Ernest Saves Christmas trivia puts the goofiest holiday hero ever on your trivia stage. Guests will answer questions about Ernest's taxi-driving adventure, the hunt for a new Santa, and all the slapstick in between.
Below are free sample questions and answers plus hosting tips for bar and restaurant owners and party hosts. Run the night yourself or pick up the ready-made theme pack and skip the writing.
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Browse Themed PacksEvery theme pack includes 4 rounds, a picture round, host script, and print-ready PDF + PowerPoint.
Browse Christmas Trivia Packs12 Sample Ernest Saves Christmas Trivia Questions & Answers
Here is a taste of the kinds of questions in the full pack. The complete theme pack includes 40+ questions across 4 rounds, plus a picture round and host script.
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What is the real name of the creator of the Ernest character?
Answer: John R. Cherry III -
Which real-life airport was used for key scenes in Ernest Saves Christmas?
Answer: Orlando International Airport -
What warning does Ernest give while disguised as a snake rancher when a studio gate guard tries to inspect the back of his truck?
Answer: “Careful, now... them be pisin’!” -
What character did Jim Varney voice in the Toy Story franchise?
Answer: Slinky Dog -
What does Santa hand Joe Carruthers that symbolizes his new role?
Answer: Snow globe -
Where is Santa trying to go when Ernest picks him up?
Answer: Orlando Children’s Museum -
What company originally created the Ernest commercials in the early 1980s?
Answer: Carden & Cherry -
What is Santa’s response when Harmony asks, “What’s going on?
Answer: ” as it begins to snow in tropical Orlando? “CHRISTMAS is going on!” -
By what time must Santa pass on his role to a successor in order to restore the magic’s full strength?
Answer: 7 PM -
What city does Ernest Saves Christmas take place in?
Answer: Orlando -
What TV show does Joe Carruthers host?
Answer: Uncle Joey’s Treehouse -
How many theatrical Ernest films did Jim Varney star in?
Answer: 9
Why Ernest Saves Christmas Trivia Works for Holiday Events
Anyone who grew up in the 80s knows Ernest, and the nostalgia is powerful. His catchphrases still get quoted at family gatherings. Retro themes make people feel like kids again, and that joy fills a room fast.
This theme is pure fun to host. Encourage Ernest impressions between rounds, hand out silly prizes like rubber chickens, and play 80s hits during breaks. Costumes are easy too, since all anyone needs is a baseball cap and a grin.
Retro nights are social media gold. Ask guests to post their best Ernest impression and tag your venue. Nostalgia content gets shared, and shares bring new faces through the door on a slow December weeknight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions should I plan per round?
Keep it light with 8 to 10 questions per round across four rounds. The movie is short and silly, so short rounds match the energy. Save the hardest questions for a final bonus round.
What's the best time of year to run Ernest Saves Christmas trivia?
Early December is the sweet spot, when nostalgia runs high. A weeknight retro movie theme night pairs well with a throwback drink special.
Is this trivia night family-friendly?
Yes. It's pure family slapstick with nothing to worry about. Kids who have never heard of Ernest will still laugh at the questions and the clips.
What if my guests haven't seen the movie?
The plot is simple and the gags are memorable, so even first-timers can guess along. Ernest's catchphrases and the Santa storyline carry the night. Add general 80s nostalgia questions so everyone scores.
Ernest Saves Christmas Trivia Night Theme Pack
Running a full ernest saves christmas trivia night takes more than a dozen sample questions. The Ernest Saves Christmas Trivia Night Theme Pack gives you everything: 40+ questions across 4 rounds, a themed picture round, a host script, and print-ready PDF and PowerPoint files. Download it today and host tonight.