Looking for a way to bring everyone together this holiday season? Christmas trivia is an easy and fun way to add excitement to your gatherings. Whether it's a family dinner, office party, or virtual event, trivia works for all ages and group sizes.
Here’s what makes Christmas trivia so engaging:
- Holiday Traditions: Learn about customs like Louisiana's levee bonfires or Germany's Christmas pickle ornament.
- Movies & Songs: Test your knowledge of classics like Elf, Home Alone, or Silent Night.
- Santa & Reindeer Facts: Discover Rudolph’s origin or Santa’s incredible delivery stats.
- Global Celebrations: Explore unique traditions from Japan’s KFC dinners to Venezuela’s roller-skating to church.
- Food & Drinks: Dive into festive treats like eggnog, tamales, and yule logs.
Want to make it even better? Use trivia packs, offer small prizes, and include questions for all skill levels. Whether you're hosting in person or online, trivia is a simple way to create lasting memories this Christmas.
Christmas Trivia Quiz | 60 Festive Questions
1. Holiday Customs and Traditions
Looking for some fun trivia to spark conversations about Christmas traditions across the U.S.? Here are some fascinating customs from different regions.
In Louisiana, families light bonfires along the Mississippi River levees on Christmas Eve to help "Papa Noel" (the Cajun Santa Claus) find his way to children’s homes. Meanwhile, in the Southwest, luminarias or farolitos - paper bags filled with sand and candles - light up walkways and rooftops, symbolizing Mary and Joseph's journey.
German-American traditions have also left their mark. One quirky custom involves hiding a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree. The first person to find it on Christmas morning wins an extra gift or some good fortune.
Coastal communities bring their own flair to the season. In Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Dana Beach, California, Surfing Santas hit the waves in full Santa suits, raising money for local charities. Over in North Carolina at Chimney Rock State Park, Santa hones his skills by rappelling down one of the largest natural chimneys in the world.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe became popular in the U.S. thanks to Washington Irving’s 1820 book The Sketch Book. Irving wrote:
"The mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses and kitchens at Christmas, and the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases".
Other communities add their own unique touch to the holidays. Chattanooga, Tennessee, celebrates "Chanukah on Ice" with a menorah car parade and an ice-carved menorah lighting. In Irving, Texas, The Ginger Man bar hosts a Festivus celebration, complete with the traditional Festivus pole and feats of strength.
2. Christmas Movies and Shows
Holiday films are packed with memorable quotes and iconic scenes, making them perfect for festive trivia. These movies don’t just entertain - they’re a treasure trove of fun facts to spice up your holiday events.
It's a Wonderful Life is often hailed as the ultimate holiday classic, a must-watch for many every year.
Holiday Inn (1942) introduced Irving Berlin's timeless song "White Christmas", which struck a chord during wartime. The film also starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.
Home Alone (1990) became a massive hit, earning $476.7 million globally. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern’s hilarious portrayals as the Wet Bandits added to its charm.
Elf (2003) won hearts with Will Ferrell’s unforgettable role as Buddy. The film raked in $228.9 million worldwide. Critics praised it, saying, "Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers" played a huge role in its success.
Here are two standout quotes that have become part of the holiday season:
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." – Buddy, Elf
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" – Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life
Want to elevate your trivia game? Add some lesser-known gems: Did you know "White Christmas" remains a sentimental favorite? Or that Die Hard still fuels debates about whether it’s a holiday movie?
3. Holiday Songs and Carols
Christmas music has come a long way since the first carol appeared around AD 129. Today, there are nearly 10,000 songs dedicated to the holiday season, each with its own unique backstory.
The word "carol" originally referred to a song or dance, not necessarily tied to Christmas. It was St. Francis of Assisi who helped popularize carols during the 13th century by including them in Nativity plays performed in local languages.
Classic Carols and Their Stories
Take Silent Night, for instance. This timeless piece has been recorded over 137,000 times. First performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Austria, it was composed for guitar and has since been translated into about 300 languages. Bing Crosby's version alone has sold 30 million copies.
Fun Facts About Popular Songs
Ever heard of Jingle Bells? This holiday favorite was originally published in 1857 under the title The One Horse Open Sleigh. It’s not just a Christmas classic - it made history in 1965 when astronauts aboard Gemini 6 played it from space using a smuggled harmonica and sleigh bells.
