‘Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened…’
A magical visit to Gouda, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight! Gouda by Candlelight is one of the oldest festivals of light in the Netherlands and marks the enchanting start of the Christmas season.
On 11 December 2026, around 1,500 candles will illuminate the windows of Gouda’s historic Town Hall. Throughout the evening, enjoy music, live performances and plenty of warm and festive winter cheer. The highlight of the evening is the lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree on the Markt, between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. The tree is an annual gift from Gouda’s Norwegian sister city, Kongsberg.
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it!
Would you like to make the most of this magical evening?
Especially for this enchanting occasion, Restaurant LIZZ* opens its doors for an exclusive three-course dinner, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Remco Kuijpers and his team. Enjoy a culinary highlight in the heart of the festivities, overlooking our romantically illuminated courtyard.
Make the experience last a little longer with an overnight stay in one of our luxurious suites or rooms, followed the next morning by a delicious winter breakfast at Coffee & Cocktail Bar COCO!
Scroll down to discover more about the dinner and get a taste of what the menu may have in store.
Please note: the menu shown is for inspiration only. The final menu for this special evening may vary and will be announced closer to the date.
LIZZ* CANDLE LIGHT DINNER
Make this special evening even more festive with an exclusive dinner at LIZZ*. Choose the time that best suits your plans for the evening:
- 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm: start the evening with a culinary experience before the candlelight ceremony and the festive lighting of the Christmas tree
- 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm: end the festivities in the city in style with an exceptional dinner
Limited availability – reservations are required.
MENU (indicative)
Beetroot “Forono”
Hazelnut– blood orange– timut
Roasted Venison Loin
Red cabbage – apricot – mustard
Candle “WSHS”
White chocolate – mandarin – cardamom
85,- per person
Including aperitif, bread & butter service and table water
Stay the night
December is the most magical month at WSHS. It transforms WSHS into the ultimate X-MAS hotel, where cosy warmth, sparkling lights and unforgettable memories come together. So why limit this special atmosphere to just one evening?
Extend your LIZZ* experience with an overnight stay at the Weeshuis and linger a little longer in all the warmth and festive cheer. Wake up in an atmospheric hotel room, complete with your very own Christmas tree, and start the next day at a leisurely pace with an indulgent breakfast.
Enjoy:
- Optional: 3-course Candle Light Dinner
- Wonderfully comfortable COCOMAT beds and Zenology toiletries
- Complimentary upgrade, subject to availability
- Optional: a delicious breakfast in the historic Regentenkamer
Reservations are subject to availability.
All reservations are subject to the Uniform Conditions for the Hotel and Catering Industry.
For the ultimate experience, and due to its popularity, we recommend booking your table at Restaurant LIZZ* well in advance.
Get a taste of the atmosphere from previous years
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