Looking to add some fun to your holiday gatherings? Christmas trivia is a fantastic way to bring people together, spark friendly competition, and celebrate the season. From the origins of candy canes to the highest-grossing Christmas movie, these trivia questions cover fascinating facts about holiday traditions, movies, music, and more.
Here’s a quick look at some intriguing highlights:
- Christmas as a Federal Holiday: Officially recognized in the U.S. on June 26, 1870.
- Top-Grossing Christmas Movie: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018) earned $514.6 million worldwide.
- Best-Selling Christmas Song: Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" has sold over 50 million copies globally.
- Stockings by the Fireplace: A tradition linked to Saint Nicholas and popularized in the 19th century.
- Candy Canes: Originated in 17th-century Europe, with the iconic red stripes added in the 20th century.
- Home Alone Filming: The famous house is in Winnetka, Illinois, with many scenes shot in nearby locations.
- Japan’s Christmas Dinner: KFC and Christmas cake are staples, thanks to a 1974 marketing campaign.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas Debut: First aired on December 9, 1965, and became a holiday classic.
- First U.S. State to Recognize Christmas: Alabama’s claim as the first state in 1836 is disputed.
- Santa Claus's Origins: Based on Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity.
Whether you're hosting a trivia night or simply want to learn something new, these questions offer an engaging way to celebrate the holiday season.
Christmas Long Haul !! 840 Christmas Trivia Questions! Over 7 Hours of Holiday Fun! 40+ Categories!
1. When Did Christmas Become a Federal Holiday in the U.S.?
Answer: On June 26, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill that officially recognized Christmas as a federal holiday for government employees.
Before this, Christmas in the U.S. had a complicated history. In some Puritan communities, the holiday was outright banned, while other states began recognizing it earlier. Alabama led the way in 1836, followed by Louisiana and Arkansas. By the mid-19th century, attitudes toward Christmas softened, and it became more widely accepted as a day for peace and relaxation.
President Grant’s legislation didn’t just make Christmas a federal holiday. It also established New Year’s Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving as official holidays for government workers. Historians still discuss the reasons behind this move. Some believe it was meant to promote national unity after the Civil War, while others argue it aimed to provide factory workers with much-needed time off during the Industrial Revolution. Interestingly, the push for Christmas as a federal holiday came more from businesses than churches.
Initially, the law only applied to federal employees and residents in Washington, D.C. However, over time, all states adopted Christmas as a legal holiday. This decision marked a turning point, shaping the way Christmas would grow into a central part of American traditions and culture.
2. What is the Highest-Grossing Christmas Movie of All Time?
Answer: The 2018 animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch holds the title of the highest-grossing Christmas movie, raking in an impressive $514.6 million worldwide. This milestone dethroned Home Alone (1990), which had previously held the record with $476.7 million. The achievement has been officially verified by Guinness World Records.
Guinness World Records describes this accomplishment as follows:
"The most successful Christmas movie at the worldwide box office is Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (USA, 2018), which earned $514,602,427 (£379 million) on its various releases between 8 November 2018 and 25 December 2020."
Not only did The Grinch claim the top spot among Christmas films, but it also became the highest-grossing adaptation of any Dr. Seuss story, showing how timeless characters can still captivate audiences across generations.
Meanwhile, Home Alone had an incredible run upon its release, dominating the box office for 12 weeks starting in November 1990.
Both The Grinch and Home Alone, along with other top holiday films, share a common formula: they draw on beloved stories and feature well-known stars. This approach continues to make them staples of holiday entertainment and popular choices in holiday trivia.
3. Which Song is the Best-Selling Christmas Single?
Answer: Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" takes the crown as the best-selling Christmas single ever, with worldwide sales estimated at over 50 million copies. In fact, it's not just a holiday favorite - it holds the distinction of being the best-selling single of all time.
Written by Irving Berlin for the 1942 film Holiday Inn, "White Christmas" was destined for greatness. Bing Crosby's heartfelt rendition spent 11 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts in 1942 and also led the Harlem Hit Parade for three weeks .
