What once began as a single enchanting moment has now become a tradition we look forward to every year:
The X-MAS Lighting Event at Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda. And this year? Even more lights, even more warmth, and even more wonder.
On Thursday, November 19, we’ll count down together, raise our glasses, and toast as thousands of lights come on.
The lighting of thousands of lights on the monumental facade of the Orphanage—but it’s become so much more than that. Imagine a wonderful, festive evening filled with music, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and, above all, lots of fun! Want to make the evening even more special? Enjoy our Royal Christmas Afternoon Tea at COCO before the event, or wrap up the evening in festive style with a delicious 3-course meal at LIZZ*.
There are 3 unique ways to experience the XMAS Lighting Event:
- The XMAS Lighting Ceremony: The classic experience with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and the lighting of the lights.
- The COCO XMAS Lighting Event: The Ceremony + COCO's Festive Royal Christmas Afternoon Tea.
- The WSHS All Over XMAS Lighting Event (VIP): The Ceremony + a romantic 3-course dinner at LIZZ* restaurant.
Program:
5:30 P.M. — A WINTER WELCOME
We’ll welcome you in the beautifully decorated courtyard of the Weeshuis. It’s time for mulled wine and warm winter drinks, Christmas carols from the choir and/or a storyteller, and above all: enjoying the winter atmosphere together.
A great time to look around, meet up with friends, and really get into the Christmas spirit.
In case of bad weather, we'll move the winter welcome to the Refter.
6:50 p.m. — ALMOST TIME…
We’ll meet at the historic facade of the Orphanage.
7:00 PM — THE XMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY
Here we go.
10… 9… 8…
The countdown begins.
The Christmas lights come on.
The snow starts to fall.
And, of course, Mariah Carey is playing.
Christmas is officially here.
For guests who have this included in their package, we'll wrap up the evening in festive style with sparkling wine.
And then? For our VIP guests, the evening continues at LIZZ* for dinner.
*The program and the times listed are subject to change and may be adjusted in the lead-up to the event. If this is the case, we will notify guests in a timely manner.
Information
End: 19:00p.m.
