Christmas Trivia
Questions & Answers
Over 120 Christmas trivia questions - from classic holiday knowledge and movie trivia to expert-level challenges and fun facts from around the world. Perfect for parties, game nights, and family gatherings.
What date is Christmas Day celebrated on in most Western countries?
December 25th
The date was fixed in the 4th century, though the actual birth date of Jesus is unknown.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas trivia night, filling time between courses at the dinner table, or just looking for something more engaging than another round of charades - you've come to the right place. We've assembled over 120 Christmas trivia questions and answers across eight categories: classic holiday knowledge, iconic movie moments, chart-topping Christmas music, expert-level challenges, hilarious fun facts, kid-friendly questions, Bible and religious trivia, and festive traditions from around the world. Tap "Reveal Answer" on any card to test yourself, or use the spotlight above for a quick-fire random round.
Popular Christmas Trivia
The essential Christmas trivia questions everyone should know - from holiday origins and traditions to Santa lore and festive firsts.
What date is Christmas Day celebrated on in most Western countries?
December 25th
The date was fixed in the 4th century, though the actual birth date of Jesus is unknown.
Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
Germany
16th-century Germans first decorated fir trees with candles, nuts, and apples.
What plant is known as the "kissing plant" at Christmas?
Mistletoe
The tradition dates back to Norse mythology, where mistletoe symbolised love and friendship.
How many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh (including Rudolph)?
Nine
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen - plus Rudolph, added in 1939.
What colour suit did Santa Claus originally wear before Coca-Cola popularised red?
Green, tan, and various colours
Coca-Cola's 1930s advertising campaigns cemented the red suit, though red depictions existed earlier.
Which real historical figure is Santa Claus based on?
Saint Nicholas of Myra
A 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generous gifts to the poor in modern-day Turkey.
What is the name of the famous Christmas ballet?
The Nutcracker
Composed by Tchaikovsky in 1892, it's now performed over 400 times a year in the US alone.
In which country did the tradition of Christmas stockings originate?
The Netherlands (and later England)
Legend says Saint Nicholas dropped gold coins down a chimney, and they landed in stockings hung to dry.
What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?
A star or an angel
The star represents the Star of Bethlehem; the angel represents the angel Gabriel.
Which US state was the first to declare Christmas an official holiday?
Alabama, in 1836
Christmas didn't become a federal holiday in the US until 1870.
What is the best-selling Christmas song of all time?
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
It has sold over 50 million copies worldwide since its release in 1942.
What are the traditional colours of Christmas?
Red, green, and gold
Red symbolises the blood of Christ, green represents eternal life, and gold signifies royalty.
How do you say "Merry Christmas" in Spanish?
Feliz Navidad
What is Boxing Day?
The day after Christmas (December 26th)
Originating in the UK, it was when servants received gifts ("Christmas boxes") from their employers.
Which country is credited with creating eggnog?
England
It evolved from a medieval drink called "posset" - hot milk curdled with wine or ale.
Christmas Movie Trivia
Test your knowledge of the most beloved Christmas films - from timeless black-and-white classics to modern holiday blockbusters.
In Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on holiday when they leave Kevin behind?
Paris, France
What is the name of the main character in Elf (2003)?
Buddy the Elf
Played by Will Ferrell. The role was originally offered to Jim Carrey.
In It's a Wonderful Life, what happens every time a bell rings?
An angel gets his wings
What is the Grinch's dog's name in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
Max
Which Christmas movie features the line "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings"?
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Directed by Frank Capra and starring Jimmy Stewart. It was a box-office flop before becoming a TV classic.
In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas?
A silver bell from Santa's sleigh
What type of hat does Frosty the Snowman wear?
A silk top hat
The magic hat brings Frosty to life in the 1969 animated TV special.
In A Christmas Story (1983), what does Ralphie want for Christmas?
A Red Ryder BB gun
The famous line: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"
What are the names of the two burglars in Home Alone?
Harry and Marv (the Wet Bandits)
Played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
In Love Actually, what does Mark use to confess his love to Juliet?
Cue cards at her front door
What Christmas film stars Tim Allen as a man who accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof?
The Santa Clause (1994)
In Die Hard, what building does the action take place in?
Nakatomi Plaza
The debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie remains one of the internet's favourite traditions.
Who plays the six different main characters in The Polar Express?
Tom Hanks
He voiced and motion-captured the Hero Boy, his father, the conductor, the hobo, Santa, and the narrator.
In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, what does Clark Griswold want to use his Christmas bonus for?
A swimming pool
What year was the original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas TV special released?
1966
Boris Karloff narrated and voiced the Grinch. The special was based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 book.
Christmas Music Trivia
From timeless carols written centuries ago to modern pop hits, see how well you know the soundtrack of the season.