The song's emotional depth struck a chord during World War II, especially when Crosby performed it for troops stationed overseas. Its annual re-releases since 1942 have kept its popularity alive and its sales soaring .
Even today, "White Christmas" continues to bring in an estimated $328,000 in royalties each year. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942 and still holds the Guinness World Record as the best-selling single of all time . This timeless classic isn't just a holiday anthem - it’s a piece of music history that defines the spirit of the season.
4. Why Do We Hang Stockings by the Fireplace?
The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace traces back to the legendary story of Saint Nicholas tossing gold coins into a home, with one coin landing in a stocking. This act of kindness sparked the custom of children hanging stockings in hopes of receiving gifts.
This tradition was immortalized in Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823):
"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."
- Clement Clarke Moore
Interestingly, a Norse myth also connects to this practice. In the story, children left shoes filled with treats for Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, and received small gifts in return. This exchange may have influenced the European traditions that evolved into today’s Christmas stockings.
The custom gained widespread popularity during the Victorian era in 19th-century England, shaping the modern version of the Christmas stocking. The tradition of placing tangerines or nuts in stockings is thought to echo Saint Nicholas's original gift of gold coins.
In the United States, early records of the tradition appear as far back as December 1810. The New-York Historical Society archives include a broadside from their first Festival of St. Nicholas celebrations, featuring an image of the saint near a Dutch fireplace with stockings hanging nearby.
While stockings remain a beloved holiday tradition worldwide, some European countries have their own twist - children leave shoes or boots by the fireplace instead of stockings. This blend of history and folklore adds a touch of magic to the season and offers endless inspiration for festive trivia.
5. What is the Origin of the Candy Cane?
The story of the candy cane begins in 17th-century Europe, where peppermint sticks were already a favorite treat. One well-known legend attributes the invention of the candy cane to a German choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in 1670. As the story goes, the choirmaster handed out sugar sticks to his young singers during the Living Creche ceremony to keep them quiet. To add a meaningful touch, he bent the sticks into the shape of shepherd's crooks, symbolizing the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.
This sweet tradition eventually crossed the Atlantic, thanks to August Imgard, a German-Swedish immigrant. In 1847, he was the first to document using candy canes as Christmas tree decorations. At that time, the candy canes were plain white. The now-iconic red stripes and peppermint flavor didn’t appear until the 20th century.
The candy cane’s mass production began in 1919 when Robert "Bob" McCormack started making them in Albany, Georgia. However, it wasn’t until 1957 that his brother-in-law, Gregory Keller, invented a machine to automate the process, making production much more efficient. This innovation helped turn a simple treat into a holiday staple.
"People wanted to put the candy canes on the tree as a way to decorate it, and the hook was really just added as a way to hold it. So, it morphed out of the candy stick and into the candy cane." – Susan Benjamin, Writer and Historian of Sugar, Sweets and Candy
Today, candy canes are a quintessential part of the holiday season. In fact, they are the top-selling non-chocolate candy during December, with the United States producing an astounding 1.76 billion candy canes annually. Around 90% of these are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas, cementing their status as a seasonal favorite.
From a simple tool to keep kids quiet during church to a cherished symbol of Christmas, the candy cane has come a long way. It’s a testament to how traditions evolve and become an integral part of holiday celebrations.
6. Where Was 'Home Alone' Filmed?
The iconic McCallister house from Home Alone is located at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, Illinois. While the exterior shots featured this charming suburban home, most of the interior scenes were actually filmed on a two-story set built inside the gymnasium of New Trier Township High School. This six-bedroom, six-bathroom home, spanning 9,126 square feet, was originally built in 1921 and was owned by the Abendshien family during the production. Additional scenes were filmed at various locations across the region, giving the film its distinct local feel.
John Abendshien, the homeowner at the time, admitted they never anticipated their house would turn into a tourist hotspot. Director Chris Columbus explained what made the house perfect for the movie:
"We needed to cast a house that would work for the stunts and also a house that was visually appealing and, if this makes sense, warm and menacing at the same time."
