The Night Before Christmas Song

by Johnny Marks

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
—
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Lyrics

’Twas the (C)night be fore (Em)Christ mas and (F)all through the (C)house, not a (Dm)crea ture was (C)sitr ring, not (F6)e ven (G)a (C)mouse.

All the stock ings were (Em)hung by the (F)chim ney with (C)care in the (Dm)hope that Saint (C)Nich o las (F6)soon (G7sus)would (G7)be (C)there.

(C7)Then (F)what to my (F)won der ing (C)eyes should ap (C)pear, a (Dm)min ia ture (G7)sleigh and eight (C)ti ny rein (C7)deer.

A (F)lit tle old (F)driv er so (C)live ly and (C)quick, I (D7)knew in a mo ment it (Dm7)must be Saint (G)Nick.

And more (C)rap id than (Em)ea gles his (F)rein deer all (C)came, as he (Dm)shout ed, “On (C)Dash er” and (F6)each (G7sus)rein (G7)deer’s (C)name.

And so (C)up to the (Em)house top the (F)rein deer soon (C)flew, with the (Dm)sleigh full of (C)toys and Saint (F6)Nich o (G)las, (C)too.

Down the chim ney he (Em)came with a (F)leap and a (C)bound.

He was (Dm)dressed all in (C)fur and his (F6)bel (G7sus)ly (G7)was (C)round.

(C7)He (F)spoke not a (F)word but went (C)straight to his (C)work and (Dm)filled all the (G7)stock ings, then (C)turned with a (C7)jerk.

And (F)lay ing his (F)fin ger a (C)side of his (C)nose, then (D7)giv ing a nod up the (Dm7)chim ney he (G)rose.

But I (C)heard him ex (Em)claim as he (F)drove out of (C)sight, “Mer ry (Dm)Christ mas to (C)all and to (F6)each (G7sus)rein (G7)deer’s (C)name.

And so (D7)all a (G7)good (C)night.”

The Night Before Christmas Song by Johnny Marks — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Night Before Christmas Song” by Johnny Marks in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 160 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "The Night Before Christmas Song" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "The Night Before Christmas Song"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.