Musical opening with torches of the Scouting.
Junior City Poet Timo van Gastel
Some people don’t believe
Not in politics or in God
Not in miracles or in Santa Claus and Black Pete
Not in conincidence or fate
And to be honest
I do understand that
Among all the bad news
You’ll see the good less quickly
I hear about the melting poles
And plastics in the sea
Forests dying and disappearing
And angry people at an asylum center
Drones above our country
War across the borders
Far too few homes
And even more angry people
But instead of
Whining about bad things
It’s much more fun to
Let good things happen
And they do exist
It sometimes needs searching
But then you also find things like
The longest hedgehog route
Donations to the food bank
And Santa Claus for everyone
Messages that show
Together you are stronger than alone
So shall we start now then
We are all together
And for a new beginning
Is this the best time of the year
The whole city lit up with candles
A cozy atmosphere and music
Hot chocolate milk with whipped cream
It couldn’t be better
And when I see thousands of candles
Here in Gouda
I can’t do anything else
But believe in magic
Welcome Children’s College
Tommie
Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and everyone, young and old. Welcome
Welcome to the 70th edition of Gouda’s Candle Night. How special!
I hope it’s a wonderful evening and that no one feels alone. That we’ve all met, can all be together, and that everyone has a good time.
We are the Gouda Children’s College, and we’re thrilled to be able to open this evening.
Lida
This year, too, there’s a lot planned. We just saw the scouts and the junior city poet, Timo, with his beautiful poem.
The large Christmas tree has a beautiful meaning for me: that we pause even to consider the moment from darkness to light. That we not only enjoy the light, but also see each other. Truly see each other.
Our mayor, Pieter Verhoeve, will give a speech later.
Robin
We’ll listen to the beautiful story “The Gouda Candles,” read by none other than Anne Wil Blankers.
And you know what’s extra fun? Adam and Fenne from the children’s college will be in the story!
Of course, there will be music! We’ll also have a performance by Bas Ragas.
And please sing along, because singing together is the most fun! The more voices, the merrier it gets! All of this will be led by Rosite van der Woude.
Isabel
And finally, and the most important part of the evening, we’ll compare the trees! After all the “Oohs and Ahs,” we’ll end the evening by singing a few Christmas carols together, projected on the screens. Be sure to sing along with all your heart.
We wish everyone a lot of listening pleasure and above all a very pleasant evening with all the people around you, whether you know them or not.
Bastiaan Ragas – Santa claus is back in town
Well, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling down
Well you be a real good little girl
Santa Claus is back in town
Got no sleigh with reindeer
No sack on my back
You’re gonna see me comin’ in a big black Cadillac
Oh, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town
Hang up your pretty stockings
And turn off the light
Santa Claus is comin’ down your chimney tonight
Oh, it’s Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town
(Christmas, Christmas, Christmas…)
Christmas Story and Mayor’s Speech
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This first registration took place when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And they all went to be registered, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, that the days were accomplished for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Good evening Gouda, Gouda residents,
Guests from Norway, Germany, Belgium, people from everywhere.
Busy, isn’t it? For the 70th time. It’s so full here because you, along with thousands of people, were out and about, longing for a pleasant time, even in the dark.
We all love hiking, trekking, and touring.hten en toeren.
Perhaps you’re visiting friends or family for the holidays. A nice way to get away for a few days.
The old Christmas story also uses travel language:al:
“And they all set out
From Galilee to Judea.”
The route between Bethlehem and Nazareth is easily a 150-kilometer walk. 4,000 meters of elevation gain. Quite challenging when you’re heavily pregnant. In paintings, Mary often appears sitting on a donkey, the moped of the time. Was that true? It’s not in the Bible.
In any case, Joseph and Mary didn’t set out alone. “All set out.”
Many families in the Roman province of Judea at that time left for their birthplace.
Not because it was possible, but because it was necessary. It wasn’t a voluntary journey, but a consequence of a government measure like many others: an order from an emperor, executed by a governor, and mandatory tax registration of the population. It struck me particularly this time.
Leaving is sometimes necessary to save your vulnerable life.te redden.
Since 2022, 400 Ukrainians have been living here in the shelter, and as of September, our asylum center, De Molenwiek, also grew to 400 residents. The expansion took place in a dignified and peaceful manner. Thanks to the people of Gouda for that.
Even Dutch people sometimes have to leave in a hurry.
