US
November 1942- Label and catalog number
- Decca A-350Decca 350
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album
- Runout / matrix
71252AAA side stamped
71282B XB side stamped
71166AAC side stamped
71078BBD side stamped
Vinyl pressings
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
by Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians · 1942
18 pressings3 countriesHolidayClassicalChildren'sFolk
'Twas The Night Before Christmas was first pressed on vinyl in 1942. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
3 pressings came out in 1942, the album's first year, in 2 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1942- Label and catalog number
- Decca A-350
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album
- Runout / matrix
71166Silent Night, Holy Night
71078Oh Gathering Clouds
Canada
November 1942- Label and catalog number
- Decca A-350
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album
- Runout / matrix
18500A 71166AARunout C stamped
18500B 71078BRunout D stamped
18502A 71076ARunout G stamped
18502B 71251ARunout H stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 18 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1940s8 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | US | Decca A-350First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | Canada | Decca A-350First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | US | Decca A-350 / Decca 350First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1947 | US | Decca A-480Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album, Reissue | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album, Reissue |
| 1947 | US | Decca A-480Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album, Reissue | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album, Reissue |
| 1949 | US | Decca DLP 5021 / Decca DL 502110", LP, Album | 10", LP, Album |
| 1949 | US | Decca DL 502110", LP, Album | 10", LP, Album |
| 1949 | US | Decca 5021 / Decca DLP 502110", LP, Album | 10", LP, Album |
1950s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | US | Decca 9-677", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set |
| 1950 | US | Decca 9-677", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set |
| 1952 | US | Decca 9-677", 45 RPM, Album, Repress, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Repress, Box Set |
| 1953 | US | Decca ED-5487", 45 RPM, Album, EP | 7", 45 RPM, Album, EP |
| 1954 | UK | Brunswick LA.8693LP, 10", Album, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Album, Mono · Mono |
Year unknown5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Decca A-480Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album |
| ? | UK | Brunswick LA 869310", 33 ⅓ RPM | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| ? | US | Decca 9-677", 45 RPM, Album, Repress, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Repress, Box Set |
| ? | US | Decca A-480Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album |
| ? | US | Decca 9-677", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set |
Tracklist
- A'Twas The Night Before Christmas Part 1
- B'Twas The Night Before Christmas Part 2
- CSilent Night, Holy Night Introducing: Come Unto Him (From "The Messiah")
- DOh Gathering Clouds
- EAdeste Fideles (Oh Come All Ye Faithful)
- FCantique De Noel = Oh Holy Night
- G1The First Nowell
- G2O, Little Town Of Bethlehem
- G3Carol Of The Bells
- HBeautiful Savior
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas are there?
18 vinyl pressings of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1942 and 1954.
When was 'Twas The Night Before Christmas first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1942, in US, Canada. One of them is Decca A-350, released November 1942.
How do I tell if my copy of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use A-350) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 71252AA and 71282B X. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is 'Twas The Night Before Christmas on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.