Who wrote and originally performed "All I Want for Christmas Is You"?
Mariah Carey
Released in 1994, it took 25 years to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019.
What Christmas song was originally written for Thanksgiving?
"Jingle Bells"
Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, it was first called "One Horse Open Sleigh."
In "The Twelve Days of Christmas," what is given on the fifth day?
Five golden rings
Who sang "Last Christmas," one of the best-selling Christmas singles ever?
Wham! (George Michael)
Released in 1984, it reached No. 1 in the UK for the first time in 2021 - 36 years later.
What Christmas carol includes the lyrics "Sleep in heavenly peace"?
"Silent Night"
Written in 1818 in Austria. The original German title is "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht."
Which Christmas song mentions "chestnuts roasting on an open fire"?
"The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
Written by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells in just 45 minutes during a heatwave in 1945.
What was the first Christmas song broadcast from space?
"Jingle Bells"
Astronauts aboard Gemini 6 played it on a harmonica and bells on December 16, 1965.
In "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," what game wouldn't the other reindeer let Rudolph play?
Reindeer games
Who recorded the fastest-selling debut single with "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 1984?
Band Aid
Organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief.
"Feliz Navidad" was written and performed by which Puerto Rican singer?
José Feliciano
Released in 1970, it's one of the most downloaded holiday songs in the US.
What Christmas song was the first to be played in space?
"Jingle Bells" (in 1965)
Which country wrote "Silent Night"?
Austria
Composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Father Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf bei Salzburg.
In "Frosty the Snowman," what made Frosty come to life?
An old silk hat
What artist released the album "A Christmas Gift for You" in 1963?
Phil Spector
Featuring The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Darlene Love, it's considered the greatest Christmas album ever.
How many total gifts are given in "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?
364
If you add up every gift for every day (1+3+6+10+15+21+28+36+45+55+66+78), you get 364.
Hard Christmas Trivia
Think you're a Christmas expert? These challenging questions will test even the most dedicated holiday enthusiasts.
In what year did the first commercial Christmas card go on sale?
1843
Commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London. Only 1,000 were printed, and they sold for one shilling each.
What plant is the poinsettia native to?
Mexico (specifically southern Mexico and Central America)
The Aztecs called it "cuetlaxochitl" and used its red bracts as dye.
Which European country traditionally hides brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches from stealing them?
Norway
What was the first company to use Santa Claus in an advertisement?
Not Coca-Cola - it was White Rock Beverages in 1915
Coca-Cola didn't start using Santa until 1931, but their campaigns were far more widespread.
How long did the Twelve Days of Christmas originally refer to?
The 12 days between Christmas Day (December 25) and Epiphany (January 6)
What was the name of Ebenezer Scrooge's deceased business partner in A Christmas Carol?
Jacob Marley
In which country do people celebrate Christmas by roller-skating to church?
Venezuela (specifically Caracas)
Roads are closed to traffic on Christmas morning so families can roller-skate to Mass.
What is frankincense?
An aromatic resin from the Boswellia tree, used as incense
It was worth more than gold in ancient times and was used in religious ceremonies and medicine.
Which Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?
Tinsel
Invented in Germany in the 1600s, real silver tinsel was later replaced by cheaper aluminium and plastic.
What is the day before Christmas Eve called in some Scandinavian countries?
Little Christmas Eve (Lille Julaften)
In Norway, it's celebrated on December 23 with rice pudding and gingerbread.
How many ghosts visit Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?
Four
Jacob Marley's ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
What year was the Christmas cracker invented?
1847
Tom Smith, a London confectioner, created them after being inspired by French bonbon wrappers.
Which country donates the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree to London every year?
Norway
The tradition began in 1947 as a thank-you for Britain's support during World War II.
What did the term "Xmas" originate from?
The Greek letter Chi (X), the first letter of Christ's name in Greek (Χριστός)
It's been used as an abbreviation since at least the 16th century and is not disrespectful.
In which year did the famous "Christmas Truce" occur during World War I?
1914
British and German soldiers on the Western Front called an unofficial ceasefire, sang carols, and reportedly played football.
Funny Christmas Trivia
Surprising, amusing, and downright bizarre Christmas facts wrapped up as trivia questions. Prepare to be delighted.
What popular Christmas decoration is actually a parasitic plant?
Mistletoe
It grows on host trees and steals their water and nutrients. Romantic, isn't it?
How many Christmas trees are sold in the US each year (approximately)?
About 25–30 million
That's roughly one tree for every 10–12 people. Americans take their trees seriously.
What country celebrates Christmas with a KFC feast?
Japan
The "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii" (Kentucky for Christmas) tradition started from a 1974 marketing campaign.
What odd item do Ukrainians traditionally hide in their Christmas tree?
