A Christmas Carol: Short Play Script for Kids tells the unforgettable story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man whose heart has grown cold and hard as winter ice. Scrooge cares only about money and has forgotten the true meaning of kindness, generosity, and Christmas joy. But everything changes on magical Christmas Eve when he is visited by the Ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, and three mysterious Spirits who guide him through his Past, Present, and Future.
Through their powerful lessons, Scrooge discovers that it is never too late to change, to open his heart, and to bring light to the lives of other people.
This classic tale invites young audiences to celebrate compassion, family, and the spirit of giving—not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
CHARACTERS:
- NARRATOR
- 2. SCROOGE
- BOB CRATCHIT (The Clerk)
- FRED (Scrooge’s Nephew)
- MRS. CRATCHIT
- TINY TIM
- MARLEY’S GHOST
- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME
- FRED’S WIFE
- YOUNG SCROOGE
- CHILDREN (Non-speaking Cratchit kids)
- BELLE (Younger Scrooge’s fiancée)
- BELLE’S HUSBAND
- GUESTS (from Fred’s Party)
- MAN 1 (Future scene)
- MAN 2 (Future scene)
- BOY 1 (Turkey buyer)
- BOY 2 (Street Kid)
SCRIPT:
SCENE 1: THE OFFICE
NARRATOR: It was Christmas Eve in London. Ebenezer Scrooge was a hard-working man, but he was also miserable, greedy, and cruel. He did not know what generosity meant. In his office, Scrooge counted his money, while his clerk, Bob Cratchit, shivered in the cold.
BOB CRATCHIT: Mr. Scrooge, I am so cold. Please put more coal on the fire.
SCROOGE: Absolutely not! Coal costs money. If you are cold, work faster to warm up!
(The door opens. Fred, Scrooge’s nephew, enters cheerfully.)
FRED: Merry Christmas, Uncle!
SCROOGE: Christmas? Bah! Humbug!
FRED: You don’t mean that, Uncle.
SCROOGE: I do. Christmas is just an excuse not to work. What reason do you have to be happy? You’re poor!
FRED: Come on, Uncle! What reason do you have to be sad? You’re rich!
SCROOGE: Bah! Humbug!
FRED: Don’t be angry, Uncle. Come to our house tomorrow. My wife is cooking a delicious dinner. Be our guest.
SCROOGE: No.
FRED: But why? We want to be friends. I want nothing from you. I only ask to spend time with you.
SCROOGE: Good afternoon, Nephew!
FRED: I am sorry you feel that way. But I will keep my Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas, Uncle! And Merry Christmas, Bob.
BOB CRATCHIT: Merry Christmas, Fred.
(Fred leaves.)
SCROOGE: (To Bob) A clerk earning pennies, with a wife and kids, talking about a “Merry Christmas.” You must be crazy.
BOB CRATCHIT: Sir, it is closing time.
SCROOGE: Fine.
BOB CRATCHIT: Sir… tomorrow is Christmas—a day to spend with family.
SCROOGE: You want the day off? You want me to pay you for not working?
BOB CRATCHIT: It is only once a year, Mr. Scrooge.
SCROOGE: Poor excuse to pick a man’s pocket! Fine. Take tomorrow. But be here extra early the next day!
BOB CRATCHIT: Yes, sir! Thank you!
SCENE 2: SCROOGE’S BEDROOM
NARRATOR: Scrooge went home to his cold, dark house. He sat in his chair to eat his soup. Suddenly, he heard bells ringing and a loud clanking noise.
(Marley’s Ghost enters, wearing heavy chains.)
SCROOGE: What is this? I must be dreaming!
MARLEY: This is no dream, Ebenezer!
SCROOGE: I know you! You are Jacob Marley, my old business partner. You died seven years ago.
MARLEY: I did. Look at these chains, Scrooge! I forged them in life. I made them by being greedy and unloving. Now I have no peace.
SCROOGE: But you were a good businessman, Jacob!
