Candlelight

Tuesday 11 December marks the 53rd annual lighting of the candles in Gouda (SH) known as Gouda bij Kaarslicht – Gouda by candlelight. This magical candlelight celebration takes place in the medieval town of Gouda, a short train ride from Amsterdam or The Hague. (We strongly recommend that you go by train, as the centre of town is closed to traffic that day.) Literally thousands of candles will be lit in one breathtaking instant as the main square, or Markt, lights up for Christmas. It's not hard to imagine that you're in the 16th century as the lights are first completely extinguished around the square, and then the darkness is driven back by no less than 1,500 candles in the City Hall (Stadhuis) with thousands more glowing throughout the town. The gorgeous stained-glass windows of the nearby St. Janskerk are also specially illuminated for the event, and a concert is given there.

The all-day event features a full schedule of activities for the entire family – including a typical Christmas market on the street called Wilhelminastraat  – and runs from 10:00 to 22:00, with the candle-lighting and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies beginning around 19:00. See www.goudabijkunstlicht.nl  for a complete schedule and details.

The Winter Efteling

The Winter Efteling offers visitors a phantasmagorical winter atmosphere in this celebrated 56-year old theme park.  Fairy-tale lighting, a covered ice skating rink with cosy ski hut, a 385 meter langlauf slide, crackling campfires, extra entertainment and fun for all. www.efteling.com

Dickens Festival
In Deventer (Overijsel) the 19th century English city of Charles Dickens will be revived in full glory during the Dickens Festijn held for the 17th consecutive year. In the historical Bergkwartier, some 750 characters from the celebrated books of this English writer will come to life on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21December. Costumed townspeople portray them all, from Scrooge to Oliver Twist, Fagin, David Copperfield, and Uriah Heap, to the distinguished Mr. Samuel Pickwick and Miss Havisham. Even Queen Victoria is present, along with the Christmas Carol Singers, orphan children, drunkards, office clerks and distinguished citizens.

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