Get ready to embrace the holiday season with our “150 Christmas Trivia Questions”. This captivating collection spans various topics, from historical facts, global customs, and culinary traditions to pop culture references. This trivia is designed to entertain, educate, and instill a festive cheer. So, let’s dive into this jolly journey of holiday trivia together!
Christmas History Quiz
Test your knowledge of the origins and evolution of Christmas celebrations. Discover the events that shaped modern Christmas customs.
- When was the first Christmas celebration?
The year 336 A.D
- Who was responsible for establishing Christmas as a national holiday in the United States?
The individual responsible is Ulysses S. Grant, who served as President.
- In which year was Christmas mentioned as a national holiday?
1870
- Christmas is a term; where does it initially come from?
From Old English
- Christmas is always celebrated on 25 December. Why?
To coincide the celebrations with the Pagan winter solstice.
- Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. When is the earliest known instance?
336 AD, in Rome
- Who is accepted to conduct the tradition of the Christmas tree in England?
Prince Albert
- In Germany, What is the origin year of the Christmas tree tradition?
Early 16th century
- What’s the historical background of the Christmas stocking tradition?
Derives from the legend of St. Nicholas filling poor children’s stockings with gifts.
- Can you describe how the custom of gift-giving during Christmas came about?
Originates from the Magi giving gifts to baby Jesus.
- Could you provide some information on Saint Nicholas?
A 4th-century bishop in Myra, known for secret gift-giving, became the model for Santa Claus.
- What is the meaning associated with the ’12 days of Christmas’?
Christmas to the Epiphany, the twelve days on January 6th.
- Where did the tradition of the Christmas wreath originate?
From ancient Romans, who hung wreaths as a sign of victory.
- The inaugural Christmas card was sent in which year?
1843
- Where does the quirky tradition of the Christmas pickle come from?
It’s a predominantly American tradition of uncertain origin, sometimes attributed to Germany.
- How did mistletoe become associated with Christmas celebrations?
Ancient pagan rituals; it was believed to have fertility and health properties.
- What year saw the production of the first commercial Christmas card?
In 1843, the inaugural commercial Christmas card was created.
- Why was Christmas banned in Puritan America?
It was seen as a wasteful and disorderly celebration, not biblically justified.
- Can you explain how caroling became a customary part of Christmas celebrations?
Initially, it was a pagan tradition of singing and dancing adopted by Christians.
- What was the original title of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”?
A Christmas Carol
- Could you describe who Krampus is and his significance in Christmas lore?
Krampus, in Central European folklore, is a horned, half-goat, half-demon creature that punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season.
- When were Christmas lights first used?
1882
- What is the history behind Santa’s reindeer?
The 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” first introduced Santa’s reindeer.
- The “Silent Night” was first performed in which year?
1818
- The United States legally acknowledges Christmas as a holiday. Which was the first state?
Alabama
- When is the Epiphany typically celebrated?
January 6th
- What are the usual names given to the Three Magi?
Melchior, Balthazar, and Caspar.
- Who introduced the tradition of roasting a turkey for Christmas dinner?
The Victorians in England.
- Could you tell me how the Yule log tradition came to be?
The Yule log tradition originated from ancient Norse celebrations of the winter solstice.
- Can you identify the initial users of the term ‘Xmas’?
Monks in the 15th century used ‘Xmas’ for brevity.
- What was the initial purpose of candy canes?
Candy canes were initially used to teach children about the Christian faith.
- What city is known for having a massive ice and snow sculpture festival around Christmas?
Harbin, China
- Why did New England Puritans ban Christmas between 1659 and 1681?
The commitment has been made.
- What is the significance of candles in windows during Christmas?
The Christmas candle symbolizes Christ as the light of the planet.
- When did the tradition of Advent calendars begin, and where?
Germany, in the 19th century.
Worldwide Christmas Trivia
Explore diverse global Christmas customs and traditions. Learn about unique festive practices from various corners of the world.
- How is Christmas traditionally celebrated in Australia?
Christmas in Australia is often celebrated outdoors due to the warm weather.
- What is a traditional Christmas dessert in Italy?