A spider web ornament
Based on a folktale about a poor family whose tree was decorated by spiders overnight, turning the webs to silver and gold.
How fast would Santa have to travel to deliver presents to every child on Christmas Eve?
About 650 miles per second (over 3,000 times the speed of sound)
Physicists have calculated he'd need to visit roughly 822 homes per second.
What animal delivers presents instead of Santa in Iceland?
The Yule Lads - 13 mischievous troll-like figures
Each has a name describing their pranks, like "Spoon Licker" and "Door Slammer."
In Catalonia, Spain, what unusual character do children "feed" from December 8 to Christmas?
Caga Tió (the "pooping log")
Children feed a hollow log treats, then beat it with sticks on Christmas Day to make it "poop" presents.
What percentage of Americans admit to re-gifting Christmas presents?
About 60%
The most commonly re-gifted items are candles, bath products, and gift cards.
What is the world record for the most Christmas lights on a single house?
Over 3.5 million lights
Set by the Gay family in LaGrangeville, New York. Their electricity bill was reportedly staggering.
What do people in Greenland eat as a Christmas delicacy?
Mattak (raw whale skin) and kiviak (fermented seabirds)
Kiviak involves stuffing 400–500 small birds inside a seal skin and fermenting them for months.
How many letters does Santa receive each year?
Millions - Canada Post alone handles over 1.5 million
Canada assigned Santa the postal code H0H 0H0 and answers letters in over 30 languages.
What is the most popular Christmas tree topper in the UK?
A star (chosen over an angel by roughly 2 to 1)
Which US president banned Christmas trees from the White House?
Theodore Roosevelt
He was an early conservationist. His sons sneaked a small tree into a closet anyway.
How many calories does the average person consume at Christmas dinner?
About 6,000 (three times the daily recommended amount)
What flavour candy canes were originally?
Plain white sugar (no flavour)
Peppermint flavouring and red stripes weren't added until the early 20th century.
Christmas Trivia for Kids
Easy, age-appropriate trivia questions perfect for family game nights, classroom parties, and keeping the kids entertained.
What colour is Rudolph's nose?
Red
What do you leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve?
Milk and cookies
What is the name of the snowman in the movie Frozen?
Olaf
How does Santa get into your house?
Down the chimney
What do you hang on a fireplace at Christmas?
Stockings
What do elves make in Santa's workshop?
Toys
What is the name of Santa's wife?
Mrs. Claus
What shape are most candy canes?
A "J" shape (like a shepherd's crook)
Where does Santa Claus live?
The North Pole
What do you put on top of a Christmas tree?
A star or an angel
What is the name of the green character who tried to steal Christmas?
The Grinch
What frozen water falls from the sky in winter?
Snow
In the song, what did Frosty the Snowman have for a nose?
A button nose
What do you sing at Christmas time?
Carols (Christmas songs)
What sweet treat is shaped like a little person and decorated with icing?
A gingerbread man
Bible & Religious Christmas Trivia
Questions about the Nativity, scripture, and the religious traditions at the heart of the Christmas celebration.
In which town was Jesus born?
Bethlehem
In the region of Judea, as prophesied in the Old Testament (Micah 5:2).
What angel appeared to Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus?
The Angel Gabriel
What were the three gifts the Wise Men brought to baby Jesus?
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Who was the king that ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem to be killed?
King Herod
Known as the "Massacre of the Innocents," it's recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Where did Mary and Joseph place baby Jesus after he was born?
In a manger (a feeding trough)
Because there was no room for them at the inn (Luke 2:7).
How many Wise Men does the Bible say visited Jesus?
The Bible doesn't specify a number
The tradition of three Wise Men comes from the three gifts mentioned. They're also called the Magi.
Which Gospel contains the most detailed account of Jesus' birth?
The Gospel of Luke
Luke includes the census, the manger, the shepherds, and the angels' announcement.
Who told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus?
An angel of the Lord (followed by a multitude of the heavenly host)
What was Joseph's occupation?
A carpenter (tekton in Greek, meaning craftsman or builder)
What guided the Wise Men to find baby Jesus?
A star (the Star of Bethlehem)
Which Roman emperor ordered the census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?
Caesar Augustus
The census is mentioned in Luke 2:1 and is the reason Joseph travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
What does the name "Emmanuel" (or Immanuel) mean?
"God with us"
From the Hebrew words "El" (God) and "immanu" (with us), prophesied in Isaiah 7:14.
In which country did the Holy Family flee to escape King Herod?
Egypt
Joseph was warned in a dream and took Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).
What is Epiphany, celebrated on January 6?
The day the Wise Men arrived to visit Jesus
Also known as Three Kings' Day. In many countries, it marks the end of the Christmas season.
Which Old Testament prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem?
Micah
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel" (Micah 5:2).
