Gouda by Candlelight 2024 in The Netherlands

Thousands of people flock to Gouda for the Christmas season. The yearly tradition to turn the streets and electric lights off and replace them with candles is an old one, dating to 1958. The Mayor's part on this day is to light a towering Christmas tree, given as a gift from a sister Norwegian city of Kongsberg, and give a special Christmas speech. It is magical experience to be in Gouda during this particular night.

Christmas Candle & Tree Lighting

The festivities start in the evening when city residents and visitors gather at the Gouda Markt to see the lighting of the Christmas tree. The town hall and other monumental buildings around the square are also lighted by thousands of candle, placed in the windows of these historical landmarks. All the street lights and public lighting is turned off during this time, offering a chance to witness this magical city framed by thousands of flickering lights.

Choirs gather on the square to sing Christmas songs and spread holiday spirit among thousands of people. The crowds join in and then visit nearby churches for a more spiritual experience, praying and wishing for health and happiness for their loved ones. This creates an incredible, enchanting atmosphere of a true Christmas miracle.

Throughout the entire day before the lighting ceremony, Gouda is bustling with activities, taking place in various places across the city. The venues host music concerts, classical performances or even theater plays, which you can spruce up your evening with.

Schedule

From 2 pm until midnight, visitors have a chance to explore Gouda and enjoy various events taking place in honor of the Gouda by Candlelight event. The main spectacle is set to begin at around 7 pm and will last until 8 pm. It's best to set off ahead of time to find a spot near the tree.

Locations

The highlight of the entire day takes place in Gouda Markt, the square located in the heart of the city, which usually serves as the host of the weekly Gouda Cheese Market. Additionally, performances, concerts, and other festive events occasionally take place in Gouda Theatre, De Goudse Waag, Museum Gouda, Roman Catholic Elementary School St. Aloysius, and many other places. Most of the venues are situated within walking distance from each other.

Things to Do in Gouda

When in Gouda, don't forget to buy local cheese and candles that are famous all over the Netherlands. Gouda started producing high quality candles around the 19th century. Unique Gouda candles are made from natural wax that burns steadily and last a long time. They can be purchased at shops around the city as souvenirs.

Gouda Cheese Market

Gouda cheese, on the other hand has been traded in the city since the Middle Ages. Interestingly, the cheese wasn't actually produced in Gouda but the city had the market rights to trade cheese. Gouda Cheese Market is a staple of the community and takes place every Thursday from 10 am to 12:30 pm from April to September.

Traveling to Gouda

The city of Gouda is situated in the province of South Holland in the western part of the Netherlands. It's conveniently located just 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Rotterdam and 21 miles (34 km) southeast from The Hague. If you're planning to visit from Amsterdam, the capital is just 45 miles (72 km) from Gouda.