MARLEY: Mankind was my business! Charity, mercy, and kindness were my business! I took advantage of people!. While I was alive, I never learned the value of love and charity. I am here to warn you, Scrooge. You still have a chance to escape my fate.
SCROOGE: You were always a good friend.
MARLEY: Three spirits will visit you. The first arrives when the clock strikes one. The second at two. The third at three. Look to see me no more!
(Marley disappears.)
SCENE 3: THE PAST
(The clock strikes ONE. The Ghost of Christmas Past appears. It can be a child or a distinct glowing figure.)
SCROOGE: Are you the spirit Marley spoke of?
GHOST OF PAST: I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. Come with me.
NARRATOR: The Ghost took Scrooge back in time. They saw a young boy sitting alone in a schoolroom.
SCROOGE: I know this place! And that little boy… that is me as a child.
GHOST OF PAST: You were always alone.
SCROOGE: My parents were working. I was so lonely. (Scrooge looks sad)
GHOST OF PAST: Let us move forward.
(Belle appears, looking sad. A Young Man – Young Scrooge- stands near her.)
BELLE: I cannot marry you, Ebenezer.
YOUNG SCROOGE: Why? Is there someone else?
BELLE: No. There is something you love more than me. You love money.
YOUNG SCROOGE: There is nothing wrong with money! I want to be rich so we can live well.
BELLE: We were happy when we were poor. I hope you are happier with the life you have chosen. Goodbye, Ebenezer.
(Belle leaves.)
SCROOGE: (To the Ghost) No! Stop! Don’t show me this! I loved her!
GHOST OF PAST: You loved gold more.
SCROOGE: Take me home! I cannot bear it!
SCENE 4: THE PRESENT
(The clock strikes TWO. The Ghost of Christmas Present appears. He is jolly and surrounded by imaginary food.)
GHOST OF PRESENT: Come in! Know me better, man! I am the Ghost of Christmas Present! Look upon me!
SCROOGE: You are very tall. And very loud.
GHOST OF PRESENT: Touch my robe! We have much to see!
NARRATOR: The room vanished. They stood outside Bob Cratchit’s small house. Inside, Mrs. Cratchit put a small turkey on the table. Bob held a little boy with a crutch on his shoulder.
SCROOGE: Is that Cratchit’s house? It is so small.
GHOST OF PRESENT: It is all he can afford with the salary you pay him.
BOB CRATCHIT: (Raising a cup) A toast! To Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!
MRS. CRATCHIT: The Founder of the Feast indeed! I wish I could give him a piece of my mind! He is a stingy, hard man.
BOB CRATCHIT: My dear, it is Christmas. The children are listening.
MRS. CRATCHIT: Fine. I’ll drink to his health for your sake, and for Christmas.
SCROOGE: (Looking at the boy) Spirit, tell me. What is wrong with that little boy?
GHOST OF PRESENT: That is Tiny Tim. He is very sick.
SCROOGE: Will he live?
GHOST OF PRESENT: I see an empty chair in the corner. If the future does not change, the child will die.
SCROOGE: No! No, he must live!
GHOST OF PRESENT: What do you care? If he dies, he will “decrease the surplus population.” Those are your words, Scrooge.
(Scrooge hangs his head in shame. The scene shifts to Fred’s house. Everyone is laughing.)
FRED: He said Christmas is a “Humbug!” Can you believe it?
FRED’S WIFE: He is a funny old man. But he is rich.
FRED: His money is useless. He doesn’t do any good with it. He doesn’t even make himself comfortable! I feel sorry for him.
SCROOGE: They are talking about me. But… they seem happy without me.
GHOST OF PRESENT: My time is up. Look!
SCENE 5: THE FUTURE
(The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come enters. It is dressed in black and remains silent. It points a bony finger.)
SCROOGE: You are the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come? I fear you more than any other. But I am ready to learn.
NARRATOR: The Ghost pointed to the street. Two men were talking.
MAN 1: So, the old miser is finally dead?
MAN 2: Yes. Died last night.
MAN 1: Is anyone going to the funeral?
