Candle Night, Gouda

Thousands flock to Gouda by Candle light every year, including important national and international guests. The event is held at the central market square in front of the Gothic town hall. Street and electric lights are turned off, and instead the evening is lit by candles placed in windows facing and around the square. The Mayor gives a speech and lights a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of light bulbs to create a truly magical experience. The Christmas tree is an annual gift from its Norwegian sister city, Kongsberg.

An Old Tradition

Candle Night (Kaarsjesavond) in Gouda is a long-running tradition spanning decades. Choirs gather to sing Christmas carols with audiences enthusiastically joining in. Attendees visit nearby churches and museums following the celebration. Gouda became known for producing quality candles around the mid-19th century, although it is probably most famous for its other waxy product—Gouda cheese. Gouda candles are made from a natural wax that burns steadily for hours and can be purchased around the city as souvenirs.

Historic City

The city of Gouda is not only magical during Gouda by Candle light. Pretty canals, historic churches, and Dutch architecture make a great setting for a city that is also known for its breweries, smoking pipes, and stroopwafels. Gouda is easily accessible by two train stations, and the journey from Amsterdam takes an hour.