This summer, I cycled to the women’s shelter in Gouda. The address is secret. Dozens of young women are staying there because their relationships at home have become too dangerous. Toddlers crawl around among them. And they are not alone. In the Netherlands, approximately 6,000 women flee their (ex-)partner every year.
Femicide resulted in an exhibition at the train station this summer. Moving stories on billboards. Less than a day later, in July, a young mother was shot dead on the street by the father of her children.
This is certainly a topic of discussion. Every year, the Huis van de Stad (City Hall), or this city hall, is illuminated in orange at the beginning of December. The municipality of Gouda consciously supports the UN campaign Orange the World. Global attention to women’s safety. It’s deeply necessary. Half of all women in the Netherlands experience inappropriate behavior. Almost three-quarters experience sexual harassment. Unheard of. Unnecessary. Unacceptable.
Can I say something to the men here? Love, respect, and feel free to intervene if you see your friend or family member crossing the line. Safety belongs to all of us. The night belongs to all of us.
At the same time, we know: The news sometimes sheds little light. In our city, there have been more dramatic family tragedies in the past year. Stories that silence us. But it’s precisely then that unexpected things happen: During the funeral service, foster parent Dushi from Gouda addressed the deceased’s young classmates: “Stay calm, boys.” Next year I want to see you all with a diploma.’ These kinds of soothing words offer hope in a dark world. Like a Nelson Mandela from Gouda. Straight through the sorrow, she spoke words of reconciliation and grace. That, too, is Christmas. The Light comes everywhere. It comes to comfort the people.
‘And they all went their way.’
That was true for Joseph and Mary. That is true for us.
We all travel through time. Through life. Through the city. Through Europe.
Who exactly dies in the same bed where you were born?
Humanity, said Augustine, ‘is on the journey together.’
Or you simply stand still together for four hours, like I did last week on the train.
Traveling together means being considerate of each other.
The Christmas tree from Kongsberg here on this square also made a long journey.
On EXACTLY December 12, 1956, we received our first Christmas tree from Kongsberg.
Tonight, again for the 70th time.
Musicians from Norway performed together with Gouda instrumentalists. Fantastic. Just as then, it’s volunteers who forge connections between cities.
Gouda by Candlelight is therefore above all a story of international friendship. This goes beyond an entrance sign at the city limits. There are active exchanges between sports clubs, businesses, the youth fire brigade, city council members, churches, service clubs, and schools. Yes, more than ever before, we cherish the ties with Kongsberg and Solingen.
In a world that is faltering, friendships within Europe are becoming more important. Music is part of that, just like at Christmas. About “Glory to God,” about “peace on earth.” About a baby named Joshua, Savior.
With the birth of a child, something new is always born. Every person gets the chance to start over, to begin life anew. In the middle of the world’s night, the heavens opened, and “Answer to our hopes” resounds.
Mayor Line Spiten,
Tussen tak for dette treet Huge thanks for this Christmas tree. It’s more than wood. It is a symbol of solidarity. 15,000 lights, 21 meters of love. This Christmas tree will soon bring a warm glow.
Gouda was already orange. These are the hues of dawn.
The lights will soon twinkle. In short, tonight we’re moving from Orange the World to Joy to the World.
So, wishing everyone a loving, blessed, and cozy Christmas!
Christmas Carol door backing vocals
Christmas story The Gouda Candles by Anne Wil Blankers
Anne Wil: Every winter, something special happens. From the Norwegian town of Kongsberg, a large Christmas tree travels all the way to the Netherlands. To Gouda. There, on Candlelight Eve, it becomes the radiant center of a grand celebration, with music, lights, and song.
But this year… the tree didn’t leave alone. Because Tor, a boy from Kongsberg, had a secret. He couldn’t live without his tree. Not after everything they’d been through together.
And so begins Tor’s adventure. A journey across the sea, to a strange land, with new people and new friends.
I’d like to tell you a story about friendship, and about how one tree can unite hearts.
This is the story of the Gouda Candles.
(Instrumental music, underscore)
Tor has hidden in the truck. He’s shivering with cold. It’s dark in the hold of the large ship. And very quiet.
(Tor climbs out from under a blanket and looks around.)
On the trailer lies a huge Christmas tree. Tor sniffs deeply. Mmmm… The tree smells good. Just like home. Just like Christmas.
Tor sees the trunk. There, the lines Dad drew. Just above Tor’s head. A little higher each time Tor grew. Would his parents, his friends, and the school back home in Kongsberg miss him already?
