📸 Hester Hage
Paul Buis and Carolien Meus, representing Gouda by Candlelight, presented the first copy of the program to Mayor Pieter Verhoeve this morning.
This year, it will once again be published as a newspaper, which will be distributed door-to-door throughout Gouda by Kontakt – de Goudse Post on Wednesday, December 4th. The program can also be viewed on our website: www.goudabijkaarslicht.nl/programma. You can also download the program newspaper or just the schedule here.
“This year, we opted for one complete program newspaper, unlike last year’s multiple programs. This allows us to distribute it door-to-door throughout Gouda as a supplement and reach more people,” said Carolien Meus on behalf of Gouda by Candlelight. In addition, the program can be picked up for free at familiar locations such as the City Hall and Tourist Information Office, the Chocolate Factory, Museum Gouda, and various supermarkets.
Opening concert in the Goudse Schouwburg (theatre of Gouda)
An extensive program is once again planned for December 13th this year. At 2:30 PM, there will be an opening concert at the Goudse Schouwburg Theatre, which is free to attend. Following last year’s success, the opening concert will once again be performed by the Gouwe Bigband and singer Stefanie Kenter. The shared love of swinging and jazzy music guarantees a festive start to Gouda by Candlelight 2024!
New Locations
Podium Peperstraat has become a permanent fixture. New this year are the recently restored Gouwekerk and “Christmas in Keizerstraat,” a new residents’ initiative. We are proud to add this picturesque street and the atmospheric Gouwekerk to the program.
For all ages
The full-day program starts at 2:00 PM at various locations in Gouda’s city center. It’s a combination of traditional and innovative elements. For example, there’s a strong focus on classical music in venues like the Agnietenkapel, the Old Catholic Church, and the Joostkapel. This year, many young, up-and-coming artists have also been added. Such as the Droominee (dream pastor) and Miss Starling, who won the prestigious Amsterdam Pop Prize in November.
Tree ceremony
The highlight remains the tree ceremony between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. As is tradition, there will be the mayor’s Christmas speech and the Christmas story. This year’s headliners are none other than Leona Philippo and the ZA-EL Gospel Choir, conducted by Elvis E.
Together, we’ll create a festive start to the Christmas season!