The house has seen some changes in ownership over the years. It sold for $1.585 million in 2012, was listed for $5.25 million in May 2024, and eventually sold for $5.5 million on January 15, 2025.
Besides the McCallister house, the production team filmed in several other notable locations around the Chicagoland area between February and May 1990. These included Wilmette, Oak Park, and Chicago. The church scenes were filmed at Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette and Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park. Memorable moments like the toothbrush theft were shot at Hubbard Woods Pharmacy in Winnetka, while the bustling airport scenes took place at Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport.
Today, the McCallister house remains a beloved tourist destination, though only its exterior is open to public viewing. In December 2021, Airbnb offered a one-night stay at the house, giving fans a rare chance to immerse themselves in the film's setting.
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7. What is Japan's Christmas Dinner Tradition?
In Japan, Christmas dinner has a surprising centerpiece: KFC and Christmas cake. This tradition started in 1974 with KFC's "Kentucky for Christmas" campaign, an idea that reshaped holiday dining in the country.
It all began when Takeshi Okawara, the manager of Japan's first KFC, dressed as Santa Claus at a kindergarten party. At the time, few Japanese households had ovens to prepare a traditional turkey dinner, so Okawara promoted fried chicken as a festive alternative. His creative marketing aimed to boost sales but ended up creating a cultural phenomenon.
The campaign's success was staggering. Today, KFC's Christmas packages make up about one-third of its annual sales in Japan. On December 24, sales can soar to five to ten times the usual volume. For example, during the 2018 holiday season, KFC generated a staggering 6.9 billion yen (approximately $63 million).
Part of the appeal lies in how KFC adapted to Japanese tastes. Its fried chicken, similar in flavor to the local dish karaage, resonates with the palate. The "party barrel" concept also fits perfectly with Japan's preference for social dining experiences.
Currently, over 3.6 million families in Japan celebrate Christmas with KFC. As Joonas Rokka, an associate professor of marketing at Emlyon Business School, explains:
"It filled a void. There was no tradition of Christmas in Japan, and so KFC came in and said, this is what you should do on Christmas."
For many, the tradition is less about the chicken and more about togetherness. Ryohei Ando, who works at a Tokyo sporting goods company, puts it simply: "It's not about the chicken. It's about getting the family together".
While other festive dishes like shrimp gratin, roast chicken, and Christmas cake are often included, KFC remains the star of this uniquely Japanese holiday celebration. It’s a perfect example of how global traditions can blend with local customs to create something entirely new.
8. What Year Did 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' First Air?
A Charlie Brown Christmas made its debut on December 9, 1965, on CBS. This was a game-changing moment for holiday programming, one that left an undeniable mark on television history [70,71].
Despite skepticism from network executives - who worried about its slow pacing, the absence of a laugh track, and its unconventional jazz soundtrack - audiences embraced it. That night, 45% of households with TVs tuned in, translating to an estimated 15,490,000 homes. It became the second most-watched program of the evening, just behind Bonanza [70,71].
The special broke boundaries in children's television. It featured actual children voicing the animated characters and included Linus's heartfelt recitation of the Nativity story - a bold and rare religious reference for TV at the time.
Production, however, wasn't without its challenges. CBS executives were less than optimistic. They reportedly told the producers:
"We will, of course, air it next week, but I'm afraid we won't be ordering more."
Even producer Bill Melendez expressed concern, saying:
"My golly, we've killed it."
But critics quickly saw the magic in the special. The Hollywood Reporter called it "delightfully novel and amusing", while Weekly Variety described it as "fascinating and haunting." Harriet Van Horne of the New York World-Telegram highlighted Linus's recitation as "the dramatic highlight of the season".
The following year, A Charlie Brown Christmas won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program and also received a Peabody Award in 1965 [70,71]. Its success not only cemented the half-hour animated holiday special as a beloved tradition but also paved the way for other classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and Frosty the Snowman.
What started as a risky experiment, commissioned by Coca-Cola, blossomed into a phenomenon that aired annually for decades - helping to shape holiday television as we know it.
