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PerplexityOne evening a year, the street lights go out in Gouda's city centre. Thousands of candles burn in the windows of the town hall and the houses around the Markt, the Christmas tree is lit and the square fills with choirs and spectators. Gouda by Candlelight (Gouda bij Kaarslicht) has been the most beautiful evening of the year on the Markt since 1956, and Gouds Glas is right in the middle of it. Here is what you need to know for the 2026 edition.
What Gouda by Candlelight is
The festival of light began in 1956 around the Christmas tree that Gouda traditionally receives as a gift from its twin town Kongsberg in Norway. On the evening itself, the lights around the Markt go out, candles burn in the town hall and the facades, and the tree is lit to the sound of singing. In 2026 it is the 71st edition.
Programme 2026
- Date: Friday 11 December 2026
- During the day: a full day of activities for young and old in the historic city centre
- Around 19:00: the Waag (weigh house) is lit up and the Christmas tree, this year between the Waag and the scaffold, is lit
- Performances on and around the Markt
The final programme, the times and information on accessibility are on goudabijkaarslicht.nl. Check it shortly before the evening.
The best place to stand
The Markt fills up over the course of the afternoon. If you want a good view of the tree being lit, stand well before 19:00 on the Waag side or in front of the town hall. If you prefer it quieter, choose the side streets around the Markt: candles burn in the windows there too, and the atmosphere is more intimate.
Want to experience Gouda by Candlelight from a table on the Markt? Book early: the tables for 11 December go quickly.
Book a table →Dining at Candlelight
Gouds Glas is at Markt 40, next to the town hall. From a table by the window you look out over the square and the tree. Dinner starts at 17:00, so you can eat early and then head outside for the lighting, or stand outside first and warm up inside afterwards. Book well in advance; groups of 10 or more should email [email protected]. During the day you are welcome for coffee with Gouda pastries and lunch from 11:30.
Getting here
The city centre is packed that evening and the car parks fill up early. Come by train (Gouda station is a five-minute walk from the Markt) or by bike (Nieuwe Markt bicycle parking, first 24 hours free). If you do come by car, park at the P+R site by the station. All the options are in the parking guide.
December in Gouda
Gouda by Candlelight kicks off the festive month on the Markt. Then come the Christmas drinks and Christmas dinners; you can read how to arrange those in our guide to Christmas dinner in Gouda.