Modern Holiday Hits
Recent holiday hits show how Christmas music continues to evolve. Here are some modern chart-toppers:
| Song | Artist | Weeks at #1 |
|---|---|---|
| "All I Want for Christmas Is You" | Mariah Carey | 31 weeks |
| "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" | Brenda Lee | 9 weeks |
| "Feliz Navidad" | Jose Feliciano | 6 weeks |
| "A Holly Jolly Christmas" | Burl Ives | 5 weeks |
| "Jingle Bell Rock" | Bobby Helms | 1 week |
Traditional Hymns
Some hymns have stood the test of time. Joy to the World became North America's most-published Christmas hymn in the late 1990s. Meanwhile, Away in a Manger originated from German Lutheran communities in Pennsylvania and first appeared in an 1885 Sunday school collection.
"He who sings prays twice!" - St. Augustine
This quote captures how music has been a meaningful part of holiday traditions for centuries. Songs like The Little Drummer Boy, written in 1940 by schoolteacher Katherine Kennicott Davis, embody the joy and worship that music brings to the season. Whether rooted in history or modern creativity, these songs continue to make the holidays special.
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4. Facts About Santa and His Reindeer
Santa's reindeer first appeared in an 1821 illustrated poem, but it was Clement C. Moore’s 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" that solidified their place in holiday tradition.
The Original Eight
Santa’s sleigh is famously pulled by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Interestingly, Donner and Blitzen were originally called "Dunder" and "Blixem", which are Dutch for thunder and lightning .
"More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
'Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen,
On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!'"
- Clement C. Moore
Rudolph's Rise to Fame
Rudolph, the most famous reindeer of all, joined the lineup in 1939. He was created by Robert L. May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward, as part of a holiday promotion. The story was an instant hit, with 2.4 million copies distributed in its first year. May considered other names before settling on Rudolph, drawing inspiration from his own life and his daughter’s love for deer at the Lincoln Park Zoo . On how he came up with Rudolph’s glowing nose, May said:
"Suddenly I had it! A nose! A bright red nose that would shine through fog like a spotlight."
- Robert L. May
Gene Autry’s 1949 recording of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" sold 2.5 million copies and topped the Billboard pop singles chart, cementing Rudolph’s story as a Christmas classic.
Santa's Speed Requirements
Santa’s Christmas Eve journey is a logistical marvel. Let’s break it down:
| Delivery Statistics | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Believing Children | 690 million |
| Households to Visit | 300 million |
| Total Distance | 144 million km (about 89.5 million miles) |
| Required Speed | 8.2 million km/h (around 5.1 million mph) |
| Percentage of Light Speed | 0.8% |
To achieve this, Santa’s reindeer must travel at roughly 0.8% of the speed of light. Thanks to time zones, Santa has a 35-hour window to deliver gifts globally.
With these incredible stats and stories, it’s no wonder Santa and his reindeer remain central to the magic of Christmas.
5. Global Christmas Celebrations
Christmas traditions take on many forms around the world. For example, in Japan, it's common to enjoy KFC for Christmas dinner, with orders placed well in advance.
European Traditions with a Twist
In Catalonia, Spain, families celebrate with Tió de Nadal, a cheerful, decorated log. For weeks leading up to Christmas, children "feed" the log with fruits and nuts. Then, on Christmas Eve, they sing songs and tap the log with sticks to reveal hidden treats.
In Norway, there's a curious custom of hiding brooms on Christmas Eve. This stems from an old belief that evil spirits and witches roam the night.
Festive Celebrations in the Americas
In Caracas, Venezuela, something unusual happens in the weeks before Christmas: many streets are closed until 8 AM so people can roller skate to the Misa de Aguinaldo (Early Morning Mass).
Guatemala brings its own flair with La Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) on December 7. Families gather to burn effigies symbolizing bad energy while enjoying treats like buñuelos and warm fruit punch.
These customs highlight how Christmas brings people together in unique ways across the Americas.
Christmas on Different Dates
Even the date of Christmas isn't the same everywhere. Many Orthodox Christian communities celebrate on January 7, following the Julian calendar. Interestingly, Ukraine recently transitioned its celebration to December 25.
Czech Marriage Tradition
In Czechia, there's a playful tradition for single women on Christmas Eve. They stand with their backs to a door and toss a shoe over their shoulder. If the toe points toward the door, it’s believed they’ll be married within the year. If the heel faces the door, it might take a bit longer for love to come their way.
These diverse traditions show how cultures around the world put their own unique spin on Christmas, creating a colorful tapestry of celebrations that make the season special.
6. Christmas Foods and Drinks
Food and drink play a central role in the holiday season, just as trivia brings traditions to life during celebrations.
