Are you looking for a cute Christmas craft for kids? Keep scrolling to learn how to make this printable Twas the Night Before Christmas craft!
This printable Twas the Night Before Christmas craft tutorial was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know that magical moment when you’re reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and your kids are actually sitting still? Yeah, me too. It happens about once a year.
This year, I wanted to make that storytime even more special, so I created a printable craft that brings the poem to life. Kids get to make Santa go up and down the chimney (it’s like magic, I promise), decorate stockings with their family names, and have their own copy of the poem.
The best part? It keeps little hands busy while you read, which means everyone’s happy.
What Makes This Craft So Fun
My kids went crazy for the moving Santa element. You cut two slits in the fireplace, thread a strip through, and suddenly Santa slides down the chimney just like in the story.
They also loved personalizing the stockings. We used our family names, but you can do pet names, favorite characters, or whatever makes your kids smile. One year my daughter insisted on including “Elsa” and “Olaf” on our mantle. No judgment here.
This craft works great for ages 4-10. Younger kids will need help with cutting, but they can totally handle the decorating and gluing parts.
Free Printable Coloring Sheet Too
If you have a younger kiddo who’s not quite ready for scissors, I’ve got you covered. There’s a bonus coloring sheet in the download that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
It’s honestly a lifesaver when you have multiple kids at different ages. The little one colors while you help the older one with the craft. Everyone’s occupied, nobody’s melting down. Win.
Your Own Copy of the Classic Poem
The printable includes the full text of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (that’s the official name, but let’s be real, everyone calls it “Twas the Night Before Christmas”).
Elementary kids can practice reading it aloud to the family. There’s something really sweet about hearing your kiddo read those familiar lines.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list:
- Cardstock paper (regular printer paper works too, but cardstock holds up better)
- Small scissors with sharp tips (you’ll need to cut slits)
- Glue stick (liquid glue gets messy, trust me)
- Adult supervision for the cutting parts
Pro tip: Print on white or cream cardstock for the best look. The fireplace already has color, so you don’t need anything fancy.
How to Make It (The Easy Way)
Step 1: Cut the slits
Cut two small slits in the fireplace along the dotted lines. This is the only slightly tricky part. Younger kids will definitely need help here. I usually poke the scissors through first to start the hole.
Step 2: Cut out Santa’s strip
On the second sheet, cut out the long rectangle with Santa on it. This is what makes him move up and down the chimney. It’s basically a paper slider, and kids think it’s the coolest thing ever.
Step 3: Personalize the stockings
Cut out the stockings and write names on them. There are extras in case you mess up (because we all do) or if you have a big family. Need more? Just print another sheet.
My kids love this part. They take forever deciding whose name goes where and writing in their best handwriting.
Step 4: Glue those stockings
Let kids arrange the stockings however they want along the mantle. There’s no wrong way to do this. Some kids line them up perfectly, others create chaos. Both look adorable.
Use a glue stick for this. Liquid glue makes everything wrinkly and takes forever to dry.
Step 5: Thread Santa through
This is where the magic happens. Thread the beige rectangle down through the top slit (above the wreath), then back up through the bottom slit in the fireplace.
Now Santa can slide up and down! My kids spent a solid 20 minutes just making him go up and down the chimney. Worth it.
Step 6: Tell the story
Once it’s done, grab the poem and read it together. Kids can move Santa down the chimney at the right moment in the story. It makes the whole thing so much more interactive.
A Little Background on the Poem
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” was originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Clement Clarke Moore wrote it way back in 1823, and it’s been a holiday tradition ever since.
If you want to read the full original text, The Poetry Foundation has it here.
More Christmas Fun for Your Family
Once you’ve made this craft, you might be on a roll. Check out my post on how to write a letter to Santa if your kids are at that age. The DIY reindeer ornaments are also super cute and make perfect gifts for grandparents.
I’ve also got a free Christmas Countdown printable that my kids use every year to cross off the days until Christmas morning.
Want more Christmas activities? I’ve got you covered with my printable Christmas placemat, DIY Christmas photo tips, Christmas bucket list for families, red truck with Christmas tree craft, printable Star Wars Christmas matching game, Mickey Mouse snowflake craft, and best paper crafts to make this Christmas.
How to Make a Free Printable Twas the Night Before Christmas Craft
Show Image
Materials:
- 2 craft sheets printed on cardstock paper
- Small, sharp scissors
- Glue stick
- Adult hands to help little hands
Instructions:
- Use scissors to cut two slits in the fireplace image, along the black dotted lines.
- On the next sheet, cut out the long rectangle with Santa along the dotted line.
- Next, cut out the stockings. Decide what names you will use for your fireplace. Label each stocking. You may have extra stockings. If you need more, print another sheet.
- Glue each stocking along the mantle, as desired.
- Finally, thread the beige-colored rectangle down through the top slit above the wreath and back up through the slit in the fireplace. Santa can now come down (and up) the chimney.
- Have fun retelling the story of Old St. Nick coming down the fireplace on Christmas Eve.
This craft has become one of our favorite December traditions, right up there with hot cocoa and watching “Elf” for the hundredth time.
Looking for more Christmas content? Get more free printables and activities with my free printable Christmas placemat, DIY Christmas photo tips, Christmas bucket list for families, red truck with Christmas tree craft, printable Star Wars Christmas matching game, Mickey Mouse snowflake, and best paper crafts to make this Christmas!
How to Make a Twas the Night Before Christmas Craft
Learn how to make this adorable Christmas craft for kids where you can see Santa slip down the chimney!
Materials
- 2 craft sheets printed on cardstock paper
- Small, sharp scissors
- Gluestick
- Adult hands to help little hands
Instructions
- Use scissors to cut two slits in the fireplace image, along the black dotted lines.
- On the next sheet, cut out the long rectangle with Santa along the dotted line.
- Next, cut out the stockings. Decide what names you will use for your fireplace. Label each stocking. You may have extra stockings. If you need more, print another sheet.
- Glue each stocking along the mantle, as desired.
- Finally, thread the beige-colored rectangle down through the top slit above the wreath and back up through the slit in the fireplace. Santa can now come down (and up) the chimney.
- Have fun retelling the story of Old St. Nick coming down the fireplace on Christmas Eve
