The holiday season is synonymous with tradition, and one of the most delightful ways to enjoy this special time of year is through Christmas trivia. Whether it’s questions about the historical origins of the holiday, fascinating tidbits about your favorite Christmas movies, or interesting facts about global Christmas traditions, trivia adds a layer of fun and education to any holiday gathering. Engaging in a round of Christmas trivia can be a festive and enlightening way to challenge your knowledge and learn something new about this widely celebrated holiday.
The practice of Christmas trivia spans a range of topics, from the historical to the whimsical. It can dive deep into the roots of ancient winter solstice festivals that predate the Christian celebration, or touch upon the popularization of modern-day icons like Santa Claus. It can take you through a culinary tour of holiday treats from various parts of the world or test your memory of holiday-themed pop culture. From the sacred hymns sung in cathedrals to the chart-topping holiday songs on the radio, Christmas trivia covers a broad spectrum of information, making it a versatile and inclusive activity that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re a trivia novice or a seasoned pro, there’s something immensely satisfying about answering a tricky question correctly, or discovering a fact that you never knew before. Moreover, it serves as a wonderful ice-breaker at family gatherings and social events, offering a fun and interactive way to bring people together. So, as you sip on some eggnog, decorate your tree, or simply enjoy the company of loved ones, consider breaking out a set of Christmas trivia questions. You may be surprised at just how much there is to know about this time-honored holiday.
History and Tradition
Q. What three gifts did the Wise Men bring to Jesus?
A. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
Q. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
A. Germany
Q. What did the shepherds do after visiting baby Jesus?
A. They spread the news
Q. What Christian feast day is Christmas associated with?
A. The Nativity of Jesus
Q. In what year was Christmas declared a federal holiday in the United States?
A. 1870
Q. What plant is known as the Christmas Flower?
A. Poinsettia
Q. In which century was St. Nicholas, the figure who inspired Santa Claus, born?
A. 3rd Century A.D.
Q. What is the significance of the 12 days of Christmas?
A. It’s the time between Christmas Day and Epiphany (January 6th)
Q. What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver? A. Tinsel
Q. What is the name of the period leading up to Christmas?
A. Advent
Q. What do some Eastern Orthodox Churches use instead of the Gregorian calendar to determine the date of Christmas?
A. Julian Calendar
Q. Who wrote “A Christmas Carol”? A. Charles Dickens
Q. What was the first state in the United States to recognize Christmas as an official holiday?
A. Alabama
Q. In what decade did electric Christmas lights first appear?
A. 1880s
Q. What is the Jewish festival that is often celebrated around the same time as Christmas?
A. Hanukkah
Q. What was the original title of the poem “The Night Before Christmas”?
A. “A Visit from St. Nicholas”
Food and Drink
Q. What is the main ingredient in traditional eggnog?
A. Milk and/or Cream
Q. What is the traditional meat served at Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom?
A. Turkey
Q. What fruit is used to make a traditional Christmas pudding?
A. Raisins or currants
Q. What pie is traditionally left out for Santa in the United Kingdom?
A. Mince Pie
Q. What is the main ingredient in a Yule Log cake?
A. Chocolate
Q. What alcoholic beverage is traditionally left out for Santa in Australia?
A. Beer
Q. What is the popular Christmas beverage made with ale, spirits, and various spices and sweetening ingredients?
A. Wassail
Q. What Christmas delicacy is made of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits like brandy, and beef suet?
A. Christmas Pudding
Q. In which country is it traditional to eat KFC for Christmas dinner?
A. Japan
Q. What is the name of the Italian Christmas cake that is shaped like a dove?
A. Colomba
Q. What is the traditional Christmas Eve meal in Poland called?
A. Wigilia
Q. What is the Spanish dish that is similar to nougat and often consumed during Christmas?
A. Turrón
Q. What kind of fish is traditionally eaten in Italy during La Vigilia, the Christmas Eve feast?
A. Salted Cod, also known as Baccalà
I hope you enjoy these additional questions on Food and Drink! Would you like to explore more categories?
Songs and Movies
Q. In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what makes Frosty come to life?
A. An old silk hat
Q. What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?
A. Max
Q. What did Ralphie want for Christmas in “A Christmas Story”?
A. A Red Ryder BB Gun
Q. Which actor played the role of Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” (1951)?
A. Alastair Sim
Q. What is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?
A. “Home Alone”
Q. Who wrote the song “White Christmas”?
A. Irving Berlin
Around the World
Q. What is Christmas called in France?
A. Noël
Q. In what country did the tradition of sending Christmas cards originate?
A. United Kingdom
Q. What is the Spanish tradition of “La Nochebuena”?
A. The Good Night, celebrated on Christmas Eve
Q. What is the name of the Swedish festival that marks the beginning of the Christmas season?
A. St. Lucia Day
Q. What are the small gnome-like characters that appear in Scandinavian folklore around Christmas time called?
A. Tomte (Sweden) or Nisse (Norway and Denmark)
Q. What traditional Christmas pastry is baked in the shape of a baby Jesus in Mexico?
A. Rosca de Reyes
Q. In what country do people celebrate Christmas with a “Feast of the Seven Fishes”?
A. Italy
Q. What Eastern European dish, often made of poppy seeds and honey, is commonly served during Christmas?
A. Kutia
Q. What is the name of the Christmas witch in Italian folklore?
A. La Befana
Q. In what South American country is it a tradition to light lanterns and float them in the air on December 8th, the start of the Christmas season?
A. Colombia
Q. What is the Australian carol that describes how Santa gives toys to Aussie kids?
A. “Six White Boomers”
Q. In Ethiopia, what game is traditionally played during the Christmas season?
A. Ganna, a game similar to field hockey
Q. In what country is it considered good luck to find a spider web on Christmas morning?
A. Ukraine
I hope these questions provide a broader view of how Christmas is celebrated around the globe. Would you like to continue with more trivia?
Decorations and Symbols
Q. What is the most popular ornament used to place at the top of the Christmas tree?
A. Angel or Star
Q. What are the two other popular colors of Christmas, aside from red and green?
A. Gold and Silver
Q. How many candles are there in a traditional Advent wreath?
A. Four
Miscellaneous
Q. What is Boxing Day?
A. A holiday celebrated the day after Christmas, traditionally to give gifts to service workers.
Q. What is the name of the reindeer that is often considered to be left out?
A. Rudolph
Q. In which ocean is Christmas Island located?
A. Indian Ocean
Q. Which company popularized the modern image of Santa Claus?
A. Coca-Cola
Q. What do children in Italy receive on January 6th instead of Christmas?
A. Gifts from La Befana, a witch
Q. What Christmas item takes its name from the French word for ‘truffle’?
A. Trifle