Traditional American Christmas Feast
American Christmas dinners often resemble Thanksgiving spreads but with a festive twist. While turkey is still a favorite, many families choose glazed ham or prime rib as their centerpiece. Chef John notes that a great holiday ham glaze should add flavor, shine, and a crackling crust. For turkey, he suggests spreading seasoned butter under the skin to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
Regional Flavors Across America
Holiday menus vary widely across the U.S., reflecting local tastes. In the South, dishes like mac & cheese and cornbread often accompany traditional ham. Southwestern states bring festive flair with tamales and empanadas, while biscochitos - a spiced cookie - are a popular dessert. Of course, these meals are often paired with warming holiday drinks.
Classic Holiday Beverages
Seasonal drinks are a cozy highlight of the festivities. Here are a few favorites:
| Beverage | Description | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eggnog | Creamy and rich | Can be elevated to an eggnog martini with amaretto |
| Wassail | Warm spiced punch | Often made with brandy, sherry, or rum, mixed with beer |
| Hot Buttered Rum | Spiced and buttery | Ideal for chilly winter nights |
| Mulled Wine | Spiced red wine with brandy | A comforting European tradition |
Global Christmas Desserts
Christmas desserts from around the world offer a sweet glimpse into different cultures. France’s Bûche de Noël, or Yule log cake, is made with chocolate whipped cream and shaped to resemble a wooden log. Denmark’s Risalamande combines rice pudding, whipped cream, chopped almonds, and cherry sauce.
Germany’s Christollen is a fruit-filled loaf with candied citrus, nuts, and spices, all dusted with powdered sugar. In the Philippines, Bibingka - a sweet rice cake topped with salted egg - is a holiday favorite. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand celebrate with Pavlova, a light meringue cake topped with fresh fruit.
7. Cheap Trivia: Christmas Question Packs
Christmas trivia packs are an easy way to bring holiday cheer to your gathering without spending hours on preparation. These pre-made packs add variety to your trivia lineup and make hosting a breeze.
Professional Question Packs
Quizrunners offers a Christmas Quiz package for $27.00. It includes categories like General Knowledge, Christmas Literature, and Santa Claus. The pack comes with extras such as a Picture Round featuring holiday movie posters, an Audio Round with festive duets, automated scoring, and downloadable handouts. It's designed for both in-person and virtual events.
Cheap Trivia provides a Christmas Trivia Night Theme Pack for $14.99. This pack features over 40 holiday-themed questions spread across four rounds:
| Round Type | Content Focus | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Rounds 1–3 | Holiday movies, carols, and traditions | Q&A format |
| Round 4 | Christmas imagery | Picture round |
| Bonus Materials | Answer sheets | PDF & PowerPoint |
Why Choose Professional Packs?
These packs have several advantages over free online trivia questions:
- Convenience: Ready-to-use formats in PowerPoint and printable PDFs.
- Organized Rounds: Questions are grouped by themes to keep the game engaging.
- Built-In Scoring: Tracks participants' progress effortlessly.
Host Success Stories
The Quizrunners Christmas Quiz has received a perfect 5.0 rating from seven verified reviews. Users have highlighted its success in virtual family gatherings. You can also tweak these packs to better suit your audience.
Customization Ideas
Make your trivia night more personal by:
- Adding questions about local holiday traditions.
- Using family photos to create custom picture rounds.
- Including questions about community Christmas events.
- Highlighting regional holiday foods.
These affordable packs simplify the planning process, letting you focus on creating a festive and fun holiday atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
Christmas trivia is a great way to create meaningful traditions and unforgettable memories. Here are some tips to make your event a hit.
Set the mood with festive decorations and ensure your sound system is clear for everyone to enjoy. Tools like the Quizrunners Trivia Kit, with its automated PowerPoint format, can help keep things running smoothly.
Add a personal touch to your trivia night. For example, one family crafted custom questions about their shared history, turning their event into a cherished tradition. Tailoring your trivia to your group makes it more engaging and fun for everyone.
Make sure your trivia caters to all skill levels. Include simple questions for beginners, multiple-choice options for intermediate players, detailed facts for advanced participants, and picture rounds for trivia pros.
Hosting a virtual event? Use video conferencing to bring everyone together, no matter where they are. Add custom categories and hints to keep remote participants involved and entertained.
For a hassle-free setup, consider using professional trivia packs. They can save time and ensure your event is well-organized.
With these ideas, you can create a trivia night that captures the festive spirit and brings everyone closer together.