Panettone
- What is ‘Boxing Day,’ celebrated in the UK and Commonwealth countries?
Boxing Day is a day to give to the less fortunate
- How is Christmas celebrated in Russia?
In Russia, Christmas is typically celebrated on January 7th due to the Orthodox calendar.
- What is the term “feast of the seven fishes?”
The seven best seafood dishes on Christmas tradition.
- What is the Japanese tradition for Christmas dinner?
KFC, surprisingly, due to a victorious marketing campaign.
- Could you describe the celebration known as ‘Dia de los Reyes’ in Spain?
‘Dia de los Reyes’ celebrates the Biblical Magi’s visit to baby Jesus.
- How is the festive season of Christmas typically observed in South Africa?
South Africans often celebrate with a barbecue, called a ‘braai.’
- What is the tradition of the ‘Caga Tio’ in Catalonia?
‘Caga Tio’ is a ‘pooping’ log that ‘drops’ treats when beaten.
- Could you list some of the customary foods consumed during the Christmas celebrations in Germany?
Stollen, Lebkuchen, and Glühwein.
- What is ‘Julebukking’ in Norway?
‘Julebukking’ is a form of Christmas caroling.
- How do the French celebrate Christmas?
The French celebrate with a big called ‘le Réveillon.’
- What is ‘Befana’ in Italian Christmas tradition?
‘Befana’ is a crone who takes gifts to children on Epiphany.
- How do people celebrate Las Posadas in Mexico?
‘Las Posadas’ is a celebration with processions and nativity reenactments in nine-day.
- What is the tradition of ‘Krampus’ in Austria?
‘Krampus’ is a fine tool that punishes naughty children.
- How do Greeks traditionally celebrate Christmas?
Greeks often attend church and fast before a big meal on Christmas Eve.
- What is the significance of ‘Christmas crackers’ in the UK?
‘Christmas crackers’ are popped to reveal a small gift and a paper crown.
- How is ‘St. Stephen’s Day’ or ‘Wren Day’ celebrated in Ireland?
Involves parades and music.
- What is the Icelandic tradition of ‘Yule Lads’?
‘Yule Lads’ are 13 mischievous elves who visit children in the 13 days before Christmas.
- What is ‘Julbord’ in the Swedish Christmas tradition?
‘Julbord’ is a big Christmas buffet.
- How do Finns typically celebrate Christmas?
Finns often visit saunas on Christmas Eve.
- What is typically served for a Christmas Eve dinner in Poland?
Wigilia is a meal that traditionally includes fish and beetroot soup.
- How do Brazilians celebrate Christmas?
Brazilians celebrate with fireworks, large meals, and ‘Papai Noel.’
- How is Christmas celebrated in the Philippines?
Christmas in the Philippines often involves a series of nine masses leading.
up to Christmas ‘Simbang Gabi.’
- What is a ‘pohutukawa,’ and why is it significant to Christmas in New Zealand?
‘Pohutukawa’ is a New Zealand Christmas tree.
- How can people celebrate Christmas in Ethiopia?
In Ethiopia, Christmas (‘Ganna’) is celebrated with fasting, then church services, and a feast.
- In the Netherlands, What is the tradition of ‘Sinterklaas?’
‘Sinterklaas’ is a Dutch kind of Santa Claus who arrives by steamboat in late November.
- What is the tradition of ‘Tió de Nadal’ in Catalonia?
‘Tió de Nadal’ is similar to ‘Caga Tio,’ a log that ‘excretes’ gifts when beaten.
- How do people in Bethlehem celebrate Christmas?
In Bethlehem, Christmas involves large church services and processions.
- How is Christmas celebrated in Greenland?
In Greenland, people enjoy a meal of ‘kiviak,’ aged bird meat.
- What type of leaf is the ‘Parol’?
The ‘Parol’ is traditionally made from bamboo and paper.
- Which Scandinavian country gifts a Christmas tree to the UK every year?
Norway
- What is ‘Tomte’ or ‘Nisse’ in Scandinavian folklore?
‘Tomte’ or ‘Nisse’ are gift-bearing gnomes.