Christmas Around the World Trivia
Discover the wonderfully diverse ways people celebrate Christmas across different countries and cultures.
In which country do children leave shoes (not stockings) out for presents?
The Netherlands (and several other European countries)
Dutch children leave their shoes by the fireplace for Sinterklaas on December 5.
What do Australians often do on Christmas Day because it falls in summer?
Have a barbecue and go to the beach
In which country is a witch (La Befana) said to deliver presents on Epiphany?
Italy
La Befana visits on January 5-6, leaving sweets for good children and coal for naughty ones.
What do people hide in their Christmas porridge in Scandinavian countries?
An almond
Whoever finds the almond in their serving wins a prize - usually a marzipan pig.
In Japan, what fast-food chain is a traditional Christmas Eve meal?
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
Families pre-order their KFC Christmas meals weeks in advance.
What do people in the Czech Republic throw over their shoulders on Christmas Day?
A shoe
Single women throw a shoe over their shoulder. If it lands pointing toward the door, they'll marry soon.
In which Central American country do people celebrate "La Quema del Diablo" (Burning of the Devil) on December 7?
Guatemala
People burn piles of rubbish and effigies of the devil to cleanse their homes before Christmas.
What traditional Christmas sweet is popular in Germany and shaped like a loaf dusted with powdered sugar?
Stollen (Christstollen)
The shape represents the swaddled baby Jesus. Dresden's Stollen festival draws thousands.
In which country do people celebrate Christmas by eating 12 dishes on Christmas Eve - all meatless?
Poland
The Wigilia feast traditionally includes borscht, pierogi, carp, and poppy seed cake.
What large log do families burn during Christmas in Catalonia, Provence, and other regions?
The Yule log (bûche de Noël)
Originally a real log burned in the fireplace, now it's also a popular chocolate cake shaped like a log.
In which country do 13 Yule Lads visit children in the 13 nights before Christmas?
Iceland
Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality, from Spoon Licker to Door Slammer.
What Christmas tradition involves hiding a pickle ornament in the tree?
The "Christmas Pickle" (widely attributed to Germany, though Germans rarely know the tradition)
The first child to find the hidden pickle gets an extra gift or good luck for the year.
In the Philippines, what is the name of the giant lantern festival held before Christmas?
Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) in San Fernando
Lanterns can reach up to 20 feet in diameter and are made with intricate designs and thousands of lights.
In South Africa, what deep-fried caterpillars are a traditional Christmas snack?
Emperor moth caterpillars (mopane worms)
They're a protein-rich delicacy often fried with garlic and tomato.
Which country has the tradition of "Gävle Goat" - a giant straw goat that vandals frequently try to burn down?
Sweden
The Gävle Goat has been erected annually since 1966 and has been burned down over half the time.
Why Christmas Trivia Is Perfect for Parties
A well-run Christmas trivia round transforms any gathering - from a quiet family dinner to a full-blown office party - into something genuinely memorable. Unlike passive activities like watching a film or swapping playlists, trivia is interactive by nature. Everyone can participate regardless of age or how well they know each other, and there's something uniquely satisfying about shouting an answer that nobody else got right.
The questions on this page are deliberately varied. Mix the easy Christmas trivia for kids with a few hard Christmas trivia questions to keep all ages engaged. Use the movie and music sections as themed rounds. Print the questions, read them from your phone, or use the spotlight feature above for a ready-made random round - no preparation needed.
How to Host a Christmas Trivia Night
The best Christmas trivia nights are simple to set up. Split your group into teams of 3–5 people, assign a quizmaster, and run 4–6 rounds of 8–10 questions each. Give teams a minute to discuss each answer, then collect written responses. Award a point per correct answer, and throw in a bonus round - perhaps a "speed round" using the spotlight on this page - for extra excitement.
For prizes, lean into the theme: a box of mince pies, a Christmas cracker crown, or bragging rights until next year. The key to a great trivia night isn't expensive prizes or elaborate setups - it's good questions, a lively host, and the simple joy of discovering that your uncle knows an alarming amount about Christmas movie trivia.
The Stories Behind Christmas Trivia Answers
The best Christmas trivia questions aren't just tests of memory - they're doorways into fascinating stories. The fact that "Jingle Bells" was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas, surprises almost everyone. The tradition of the Christmas tree migrating from 16th-century Germany to Queen Victoria's England to every living room in the Western world is a story of cultural exchange spanning centuries.
And then there are the wonderfully weird traditions: Catalonia's Caga Tió (a log that "poops" presents), Iceland's 13 Yule Lads with names like "Spoon Licker," and Japan's Christmas Eve KFC feast born from a 1974 marketing campaign. These aren't just trivia answers - they're reminders that Christmas is celebrated in wildly creative ways across the globe, and that the best holiday traditions are the ones that make you smile.