A Christmas Carol is a classic play by Charles Dickens, first published in 1843. It tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and misanthropic man who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. These spirits show Scrooge the error of his ways and the consequences of his selfishness, inspiring him to change his life for the better. The play has become a beloved holiday tradition, with its message of compassion, forgiveness, and the power of Christmas spirit.