MAN 2: I don’t think so. He didn’t have any friends. I’ll only go if there is free lunch! (They laugh)
SCROOGE: Who are they talking about?
(The Ghost points to the Cratchit house. It is quiet. Mrs. Cratchit is crying.)
BOB CRATCHIT: (Enters slowly) I walked by his grave today. It is a lovely spot. Tiny Tim would have liked it.
MRS. CRATCHIT: Oh, my poor little Tim.
SCROOGE: Tim? Did Tiny Tim die?
(The Ghost points to a cemetery. A tombstone is there.)
SCROOGE: Before I look at that name, answer me one question! Are these the shadows of things that will be, or things that may be?
(The Ghost points at the stone.)
SCROOGE: (Reading) EBENEZER SCROOGE. No! That was me! The man no one cared about was me!
(Scrooge falls to his knees, clutching the Ghost’s robe.)
SCROOGE: Spirit! Hear me! I am not the man I was. I will honor Christmas in my heart and will try to keep it all year! I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future! Please, tell me I can sponge away the writing on this stone!
SCENE 6: CHRISTMAS DAY
NARRATOR: Scrooge woke up. He was in his own bed. The curtains were still there.
SCROOGE: I’m alive! I’m here! Oh, Jacob Marley, heaven and Christmas be praised! I don’t know what to do! I am as happy as a schoolboy!
(He runs to the window and sees a Boy)
SCROOGE: You there! Boy! What day is it?
BOY 1: Today? Why, it’s Christmas Day!
SCROOGE: I haven’t missed it! The Spirits did it all in one night! Hey, my fine fellow! Do you know the Butcher shop at the corner?
BOY 1: I should hope so!
SCROOGE: Is the big prize Turkey still in the window?
BOY 1: The one as big as me? It’s still there.
SCROOGE: Go and buy it! Here is the money. Take it to Bob Cratchit’s house. But don’t tell them who sent it! Keep the change!
BOY 1: Wow! joyous! Yes, sir!
NARRATOR: Scrooge dressed in his finest clothes and headed toward his nephew’s house. He was feeling happy and excited. He waved everybody in the street and treated them nicely.
SCROOGE: Here, kid, take this money and buy some Christmas candy.
BOY 2: Thank you, sir.
SCROOGE: Merry Christmas.
(He arrives at Fred’s house.)
SCROOGE: Fred?
FRED: Uncle? Is that you?
SCROOGE: It is I, your Uncle Scrooge. I have come for dinner. Will you let me in?
FRED: Let you in? I’d love to! Come and meet my wife!
NARRATOR: Scrooge had a wonderful dinner. The next morning, he was at the office early. Bob Cratchit came in late.
BOB CRATCHIT: I am so sorry, sir! I was making merry yesterday. It won’t happen again.
SCROOGE: Step this way, Cratchit. I am not going to stand for this any longer!
(Bob looks terrified.)
SCROOGE: And therefore… I am going to raise your salary!
BOB CRATCHIT: Sir? Are you feeling quite well?
SCROOGE: Merry Christmas, Bob! I will raise your salary, and I will help your struggling family. We will discuss it this afternoon over a bowl of hot punch! Make up the fires!
NARRATOR: Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more. To Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew.
SCROOGE: (To the audience) God bless us!
TINY TIM: God bless us, everyone!
In the end, A Christmas Carol: Short Play Script for Kids reminds us that kindness has the power to transform lives. Ebenezer Scrooge chooses a new path—one filled with generosity, love, and the joy of sharing with others. His heart becomes warm again, and he discovers that true happiness comes not from wealth but from caring for the people around him.
Just like Scrooge, we can all choose to be better, to help others, and to keep the spirit of Christmas alive every day of the year.
The End
Author: Charles Dickens
Adapted by: K I D S I N C O
Moral of the Story: The true spirit of Christmas is found in kindness, generosity, and caring for others. It is never too late to change and become a better person.
Moral Values:
- Generosity – Sharing what we have brings joy to others and to ourselves.
- Compassion – Understanding the needs and feelings of others makes the world kinder.
