8. Market square
City Hall
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Despite the renovation of the beautiful Gouda City Hall, this year’s ceremony will once again take place at City Hall. The public lighting will be off, and the City Hall and the houses and shops surrounding the Market Square will be partially illuminated by hundreds of candles.
A magical moment for and by Gouda residents. Gouda by Candlelight is for everyone, and that will be evident during the ceremony. The evening will be dedicated to music and tradition, but we will also add innovative elements. This year, we have two main acts! Actor and singer Bas Ragas will deliver a wonderful performance, and Anne-Wil Blankers will perform the story “De Goudse Kaarsjes” (The Gouda Candles) together with the children’s council.
Of course, speeches by the (child) mayors of Gouda and Kongsberg, Pieter Verhoeve and Tommie Blauwendraat, and Line Spiten, and poems by the (junior) city poets Chris Bellekom and Timo van Gastel will also be featured. Around 7:50 PM, we’ll count down together to the magical moment when the tree lights are switched on. Together, we’ll celebrate the start of the Christmas season!
📸 Bas Ragas & Anne-Wil Blankers
📸 de Gorgonen
📸 El Capstok
Market and surrounding area
Wandering through the city center, you can encounter the following musicians, artists, and acts between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM:
The Gorgons: Every year they roam the streets of Gouda: The Gorgons, three mysterious ladies from another era, with their unmistakable flair and flamboyant headdresses.
Brass Orchestra Kerstwind: Like a whirlwind, they wander through the city center, performing all the traditional songs.
Barrel Organ De Pansfluiter: Can be seen and heard at various locations in the city center. The organ performs an atmospheric and extensive Christmas repertoire. De Pansfluiter is a protected Dutch historical cultural heritage and unique in its kind.
Vocal Group All Xclusive: These six women sing a cappella, pop, soul, and jazz harmonies.
Cor Verkade: (note the man with the suitcase) captivates you with his stories. VoetFolk!: This unique group of cheerful musicians roams the streets and squares. Unamplified and unsprayed, they bring a unique, festive atmosphere and conviviality wherever they go.
El Capstok is coming to Gouda with its winter circus: the smallest circus in the world, but with the greatest artists.