Tor: (to Anne Wil) Where’s the tree going?
Anne Wil: (tegen Tor) The tree is going to the Netherlands, to Gouda. There it will be the center of a big party.
Tor: Gouda? That’s where Teuntje lives!
Tor has known Teuntje since last summer, when she and her parents were on vacation in Norway. Together they hid in the big tree in Kongsberg. They sang songs, made secret plans, and promised to see each other again next summer at this tree.
So, for Tor, the tree is more than just a tree. It’s where his friendship with Teuntje began.
But on a cold morning in the middle of December, Tor heard the hum of sawing in the forest. It piqued his curiosity, so he went after the sound. At first, he thought it was coming from somewhere else, but as he got closer, he saw men in yellow jackets. They were standing by his tree.
Tor ran towards it, but it was too late. The chainsaw screeched, the trunk trembled, and slowly, with a heavy crack, the tree fell to the ground. The smell of fresh wood filled the air. Tor watched as the tree was hoisted onto a truck with ropes.
Every year, a tree leaves Kongsberg. First by truck to the harbor. Then by boat to Rotterdam, and onward to Gouda. But why did it have to be his tree?
Tor: (to Anne Wil) When they cut it down, all I could do was cry. Dad told me to be proud. But… he was my best friend. My secret. My listener. My tree.
Anne Wil: And so Tor made a decision. He would come along. Because you don’t let your friends down.
(Bastiaan enters, briefly puts a hand on Tor’s shoulder, and tries to break the tension. He sings the first verse to Tor, then addresses the audience.)
Bastiaan: (singing playfully) Have a holly, jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Oh, ho, the mistletoe
Is hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Oh by golly, have a holly jolly Christmas this year
Oh, ho, the mistletoe
Is hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Oh by golly, have a holly jolly Christmas this year
Anne Wil: No one knew Tor was here. But he had to come along… for the tree.
That tree was his friend. His secret. He had always told him everything—happy or sad, it didn’t matter.
And Teuntje… she knew the tree too. And now the tree was going to Gouda. To the very city where his girlfriend Teuntje lives!
After a long journey, the truck slowly drove into the Markt square in Gouda, right in the middle of the city. Lights hung everywhere, and people watched curiously. Men in helmets called out to each other, and with a large crane, the tree was lifted upright.
Tor watched from a distance. The tree stood there, proud and still, as if it already knew its place. For a moment, it seemed as if it winked at Tor, as if whispering: “See? We got there together.”
The first snowflakes drifted down. Gouda fell silent. And somewhere, amidst all the lights, Tor felt it was getting a little bit like Christmas again
Bastiaan: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes that glow
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door
A pair of Hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that’ll talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well
It’s the sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that’ll make ’em ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door
Sure, it’s Christmas once more
(Tor turns toward the town hall. Tor looks around in surprise.)
Tor: Wow! A castle! (to Anne Wil) Do the king and queen live there?
Anne Wil: No, that’s the town hall. Here, by your tree, Candle Night takes place.
Every year, on this evening, all the lights in the city center go out. Only the candles remain burning—hundreds, perhaps thousands, in the windows of the old town hall and all the houses around it.
The whole city seems to stand still for a moment. Everyone looks up, at the warm light spreading across the Market Square. As if the night itself is beginning to glow. Look! The market square is slowly filling with people. With lights. With music. And look over there (points to Teuntje)
Tor: Teuntje!
Teuntje: (runs toward Tor) Tor! What are you doing here?!
Tor (softly): I couldn’t let our tree go alone.
Teuntje: You’ve… traveled all the way with the tree?
Tor: (nods) Yes. From Kongsberg.
Teuntje: But… why?
Tor: Because it’s our tree. This is the tree where we made our secret plans, where we played together! When they cut it down, I felt like I was abandoning it.
Teuntje: How special that our tree is the center of the most beautiful thing that happens in Gouda: Candle Night!
Tor: Candle Night?
Teuntje: Yes. Once a year, all the lights go out. Everyone gathers here in the main square. People sing, laugh, sometimes they cry a little. And then, at the end… the big tree is lit. And I think it’s so special, Tor… that our tree is allowed to be here now. And that you’re here. That you’re here. In my city.
