Twas the Night Before Christmas | Christmas Reader's Theater Script

This script adaptation is based on the original 1823 poem titled 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' but commonly known as Twas the Night Before Christmas.

This script should take about 20~30 minutes to read depending on your classroom's level. Extra time for discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should be planned.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

• Grades 3~5 Version (~16 Characters, 1460 words, 9 pages)
• Grades 6~12 Version (~20 Characters, 1480 words, 9 pages)
• Student & Teacher Reader's Theater Tips & Notes
• 10 Comprehension Short Answer and 10 Vocabulary Words
• 3~4 Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Note: All files are in editable DOCX format
• Character Note: Some characters only have 1 or 2 lines, if necessary one student can read multiple lines. Likewise some of the main characters can be read by multiple students.

General Tips for Using this Resource:

1. Print one, double-sided script for each student
2. For digital classrooms, upload the MSWORD DOC version and convert to Google docs
3. Character roles can be adjusted based on class size; characters can be combined or split as needed

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A Summary of the script:

The reader's theater script for "A Visit from St. Nicholas" tells the complete poem and then integrates the story of a family's magical experience on Christmas Eve. The mother and father are preparing the house for Christmas, while their two children are excitedly anticipating Santa's arrival. After setting out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, the children are tucked into bed. Later that night, the father hears a loud noise outside. Curious, he and the mother check the window and are astonished to see St. Nicholas and his eight tiny reindeer landing on their rooftop. The children wake up and join their parents, and together they witness St. Nicholas entering their home through the chimney. St. Nicholas warmly interacts with the family, filling the stockings and placing gifts under the tree. Before departing, he encourages them to share love and kindness with others. The family waves goodbye as St. Nicholas ascends the chimney and flies away, leaving them filled with wonder and joy, embracing the true spirit of Christmas.