- Redemption – Anyone can choose to change for the better.
- Family & Friendship – Love, unity, and support are more important than wealth.
- Gratitude – Appreciating what we have leads to true happiness.
⭐ Complete Character Breakdown (20 Total)
The total cast can be broken down into the main categories for easy casting:
I. Core Roles (12)
These are the main characters who have significant dialogue or are the primary focus of the story:
- NARRATOR
- SCROOGE
- BOB CRATCHIT (The Clerk)
- FRED (Scrooge’s Nephew)
- MRS. CRATCHIT
- TINY TIM
- MARLEY’S GHOST
- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME
- FRED’S WIFE
- YOUNG SCROOGE
II. Ensemble Roles (8)
These roles can be performed by a minimum of 3 to 5 flexible actors through doubling:
- BELLE (Younger Scrooge’s fiance)
- BELLE’S HUSBAND
- GUESTS (from Fred’s Party)
- MAN 1 (Future scene)
- MAN 2 (Future scene)
- BOY 1 (Turkey buyer)
- BOY 2 (Street Kid)
- CHILDREN (Non-speaking Cratchit kids)
You can confidently plan your production knowing you need a minimum of 12 to 14 actors to cover all 20 parts.
⭐ Vocabulary List for Kids:
1. Miser (My-zer)
- Definition: A person who loves having money but hates spending it.
- In the play: Scrooge is a miser because he won’t even buy coal to keep his office warm.
2. Humbug (Hum-bug)
- Definition: Nonsense! A lie! Something silly or not true.
- In the play: Scrooge says, “Bah! Humbug!” because he thinks Christmas is just a silly excuse not to work.
3. Clerk (Clark)
- Definition: An office worker who keeps records and accounts. In the old days. They wrote everything by hand.
- In the play: Bob Cratchit is Scrooge’s clerk.
4. Generosity (Jen-er-os-ity)
- Definition: The quality of being kind and giving to others.
- In the play: Scrooge learns generosity at the end when he buys the turkey and gives Bob a raise.
5. Forged
- Definition: Made or shaped (usually out of metal).
- In the play: Marley says he “forged his chains in life,” meaning his bad choices created the heavy chains he now wears.
6. Surplus (Sir-plus)
- Definition: Extra; more than what is needed.
- In the play: Scrooge rudely says poor people should die to decrease the “surplus population” (meaning he thinks there are too many people).
7. Stingy (Stin-jee)
- Definition: Not generous; someone who refuses to share or spend money.
- In the play: Mrs. Cratchit calls Scrooge “stingy.”
8. Feast
- Definition: A large, special meal with lots of delicious food.
- In the play: Bob calls Scrooge the “Founder of the Feast” because his job pays for the food (even if it isn’t much).
⭐ A Quick Teaching Tip for the “Chains”:
When Marley appears, the kids might not understand why he has chains.
How to explain it:
“Imagine every time you are mean, selfish, or don’t share, an invisible heavy metal link is added to your leg. By the time you get old, that chain is heavy! Marley is warning Scrooge that he is building a heavy chain too, and he needs to be kind to break it.”
⭐ Director’s Note: Staging the Spirits
The magic in this play doesn’t come from expensive special effects; it comes from lighting, sound, and acting.
1. The “Invisible Observer” Technique (The Freeze):
The hardest part for kids to understand is that Scrooge is there, but the people in the Past/Present scenes cannot see him.
- How to do it: Use the “Freeze Frame” method.
- The Rule: When the Ghost and Scrooge are talking, the actors in the “memory” (like Young Scrooge or the Cratchits) must freeze completely still (like a statue).
- The Action: When the Ghost says “Look,” the memory actors unfreeze and act out their scene while Scrooge watches from the side.
2. Jacob Marley’s Entrance:
- The Chains: Real chains are too heavy and noisy. Make chains of gray construction paper (linked loops) or use grey pipe cleaners. Drape them over the actor’s shoulders.