Anne Wil: And so Tor from Norway stands here tonight in Gouda, by his tree and next to his girlfriend. The candles around the square are lit. The square lights up. And everyone sings together…
Bastiaan: (sings) I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
Anne Wil: The tree shines brighter this year for the 70th time, more beautiful than ever before. And in that moment, Tor knew: friendship travels beyond borders. And sometimes… a tree brings not only light, but also hearts together.
Tor: My tree, my friend, will have the most beautiful place in the world!
Mayor: Tor, your tree is the most beautiful we’ve ever had. I promise you we’ll take good care of it.
Anne Wil: Now it’s time for the biggest moment of the evening. Your tree, Tor, will show just how beautiful it is.
Tor is incredibly proud. Of his tree. Of his girlfriend. And of Christmas.
Mayor: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… welcome to the Market Square in Gouda! Today we celebrate something special. This beautiful tree, all the way from Kongsberg, Norway, now stands here as a symbol of light, friendship, and hope. And you know… this year the tree is extra special. Because not only does it have thousands of lights… it also brought a friend. Tor, from Kongsberg. (announcement Mayor Kongsberg)
Speech of Mayor Kongsberg Line Spiten(vertaling)
Dear Pieter, friends, citizens of Gouda, distinguished guests, It is a true pleasure to stand here with you tonight, surrounded by the warm glow of thousands of candles. I am honored to say a few words about the friendship between Gouda and Kongsberg.
We might seem different in many ways. Gouda, famous for its canals, cheese markets, and historic town center. Kongsberg, known for its silver mines, winter sports, and technology. But we also have a lot in common.
First, both cities were built on craftsmanship and industry.
Both cities grew because people knew how to make things.
Second, both Gouda and Kongsberg show how heritage and innovation can live side by side.
We respect our traditions, but we also adapt them for the future.
TThird, our cities share a strong cultural spirit—one that values community, celebration, and traditions that bring people together.
Tonight, Gouda by Candlelight turns your city into a shining symbol of unity. In Kongsberg, events like the Kongsberg Jazz Festival and Kongsberg Agenda bring thousands of people together in the same spirit. So let us celebrate what our cities share: craftsmanship, heritage, culture and innovation. But most of all, let us celebrate the spirit of connection that brings Gouda and Kongsberg together—tonight and always. Thank you, and may these lights continue to guide us forward.
Anne Wil: Now for the big moment. Are you ready, Tor?
Mayor: Shall we count down together?
Mayor & Anne Wil: Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one…
(tree lights up)
Anne Wil: And so the tree shines. Not just for Gouda. Not just for Kongsberg. But for everyone who believes that light and friendship make the world more beautiful.
City Poet Chris Bellekom
This is where the heart burns
The temporary center on a darkest night.
Hold each other close when it is dark and cold.
Hold people close when you see them stumble, when they cry,
or stammer, stagger, are sick, grow old and die.
Be gentle with those who are slowly forgetting who they are.
Keep the fire burning in your heart
Because this is where the heart burns
Keep the lights on.
After all, you are the light.
You don’t need to walk through darkness with a candle, searching for fire.
You have that burning heart.
Your eyes shine.
We are only here for each other.
You can only find yourself in the shoulders, the hands,
the fingers, the voice, the comfort you give,
The arms you wrap around another.
By giving, you will be.
Keep the fires burning in your heart
Because there is where the heart burns
Keep the lights on.
After all, you are the light.
And for just a small, fragile ‘thank you,’ a heart may burn for years. Be the warmth in the world. Look into other eyes, And see what you look like yourself. Warm the world with your burning heart. After all, you are the light.
Bastiaan announces singing together (dutch)
Singing together
Eer zij God in onze dagen,
eer zij God in deze tijd.
Mensen van een welbehagen,
roept op aarde vrede uit.
Glo o o o o o o-ria
in excelsis Deo,
Glo o o o o o o-ria
in excelsis De-e-o
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht,
Davids Zoon, lang verwacht
Die miljoenen eens zaligen zal
werd geboren in Betlehems stal
Hij, der Schepselen Heer,
Hij der schepselen Heer
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
Dashing thro’ the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh.
O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way.
Bells on bob-tails ring, making spirits bright,
what fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
Ding dong, merrily on high
The Christmas bells are ringing
Ding dong joyously reply
The angels all a-singing
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis
Ding dong, carol all the bells!
Ring out the Christmas story!
Ding dong sound the good noels
God’s son had come in glory!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis
Ding dong, merrily on high
The Christmas bells are ringing
Ding dong joyously reply
The angels all a-singing
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis
