The Night Before Christmas (1961 film)

The Night Before Christmas is a 1961 animated Christmas television special produced by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. It is based on the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas") by Clement Clarke Moore. The special utilizes stop-motion animation, often referred to as "Animagic" by Rankin/Bass.

The story revolves around a cynical clockmaker named Professor Cornelius, who believes that Christmas is a humbug. His doubt causes Santa Claus to bypass his town, leading the town's children to try and convince Professor Cornelius to change his mind and restore Christmas spirit so that Santa will visit again. The special features narration and songs, including a recurring theme song based on the poem.

The Night Before Christmas is one of the earliest holiday specials produced by Rankin/Bass and helped establish their signature style of animation and storytelling that would become prominent in later productions like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. The special has been broadcast annually on television for many years and remains a popular Christmas tradition.