.
Belén de San Bartolomé: handcrafted display in the Teatro Municipal courtyard, open 3 December to 7 January (Monday to Friday, 9:00–13:00).
Belén de Tinajo: features a replica of the Monumento al Campesino shop-house and representative buildings from all municipalities.

Tips for visiting the nativity scenes with family

Go early afternoon: this helps avoid the biggest crowds and makes parking easier.
Combine your visit with a stroll: in Yaiza it’s easy to pair the nativity scene with a coffee or a walk through the historic centre.
Respect the models: many pieces are handcrafted and took months of work; remind children not to touch.
Check the weather: part of the display is outdoors, so it’s worth bringing a light jacket for evening visits.