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A Visit from St. Nicholas
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“'Twas the night before Christmas”
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“'Twas the night before Christmas”
“'Twas the night before Christmas” A magical holiday visitor bringing toys on Christmas Eve.

A Visit from St. Nicholas

narrative poem
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Also known as: “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”, “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas”, “The Night Before Christmas”
Written by
J.E. Luebering
J.E. Luebering is Vice President, Editorial at Encyclopaedia Britannica.
J.E. Luebering
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Last Updated: • Article History
In full:
Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas
Also called:
The Night Before Christmas or ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
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News •

A Famous Christmas Poem Could Sell for $500,000 • Dec. 6, 2024, 6:52 AM ET (New York Times)

A Visit from St. Nicholas, narrative poem first published anonymously in the Troy (New York) Sentinel on December 23, 1823. It became an enduring part of Christmas tradition, and, because of its wide popularity, both Nicholas, the patron saint of Christmas, and the legendary figure Santa Claus were permanently linked with the holiday. The poem recounts the arrival of St. Nicholas at the narrator’s home on Christmas Eve. Its opening lines set the scene: The poem’s descriptions of St. Nicholas did much to establish him as the joyful, plump, toy-bearing Santa Claus of the American Christmas tradition. As the poem ...(100 of 256 words)

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