- What is a ‘Kallikantzaroi’ in Greek Christmas tradition?
‘Kallikantzaroi’ are malevolent goblins that cause mischief during the twelve days of Christmas.
- How do people celebrate Christmas in Antarctica with the scientists stationed there?
In Antarctica, scientists often exchange handmade gifts and share a special meal.
Pop Culture Christmas
Dive into the influence of pop culture on Christmas celebrations. Understand the role of movies, music, and TV shows in shaping our holiday perceptions.
- What material is Frosty the Snowman’s nose constructed from?
A button
- Who is the actor portraying George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
James Stewart
- Can you tell me the name of the primary character in the movie “Elf”?
Buddy
- In” The Polar Express,” What is referred to as “The First Gift of Christmas.”
A bell
- Who is Scrooge’s departed business associate in “A Christmas Carol”?
Jacob Marley
- Where are the McCallisters headed for a vacation in “Home Alone,” leaving Kevin behind?
Paris
- Who lends their voice to Jack Skellington in “The Nightmare Before Christmas”?
Chris Sarandon (speaking) and Danny Elfman (singing).
- Can you recall the town’s name in “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”?
Whoville
- Who plays the role of Santa Claus in “The Santa Clause”?
Tim Allen
- What is the name of Rudolph’s father?
Donner
- Can you name the neighbor’s dog that spoils Griswold’s holiday meal in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”?
Snot
- What name do the elves use for Santa Claus in “The Santa Claus” movie?
Topo Gigio
- Which Christmas movie has grossed the most at the box office?
“The Grinch” (2018).
- Who is known for singing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”?
Bruce Springsteen
- Which TV channel repeatedly airs “A Christmas Story” every Christmas?
TBS
- What are the four main food groups, according to Buddy the Elf in “Elf”?
Syrup, Candy, candy corn, and candy canes.
- What song does Bing Crosby sing in “White Christmas”?
White Christmas
- Who wrote the Christmas song performed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
- In “Love Actually,” who is in love with his best friend’s wife?
Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln.
- What character does Tim Allen portray in “The Santa Clause”?
Scott Calvin.
- Who is the original singer of “Last Christmas”?
Wham!.
- Who stars in “Bad Santa”?
Tony Cox
- What alternative to “Merry Christmas” do characters in “Die Hard” use?
Yippee-ki-yay.
Christmas Food & Drink Facts
Learn about worldwide culinary traditions associated with Christmas. Discover the history of festive food and drink staples.
- What components are essential to eggnog?
Milk, eggs, sugar, and typically some type of alcohol like rum or bourbon.
- In the UK, What’s the traditional Christmas meal?
Roast turkey with stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables, pigs in blankets, and gravy.
- What’s the main ingredient in Stollen, a German Christmas bread?
Dried fruits and nuts.
- What Christmas delicacy is crafted from marsh-whorts?
Cranberries.
- What kind of food is a Yule Log?
Sponge cake
- What’s the name of the dome-shaped Italian Christmas cake?
Panettone.
- What kind of pie is traditionally left for Santa on Christmas Eve?
Mince pie.
- What types of cookies are typically hung on Christmas trees?
Gingerbread cookies.
- What fruit is often put in Christmas stockings?
An orange.
- Which spice flavors mulled wine?
Cinnamon.
- Which bird typically makes up the Christmas dinner in America?
Turkey.
- What is the traditional meal often consumed in Japan during Christmas?
KFC fried chicken.
- Which country has the tradition of eating KFC for Christmas dinner?
Japan.
- What dish is traditionally consumed on La Vigilia (The Vigil), an Italian Christmas Eve tradition?
Seafood.
- What beverage is commonly left for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve?
Milk.
- What’s the main ingredient in the holiday dish haggis?
Lungs, Sheep’s heart, and liver.
- Which cookie, usually shaped like a shepherd’s staff, symbolizes the shepherds who visited baby Jesus?
Candy cane.
- What German drink, often enjoyed during Christmas, combines heated wine, spices, nuts, and occasionally raisins?
Glühwein.
- What’s usually used to top ‘Pavlova’, a meringue-based dessert, in Australia during Christmas?