9. Which U.S. State First Recognized Christmas as a Holiday?
For years, Alabama has been widely believed to be the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday in 1836. But as it turns out, this long-standing claim doesn't hold up under scrutiny. The Alabama Department of Archives and History has conducted thorough research and found no evidence to back this assertion.
Debbie Pendleton, a former assistant director for public services at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, referred to the claim as:
"One of the original fabricated accounts."
Research archivist Norwood Kerr further explained:
"For the past fifty years, books, magazines, newspapers, and now Internet sites have declared that Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas Day as a holiday, in 1836. Exhaustive searches by the staff under four different directors of the Alabama Department of Archives & History have found no evidence to support the claim."
So, what’s the real story? In 1848, Alabama’s Legislature designated Christmas as a bank holiday, requiring financial institutions to close for the day. However, this was not the same as declaring it an official state holiday. By 1860, Christmas had been adopted as a legal holiday in fourteen states, and it wasn’t until June 28, 1870, that Christmas was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.
While the exact first state to officially recognize Christmas remains unclear, this unraveling of the Alabama myth adds an interesting twist to holiday history. It’s a great reminder that even widely accepted stories can sometimes be more fiction than fact.
10. What is the Name of the Saint Behind Santa Claus?
The story of Santa Claus originates with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop from Myra, in what is now Turkey. Known for his extraordinary generosity, Saint Nicholas became famous for helping the poor and giving gifts to those in need. By the Renaissance, he was celebrated as one of the most beloved saints in Europe, with December 6th marked as his feast day.
The transformation from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus unfolded over centuries. Dutch settlers brought their tradition of Sinterklaas (a version of Saint Nicholas) to New Amsterdam, now known as New York City. The name "Santa Claus" evolved from the Dutch nickname "Sinter Klaas". One enduring story about Saint Nicholas involves him secretly providing dowries for three impoverished daughters, which influenced the tradition of hanging stockings.
Over time, American writers and artists reimagined Saint Nicholas, shaping the Santa Claus we recognize today. In 1809, Washington Irving described him in The History of New York as:
"A short, stout, merry, pipe-smoking Dutchman, dressed in traditional colonial attire."
Later, Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem, "An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas", introduced many of Santa’s iconic traits, such as his sleigh, reindeer, and chimney visits. Illustrator Thomas Nast further refined Santa’s image in his drawings for Harper’s Weekly, starting in 1863. Nast’s work also introduced the idea of Santa living at the North Pole.
The modern image of Santa Claus was solidified in the 1930s, thanks to Haddon Sundblom’s Coca-Cola advertisements. Sundblom’s depiction of Santa in a red suit with a white beard became the version most people recognize today. As TV producer Jonathan Meath observed:
"Santa is really the only cultural icon we have who's male, does not carry a gun, and is all about peace, joy, giving, and caring for other people."
From a kind-hearted bishop in the 4th century to a global symbol of joy and generosity, Saint Nicholas’s spirit lives on, bringing happiness to families around the world each Christmas season.
Comparison Table
Planning a Christmas trivia night? Whether you go with the Weekly Trivia Subscription or the Themed Trivia Packs, your decision will depend on your event’s frequency and budget. Both options deliver high-quality, ready-to-use trivia content, but they cater to different hosting needs. Here's a quick breakdown:
The Weekly Trivia Subscription costs $59.99 per month and delivers fresh content every week, featuring 40+ questions divided into three Q&A rounds and one picture round. This subscription is perfect for venues running trivia nights regularly, offering a cost of about $15.00 per week. Content is sent straight to your inbox, so you're always prepared.
