The Fight Before Christmas

Coal is a dissatisfied Christmas elf who becomes a villain due to a misunderstanding. His attempts to ruin the holiday result in a chaotic fight scene, which ends in harmony. This delightful script introduces basic elements of melodrama and comedy and is easy to perform on a budget. It’s full of wordplay and perfect for children and teens alike.

About the playwright…

Helen Connolly spent her career in education and now works with small groups of students teaching improv and theater. She enjoys developing high-interest, action-packed stories to motivate her students to take risks and have fun. She thanks her MI Co-Op students for inspiring her. She and her husband have raised four boys and one dog.

Excerpt from the play:

CHARACTERS:

NARRATOR
DIRECTOR
FRANK
CARDHOLDER
(Narrator can also be the cardholder. Director can also play Frank and/or Card Holder)

NOEL, a young girl prone to tantrums
CALLOUS COAL, villain, secret elf
LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (LDB), an ineffective Christmas superhero
SILENT KNIGHT (SK), an ineffective Christmas superhero sidekick
HOLLY, a friend of Noel (Could be expanded to Holly, Joy, and Carol by dividing lines or reciting in unison.)
HAROLD, a nervous store employee
GOLD, head elf
MYRRH, assistant elf

NARRATOR:
‘Twas the fight before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was…

DIRECTOR: (possibly with a megaphone and beret, maybe an accent)
Night…it’s night.

NARRATOR:
No, sorry, boss. The sun is still out. It just feels like it’s been hours.

DIRECTOR:
Your script, look at your script. It says night, not fight!

NARRATOR:
Oh, you’re right. Got it.

DIRECTOR:
Action!

NARRATOR:
‘Twas the fight before Christma…

DIRECTOR:
CUT!

NARRATOR:
Night!

DIRECTOR:
Action!

NARRATOR:
‘Twas the fight before Christmas…

DIRECTOR:
Actors these days! I quit!

The director walks off.

NARRATOR:
Cool. Now my version:
‘Twas the FIGHT before Christmas when throughout the store racks,
some people were searching for some last minute snacks.
The stores would be closed on the 25th
So people were shopping for last-minute gifts.
One little girl found the last doll on the shelf
and thought it was magic left by an elf.
She was thrilled and surprised and smiled ear to ear,
but as it turns, out trouble was near!

Narrator exits.

NOEL: (Looking lovingly at the doll)
This is exactly the doll I wanted. I can’t believe it! It’s a Christmas miracle. I’m going to use my gift money from Grandma to buy it!

Nefarious music plays. Callous Coal sneaks up in villainous fashion, taps Noel on the shoulder opposite the way she is looking, and promptly goes to the other side. When she turns towards the tapped shoulder, he grabs the doll and dramatically tiptoes out while Noel looks around the side she was tapped on, sees nothing, and shrugs.

BOO sign is displayed. Audience boos. Noel turns and sees the missing doll. She screams and stomps her feet.

Silent Knight and Little Drummer Boy enter striking superhero poses.

NOEL:
Oh, thank goodness! Silent Knight and Little Drummer Boy have arrived.

YAY sign is displayed. Audience cheers.

LDB: (in a deep, slow announcer voice)
What has happened here?

NOEL:
Someone stole my doll!

LDB:
We shall save you!

LDB & SK point at each other and shake their heads positively.

NOEL:
My doll.

LDB:
We shall save your doll.

They repeat the same motion but still don’t look ready to leave.

NOEL:
When?

LDB:
First, a drum solo.

He looks very confident but plays awful. Noel looks at the audience, annoyed, and gestures two thumbs down.

BOO sign is displayed. Audience boos. LDB stops.

NOEL:
You might need some lessons. Anyway, are you ready now???

LDB:
Indeed, time for a rescue! I am sure it was the notorious Callous Coal.

“Dun, dun, dun” sound effect. Could be made by actors, audience, or pre-recorded.

LDB:
He’s out to ruin Christmas. Let’s go, Silent Knight. No time to waste.