Clement Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas," is one of the most iconic Christmas poems in American literature. First published anonymously in 1823, the poem's charm and vivid imagery have had a lasting impact on the celebration of Christmas in the United States and beyond.

Moore reportedly wrote "The Night Before Christmas" in 1822 for his children. He was inspired by the traditional Dutch portrayals of St. Nicholas and was influenced by his New York City upbringing and Dutch traditions. However, he was initially reluctant to claim authorship, fearing the lighthearted work might damage his reputation as a professor and scholar at Columbia College (now Columbia University). Despite his reservations, the poem was published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in Troy, New York, on December 23, 1823.

 Get a copy of The Night Before Christmas Today!

The work of New York Times bestselling children’s book illustrator Charles Santore has been widely exhibited in museums and celebrated with recognitions such as the prestigious Hamilton King Award, the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence, and the Original Art 2000 Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. He is best known for his luminous interpretations of classic children’s stories, including The Little Mermaid, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Snow White, and The Wizard of Oz.

The setting for Santore's bestselling edition of The Night Before Christmas is a historical home in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1823 — the same year the poem was originally published. The architecture, the wallpaper, the furniture, the clothing, and holiday decorations were all true to the time period of the poem.

 

Carry on a family tradition or start one of your own with this new version of the classic Christmas book for children and families. Initially published anonymously as A Visit from Saint Nicholas, and credited as a work by Clement Clark Moore, this timeless tale has been lovingly preserved in this classic edition. Bring the family together for a read-aloud as children prepare for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.

 Get a copy of The Night Before Christmas Today!