- The Sound: Have a student off-stage shake a box filled with metal silverware or keys when Marley walks. It creates a spooky, metallic rattling sound without the danger of heavy props.
- The Makeup: Use a little white face paint and dark circles under the eyes to make him look like a tired ghost.
3. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Theme: Light):
- Costume: All white clothing. Wrap tinsel (silver Christmas tree garland) around their arms or head.
- The “Light”: If you can, give this actor a battery-operated candle or a flashlight covered with white tissue paper. They hold it up like a torch.
- Acting Tip: This ghost should move smoothly and speak in a soft voice.
4. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Theme: Abundance):
- Costume: A big green robe (a green bathrobe works perfectly!). Pin some fake holly or green leaves to the collar.
- Prop: A “Cornucopia” or a large gold cup (a plastic goblet spray-painted gold).
- Height: If the student is small, have them stand on a sturdy wooden box (soapbox) so they seem “giant” compared to Scrooge.
- The “Magic Dust”: Keep some glitter or confetti in their pocket. When they “bless” the Cratchit house, they can sprinkle a little bit of it.
5. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Theme: Silence):
- Costume: A black bedsheet or a large black hoodie worn backward (with eye holes cut out) can work, or simply a black cloak.
- The Hand: This ghost doesn’t speak; it only points. You can buy a “skeleton glove” (a black glove with white bones painted on it) to make the pointing hand look scary.
- Acting Tip: Teach the student to move slowly.
6. Simple Scene Transitions (The Bed):
Since Scrooge keeps waking up in his bed, you need a central set piece.
- The Chair-Bed: Don’t use a real bed (it’s too big). Use a large armchair with a blanket over it.
- To Change Scenes:
- Scrooge sits in the chair and pulls the blanket up to his chin (he is “asleep”).
- Sound Effect: Ring a bell or a chime.
- Scrooge throws the blanket off and stands up—he is now in the next scene.
⭐ A Christmas Carol: Prop List Checklist
STAGE SET (The Basics)
- The “Bed”: A large armchair or a simple bench with a pillow.
- The Office Desk: A small table or school desk.
- The “Fireplace”: A cardboard cutout painted like bricks, or red/orange tissue paper in a basket to look like glowing coals.
- Clock: A large clock face (can be drawn on cardboard) set to “1:00.”
FOR SCROOGE
- Account Books: A notebook or large binder (dusty/old-looking).
- Quill & Ink: A feather pen (can be a feather taped to a pencil).
- Money Bag: A small cloth sack filled with metal washers or coins (for the jingling sound).
- Bowl & Spoon: For his evening soup.
- Nightcap & Scarf: A sleeping hat and a scarf he wears to bed.
- [Coin Purse: To pay the boy at the end.
FOR BOB CRATCHIT
- Long Scarf: He wears this indoors because the office is cold.
- Fingerless Gloves: (Optional) To show he is freezing while writing.
- Candle: A small (fake/battery) candle for his desk.
FOR MARLEY’S GHOST
- The Chains: Grey paper chains, plastic chains, or grey pipe cleaners draped over shoulders.
- Sound Box (Backstage): A box filled with silverware or keys to shake when he walks.
FOR THE THREE SPIRITS
- Ghost of Past: A battery-operated candle or flashlight (wrapped in white tissue to diffuse the light).
- Ghost of Present: A fancy goblet (plastic cup painted gold) and a small bag of confetti/glitter (magic dust).
- Ghost of Future: A black cloak/hood (or black sheet) and black gloves (optional: skeleton gloves).
FOR THE CRATCHIT FAMILY
- The “Small” Turkey: A small brown lump (can be crumpled brown paper shaped like a chicken) on a plate.
- The Crutch: A small wooden crutch or a broomstick cut to size for Tiny Tim.
- Cups/Mugs: For the Christmas toast.
FOR THE FINALE:
- Candy: A small bag of treats for Scrooge to hand to the street kids.
- The “Prize” Turkey: A large object wrapped in brown paper, or a large stuffed animal turkey. (Must look much bigger than the Cratchit’s small turkey!)
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