ITS-Reizen

Day trip to Gouda by Candlelight

Foto: Tsnoei / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 NL

One evening a year: Gouda's Markt lit by candles, with a huge Christmas tree in front of the town hall.

Destination
Gouda, the Netherlands
Type of trip
Day trip
Duration
1 day

About this trip

Gouda by Candlelight (Gouda bij Kaarslicht) takes place on just one evening a year, in mid-December. A huge Christmas tree stands on the Markt in front of the Gothic town hall, and as night falls the town is lit by candles. The highlight is the ceremony at the tree.

The coach takes your group to Gouda in the afternoon. That leaves time first for the old town and the market square, and then for the candlelit evening. Afterwards we drive back, arriving at the pick-up point late in the evening.

Highlights

  • Gouda's Markt by candlelight
  • Huge Christmas tree in front of the town hall
  • Just one evening a year

Included

  • Coach travel with driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at the agreed pick-up point

Not included

  • Food and drinks

Programme

  1. Afternoon departure

    The coach collects your group from the agreed pick-up point.

  2. Gouda old town

    Free time in the old town and on the market square.

  3. Gouda by Candlelight

    The Markt by candlelight and the ceremony at the Christmas tree.

  4. Return journey

    Afterwards we drive back to the pick-up point.

Frequently asked questions

When is Gouda by Candlelight?
One evening a year, in mid-December. In 2026 it is scheduled for 11 December; we will check the date for you.
How long is the drive to Gouda?
From Friesland it takes around two and a half hours, depending on the pick-up point and traffic.

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