On the other hand, Themed Trivia Packs, priced at $14.99 each, focus on specific topics, like Christmas, making them ideal for one-off holiday events. These packs are instantly available via email and include 40+ themed questions to bring festive cheer to your event.
| Feature | Weekly Trivia Subscription | Themed Trivia Packs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99/month | $14.99 each |
| Cost per event | ~$15.00/week | $14.99 one-time |
| Content delivery | Weekly via email | Immediate via email |
| Question count | 40+ per week | 40+ per pack |
| Format | PDF & PowerPoint | PDF & PowerPoint |
| Best for | Regular trivia nights | Special events/themes |
| Commitment | Monthly subscription | One-time purchase |
For venues hosting weekly trivia nights, the subscription offers variety with questions spanning movies, sports, current events, and seasonal topics. Meanwhile, the Themed Trivia Packs are perfect for occasional events, especially when you want to embrace a specific theme like Christmas.
Both options come professionally formatted and easy to use. Whether you're planning a weekly trivia tradition or a one-time holiday celebration, choose the option that best fits your schedule and keeps the festive energy alive!
Conclusion
Christmas trivia has a way of turning ordinary gatherings into lively, laughter-filled celebrations. Whether you're hosting at a bar, a restaurant, or a cozy family get-together, these fun questions about holiday traditions, movies, and music create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that brings people together during the holiday season.
These trivia games do more than entertain - they also offer a chance to reflect on the rich history of Christmas. By mixing nostalgia with a bit of learning, they provide guests with an experience that's both enjoyable and meaningful. And for event hosts, they make managing the crowd and keeping the energy alive much easier.
Trivia nights aren't just fun - they're also great for business. As Megan Prevost puts it, "Competition is an excellent way to bring in customers and enjoy the holidays together". The social, interactive nature of trivia encourages guests to linger longer and spend more, making it a win-win for both attendees and venues during the festive season.
With ready-made trivia formats available, hosting becomes a breeze. Automated scoring and multimedia elements keep things running smoothly, while questions in both PDF and PowerPoint formats ensure you have everything you need to fit your event setup. No need to scramble for ideas - it's all ready to go.
Whether you're planning regular trivia nights or a one-time holiday event, professionally designed Christmas trivia packs make it easy to spread the holiday spirit. Pair it with festive décor, encourage guests to dress in holiday-themed attire, and watch as your trivia night becomes a beloved holiday tradition in your community.
FAQs
Why is Christmas trivia a popular activity during holiday gatherings?
Christmas trivia has grown into a cherished holiday tradition across the United States, adding a lively and festive touch to the season. Whether it’s at holiday parties, family get-togethers, or even office gatherings, it’s a fun way to bring people together while stirring up a bit of friendly competition.
From questions about Christmas history and traditions to holiday-themed pop culture, trivia games have a way of sparking laughter, conversations, and plenty of holiday spirit. They’re a simple yet entertaining way to create lasting memories and celebrate the season with those you care about.
What are some interesting Christmas traditions from around the world?
Christmas traditions vary widely around the world, each offering a glimpse into local customs and stories. Take Iceland, for example, where the Yule Cat is a legendary creature said to devour anyone who hasn’t received new clothes by Christmas Eve - a quirky way to encourage generosity and preparedness. In Germany, families add a playful twist by hiding a Christmas pickle ornament in the tree, with good fortune promised to the one who finds it. Over in Finland, the holiday season often includes a relaxing sauna session, blending warmth and togetherness into their celebrations. These traditions highlight the rich and imaginative ways people celebrate the Christmas season worldwide.
How can I host a fun and festive Christmas trivia night using the tips in this article?
Hosting a Christmas trivia night that people will remember starts with solid planning. Make sure to establish clear rules and create a smooth flow to keep everyone engaged from start to finish. Pick a mix of entertaining and inclusive questions - like the ones suggested in this article - that match your audience's interests and knowledge. To spice things up, consider adding categories such as Christmas history, traditions, or even holiday-themed pop culture.
Set the scene with festive decorations to bring the holiday spirit to life. If you're hosting online, use Christmas-themed virtual backgrounds to keep the vibe consistent. During the trivia, keep the atmosphere lively with jokes, interesting holiday facts, and upbeat commentary. Have a few extra questions and answers ready, just in case you need them. With a little preparation and a lot of holiday cheer, your trivia night will be an event to remember!