A Visit from St. Nicholas

narrative poem

Also known as: “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”, “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas”, “The Night Before Christmas”(Show More)

Written by

J.E. Luebering

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

History

A Visit from St. Nicholas, narrative poem first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel (New York) on December 23, 1823. It became an enduring part of Christmas tradition, and, because of its wide popularity, both St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, 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:...