Today in History: A Visit from St. Nicholas

A Visit from St. Nicholas
Today in History–December 24–the Library of Congress features the famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” penned by Clement C. Moore on this day in 1822. Today the poem is best known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Find out more about Moore and his famous tale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Santa Claus.

A reprint of the first publication of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” c. 1830

“A Visit from Saint Nicholas” article showing poem in author longhand

Historic news pages: A Visit from Saint Nicholas

Christmas Carol. The visit of Saint Nicholas broadside, 1842

A Visit from Saint Nicholas illustrated book, 1862

More books about Santa Claus

Santa Claus images

Santa Claus sheet music

Audio recordings

Topics in Chronicling America – Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897-1920)

Santa Claus front-page news

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Why I Believe in Santa

Featured Images

Library blog posts

Today in History: Christmas primary & secondary sources