Dateline NBC — “The Night Before Christmas” (Read by Keith Morrison)

Air Date: December 24, 2025
Host: NBC News
Featured Reader: Keith Morrison

Episode Overview

This special holiday episode of Dateline NBC departs from the show’s signature true crime investigations for a festive treat: legendary correspondent Keith Morrison lends his iconic voice to a classic reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” The episode aims to invoke nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of holiday wonder, making it a family-friendly interlude during Dateline’s usual programming.

Key Discussion Points and Segments

1. Introduction to the Reading

• [01:10] The narration opens directly with the first lines of Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved poem, signaling a swift and immersive entry into the holiday classic.
• There is no Dateline branding, investigative reporting, or analysis—just an uninterrupted, atmospheric reading.

2. The Poem, Delivered with Characteristic Warmth

• Familiar Imagery: Morrison recites the iconic verses that describe the Christmas Eve anticipation in a household, the appearance of St. Nicholas, and the magical, whimsical journey of Santa Claus delivering gifts.
• Atmospheric Details: Listeners are transported with vivid descriptions—the quiet house, the excitement of children, the gleam of new-fallen snow, and the magical sleigh on the rooftop.
• Morrison’s Signature Delivery: His rich, slightly suspenseful tone gives new resonance to the imagery, making even well-known lines feel alive and engaging.

3. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• The Classic Opening:

  “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
  (Keith Morrison at 01:10)

• Atmospheric Wonder:

  “The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below—and what to my wondering eyes should appear but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer...”
  (Keith Morrison at 01:52)

• Santa’s Magical Entrance:

  “And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof; as I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.”
  (Keith Morrison at 02:35)

• A Touch of Humor:

  “He had a broad face and a round little belly that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.”
  (Keith Morrison at 03:03)

• The Famous Conclusion:

  “But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—Happy Christmas to all, and to all, good night!”
  (Keith Morrison at 04:07)

4. Morrison’s Tone and Delivery

• Warm, Slightly Mysterious: Morrison’s characteristic cadence and pauses inject a subtle undercurrent of intrigue and warmth—a Dateline twist on the Christmas spirit.
• Inviting and Nostalgic: Deliberate pacing and gentle emphasis on key phrases make the poem feel both familiar and new.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:10 – Opening lines: “Twas the night before Christmas...”
• 01:52 – The arrival of St. Nicholas and his reindeer
• 02:35 – Santa’s descent down the chimney
• 03:03 – Description of Santa’s jolly appearance
• 04:07 – The poem’s uplifting conclusion: “Happy Christmas to all...”

Overall Impression

This Dateline NBC holiday special stands out as a warm, family-friendly offering, distinguished by Keith Morrison’s iconic narration. The familiar poem, imbued with his storytelling gravitas, becomes both a comforting holiday tradition and a subtly suspenseful experience—Dateline style. This episode is a brief but inviting break from Dateline’s usual fare, delivering nostalgia, cheer, and classic holiday magic.