Metallica has delivered an early Christmas gift for fans as James Hetfield has shared a spoken word narration of the beloved Christmas story, “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which many recognize by its opening line, “Twas the night before Christmas.”
The Hetfield narration of this classic Christmas tale first premiered on Friday (Dec. 19) on the Metallica-branded Maximum Metallica channel on SiriusXM.
How Can I Listen to James Hetfield’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas”?
Following the premiere, Metallica released a video on YouTube featuring an animated chimney adorned with Christmas stockings. As you watch the warm flame from the fire flicker, Hetfield leans into a somewhat darker tone in his voice reminiscent of “Enter Sandman” as he reads the popular holiday story.
There are some particularly Hetfield-esque nuances to his voice at various points, including his final recitation of “Merry Christmas to all … and to all a good night.”
Take a listen and watch the video below.
James Hetfield Narrates ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’
What’s Next for Metallica in 2026?
Metallica recently wrapped up their 2025 tour and are now home for the holidays. However, the band will gear up to hit the road again for more shows in 2026.
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The band is currently scheduled to return to touring on May 9 in Athens, Greece. All announced dates for 2026 are set in Europe and the U.K., with their tour extending through July 5 in London. Visit the band’s website for ticketing information and a complete list of tour dates.
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Gallery Credit: Chad Bowar, Joe DiVita

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