Program 2025 –’70 Years of Light, Warmth, and Togetherness!’

On Friday, December 12th, Gouda’s historic city center will be the setting for the 70th Gouda by Candlelight.

This year, we once again have a full-day program for all ages, with something for everyone. From rock to classical music, storytellers, musicals, the world’s smallest circus, and a walking Christmas theater.

New this year: extend your visit to Peperstraat and Keizerstraat with a visit to Komijnsteeg! Here you’ll find Thom Maurice, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter inspired by Lizzy McAlpine and Stevie Wonder. Then, continue to the atmospheric venue of the IJsselhuis at Museumhaven, where you’ll be joined by performances by Some Voices, a new choir with polyphonic harmonies.

The highlight is the ceremony at the tree. This year, for the 70th time, the market square will be illuminated by candlelight. At 7:00 PM, we’ll be performing a mix of tradition and innovation alongside headliners Bas Ragas and Anne-Wil Blankers. We’ll all be counting down to the tree lighting.

Want to download the program brochure? You can find it here!

 

The tree is lit!

📸 Astrid den Haan

Click here for a look back at Gouda by Candlelight 2024
Map of the city center of Gouda with locations

Program locations on December 12th, 2025

Legend

  1. Goudse Schouwburg, Boelekade 67 🍴
  2. Station hall
  3. Cinema Gouda, Burgemeester Jamessingel 25 🍴
  4. Cheese Experience, Agnietenstraat 21 🍴
  5. Agnietenkapel, Nieuwemarkt 100
  6. Achter de Waag
  7. Waag, Markt 35
  8. Markt
  9. Chocoladefabriek, Klein Amerika🍴
  10. Courtyard Raoul Wallenbergplantsoen
  11. Courtyard WSHS (former Weeshuis), Spieringstraat 1🍴
  12. Courtyard Willem Vroesenhuys
  13. Gouda Studio’s, Oosthaven 12 🍴
  14. Museum Gouda, Oosthaven 9 and garden of the museum, Achter de Kerk 14🍴
  15. Sint-Janskerk (church), Achter de Kerk 2
  16. Westhaven 33
  17. Sociëteit Concordia, Westhaven 27🍴
  18. Podium Peperstraat🍴
  19. Het Commissarishuys, Veerstal 32
  20. het IJsselhuis. Schielands Hoge Zeedijk 1🍴
  21. Christmas in the Keizerstraat
  22. Kuiperstraat
  23. Komijnsteeg
  24. Gouwekerk (church), Hoge Gouwe 41 🍴
  25. Visbanken, at the height of Hoge Gouwe 19 en 23
  26. Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij, Turfsingel 34 🍴
  27. Studio Gonz, Turfsingel 36 🍴
  28. De Lichtwijzer, Hoge Gouwe 141
  29. Oud-Katholieke Kerk, Hoge Gouwe 107
  30. Joostkapel, Lage Gouwe 134
  31. Vrije Evangelische Gemeente, Turfmarkt 23
  32. New Neighbours, Kleiweg 39 🍴
  33. De Firma – Gouda Art Center, Achter de Kerk 13
  34. Karnemelksloot

🍴A catering point is available at these locations..

Also happening during Gouda by Candlelight.

In addition to the already packed program organized by the Foundation, enthusiastic businesses and residents are joining in on our event. Here’s a small selection from what’s on offer:

Vrouwesteeg by Candlelight
Just like every year, the residents of Vrouwesteeg will ensure their alley is festively lit with pots of tea lights.

Galerie de Hollandsche Maagd, Oosthaven 28
Open December 12th from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Festive December exhibition with unique art and art gifts: paintings, sculptures, large and small glass objects, and jewelry by various artists. Homemade soup and hot drinks will be available for visitors on December 12th.

5:15 PM – 6:30 PM Intimate, free living room concert by Gouda singer-songwriter Eva-Nicole Leroux with guitarist Thom Goosens.

Eva-Nicole Leroux in front of shop window Galerie de Hollandsche Maagd

📸Anita Gaasbeek -Eva-Nicole Leroux in front of shop window Galerie de Hollandsche Maagd