Imagine for a moment what happens when all the lights go out and an entire city is illuminated only by candles. That’s exactly what takes place in Gouda, the Netherlands.
Gouda by candlelight—known locally as “Gouda bij Kaarslicht”—is a renowned Christmas event held every year in this historic Dutch town, located just a short distance from Rotterdam.
The city by candlelight
The tradition involves turning off all electric lights so that, for one evening, Gouda is lit solely by countless candles placed on the windowsills of the houses surrounding the main square and its nearby streets, all to the sound of classic Christmas songs.
The mayor gives a speech and lights the Christmas tree, which is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Every year, the Christmas tree is a gift from the Norwegian city of Konigsberg, Gouda’s twin city. For the occasion, all local churches and museums remain open for visitors. Thousands of people attend this event each year, including notable national and international guests.
The 2018 edition takes place on December 14. The most important hours are from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Gouda bij Kaarslicht: a cherished tradition
This much-anticipated event dates back many decades to when Gouda became known for producing high-quality candles—around the mid-19th century.
Gouda candles are made from natural wax, designed to burn steadily for hours, and can still be purchased throughout the city as souvenirs. Today, however, Gouda is even more famous for the cheese that shares its name.
Gouda: a historic Dutch city
Gouda’s enchanting atmosphere isn’t limited to its candlelight event. The town’s charming canals, historic churches, and classic Dutch architecture make it a delightful destination all year round. It’s also well known for its breweries, traditional smoking pipes, and the iconic “stroopwafels” (syrup waffles).
Most notably, Gouda is world-famous for gouda cheese and its signature stroopwafels, a beloved Dutch treat.