Fresh fruit and cream.
- What fruit is traditionally used in a Christingle?
An orange.
- Which fish is traditionally eaten in Italy for Christmas Eve dinner?
Seven different types of seafood, often including eel.
- What’s the main ingredient in traditional Tamales, a dish popular in Mexico during Christmas?
Masa (corn dough).
- What sauce is served with Christmas pudding in the UK?
Brandy butter or custard.
- What is ‘Oplatek,’ the Christmas wafer often shared before the Christmas meal in Poland?
Wafer or thin bread.
- What’s the main component of Gingerbread cookies?
Ginger.
- What hard candy is a traditional Christmas ornament in the United States?
Candy cane.
- What’s the name given to the traditional Christmas roast in France, which can be a stuffed duck, capon, or turkey?
Réveillon.
- What’s the name of the Scandinavian mulled wine usually served on Christmas?
Glögg.
- What ingredients make up a mince pie?
Mincemeat is a mixture of spices and dried fruits.
- What’s the French Yule log-shaped cake called?
Bûche de Noël.
- What alcoholic beverage is used to enhance the flavor of eggnog?
Rum or brandy.
- What is the colorful, fruit and nut-filled gelatinous dessert traditionally served during Christmas in the Philippines?
Puto Bumbong.
Music & Literature Christmas Quiz
Engage with the influence of music and literature on Christmas traditions. Learn about classic carols and timeless festive tales.
- Which song includes the line “I’ll be home for Christmas”?
I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
- Can you identify the all-time top-selling Christmas song?
White Christmas
- Who is credited with writing the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
Clement Clarke Moore.
- Can you name the most regularly recorded Christmas song?
Silent Night.
- In the Nutcracker ballet, What is the name of the female character?
Clara
- Who created the melody for the song “White Christmas”?
Irving Berlin
- Which Christmas tune was performed by Paul McCartney?
Wonderful Christmastime
- Who is the vocalist for the Christmas hit “Feliz Navidad”?
Jose Feliciano
- What is the seventh day’s gift according to the carol “12 Days of Christmas”?
Seven swans a-swimming
- Which Christmas tune includes the line “With the kids jingle belling”?
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
- Can you name the best-selling Christmas single to date?
White Christmas
- Which group performed “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” for charity?
Band-Aid
- Which novel starts with the line “Marley was dead, to begin with…”?
A Christmas Carol
- Who is credited with writing “The Polar Express”?
Chris Van Allsburg
- Can you list the four apparitions in “A Christmas Carol”?
Jacob Marley, The Ghost of Christmas Present, The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
- What is the name of the young girl in “The Nutcracker” ballet?
Clara
- Who wrote the musical score for “The Nutcracker” ballet?
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Who penned “The Father Christmas Letters”?
J.R.R. Tolkien
- In tune with “Frosty the Snowman,” what brings Frosty to life?
An old silk hat.
- What is the title of the animated TV special starring a reindeer with a luminous nose?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
- In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which song does Lucy ask Schroeder to perform on his piano?
Jingle Bells
- What is the Christmas song that Bing Crosby initially performed in the movie “Holiday Inn”?
White Christmas
- Which enduring Christmas song was composed during the Cuban missile crisis?
Do You Hear What I Hear?
- Can you name the Christmas song that was initially a Thanksgiving song?
Jingle Bells
- In “The Chipmunk Song,” what Christmas gift does Alvin want?
A hula hoop
- Which bird is referred to in the carol “Winter Wonderland”?
A bluebird
- Who authored “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
Clement Clarke Moore
- Can you name the three books in “The Christmas Box” trilogy?
The Christmas Box, The Letter, and The Timepiece
- What does ‘Silent Night’ represent in the song of the same title?
The peacefulness of the night when Jesus was born.
Conclusion
With that, we wrap up our exciting tour through “150 Christmas Trivia Questions”. We hope it stirred your holiday spirit, broadened your knowledge, and brought you a dash of festive joy. As we part ways, remember to carry forward the Christmas cheer. Here’s wishing you a magical and Merry Christmas!
