150 Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers

Christmas Trivia Questions for Kids and Adults

These 150 Christmas trivia questions and answers are ready for your next holiday party, family gathering or office celebration. They cover Christmas movies, songs, history, food and traditions around the world, with easy rounds for kids and hard rounds for trivia pros. Every question includes the answer directly below it, and you can download the free printable PDF with a separate answer key for each Trivia category.

Jump to a category:

• Easy Christmas Trivia (Kids and Families)
• General Christmas Trivia
• Christmas Movie and TV Trivia
• Christmas Song and Carol Trivia
• Christmas History Trivia
• Christmas Traditions Around the World
• Christmas Food and Drink Trivia
• Santa, Reindeer and North Pole Trivia
• Hard Christmas Trivia
• How to Host a Christmas Trivia Game
• Christmas Trivia FAQ

Easy Christmas Trivia (Kids and Families)

⬇️ Download the free printable Easy Christmas trivia PDF (with answer key) here!

1. What date is Christmas Day?

Christmas Day is December 25.

2. What color is Rudolph's nose?

Rudolph's nose is bright red.

3. Where does Santa Claus live?

Santa Claus lives at the North Pole.

4. What do you call Santa's helpers who make toys in his workshop?

Santa's toy-making helpers are called elves.

5. What is Santa's wife called?

Santa's wife is known as Mrs. Claus.

6. What does Santa ride in to deliver presents?

Santa rides in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.

7. How many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh, including Rudolph?

Nine reindeer pull Santa's sleigh when Rudolph leads the team.

8. How does Santa get into houses on Christmas Eve?

According to tradition, Santa comes down the chimney.

9. What do people hang by the fireplace for Santa to fill?

People hang Christmas stockings by the fireplace.

10. What does Santa say when he laughs?

Santa laughs with a jolly "Ho, ho, ho!"

11. What list does Santa check twice?

Santa checks his naughty or nice list.

12. What is a snowman's nose usually made from? 

A snowman's nose is usually made from a carrot.

13. What makes Frosty the Snowman come to life? 

Frosty comes to life when the children put a magic hat on his head.

14. What letter does a candy cane look like? 

A candy cane is shaped like the letter J.

15. What cookie is shaped like a little person and flavored with ginger? 

That cookie is a gingerbread man.

16. What color is a Christmas tree? 

Most Christmas trees are green, because they are evergreens.

17. What does the Grinch steal from the Whos? 

The Grinch steals the Whos' presents, decorations and Christmas feast.

18. What do you call a Christmas song that people sing together? 

A Christmas song sung together is called a carol.

19. What does an advent calendar count down to?

An advent calendar counts down the days until Christmas, usually starting December 1.

20. What do children leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve?

In the United States, children usually leave out milk and cookies for Santa.

General Christmas Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable General Christmas trivia PDF (with answer key) here!

1. What types of trees are most commonly used as Christmas trees?

Fir, spruce and pine trees are the most common Christmas trees. Fraser fir, Douglas fir and Scotch pine are popular choices in the US.

2. What holiday plant are people supposed to kiss under?

People kiss under the mistletoe.

3. What do you call the last evening of the twelve days of Christmas?

The last evening of the twelve days of Christmas is called Twelfth Night. It falls on January 5, the eve of Epiphany.

4. What are the three ghosts in "A Christmas Carol"?

Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Fun fact: Before the three spirits, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley.

5. What holiday figure is also known as Kris Kringle?

Kris Kringle is another name for Santa Claus.

Fun fact: "Kris Kringle" comes from the German "Christkindl," meaning "Christ child."

6. In which city is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit each year?

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit in New York City.

7. According to the Gospel of Matthew, what gifts did the Magi bring to baby Jesus?

The Magi brought gold, frankincense and myrrh.

8. What fruit is traditionally tucked into the toe of a Christmas stocking?

An orange (or a tangerine) is the traditional stocking fruit.

9. What red-and-green Christmas plant is native to Mexico?

The poinsettia is native to Mexico.

Fun fact: It is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US minister to Mexico, who brought it to the US in the 1820s.

10. What evergreen plant with red berries and spiky leaves is used in Christmas decorations?

That plant is holly.

11. What do you call going door to door singing Christmas songs?

Going door to door singing Christmas songs is called caroling.

12. What is another name for a White Elephant gift exchange?

A White Elephant gift exchange is also called a Yankee Swap.

13. How long does it typically take to grow a Christmas tree?

A Christmas tree typically takes 7 to 10 years to reach a standard 6–7 foot height.

14. What does the word "Noel" mean?

"Noel" comes from the French word for Christmas, which traces back to the Latin "natalis," meaning "birth."

15. What does the "X" in "Xmas" stand for?

The "X" in "Xmas" stands for the Greek letter chi, the first letter of the Greek word for Christ.

16. What was the first tinsel made of?

The first tinsel was made from thin strands of real silver, in Germany in the early 1600s.

17. What are the two most popular Christmas tree toppers?

The two most popular Christmas tree toppers are a star and an angel.

18. What is December 26 called in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia?

December 26 is called Boxing Day.

19. Which US state grows the most Christmas trees?

Oregon grows the most Christmas trees in the US, followed by North Carolina.

20. What is the season of preparation before Christmas called in Christian churches?

The season before Christmas is called Advent. It begins four Sundays before Christmas Day.

Christmas Movie and TV Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable Christmas Movie & TV trivia PDF (with answer key) here!  

1. Who directs the Christmas play in "A Charlie Brown Christmas"?

Charlie Brown directs the Christmas play, at Lucy's suggestion.

2. In "Elf," what are the four main food groups of elves?

According to Buddy, the four main food groups are candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

3. In the "Friends" episode "The One with the Holiday Armadillo," what does Ross dress up as?

Ross dresses up as the Holiday Armadillo because he can't find a Santa costume.

4. What is the family's last name in "Home Alone"?

The family in "Home Alone" is the McCallisters.

5. What do the burglars in "Home Alone" call themselves?

Harry and Marv call themselves the Wet Bandits.

6. Who directed "The Nightmare Before Christmas"?

Henry Selick directed "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Tim Burton created the story and produced the film.

7. In "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," what does Clark Griswold get instead of a Christmas bonus?

Clark gets a one-year membership in the Jelly of the Month Club.

8. Which department store hires Kris Kringle as Santa in "Miracle on 34th Street"?

Macy's hires Kris Kringle as its Santa Claus.

9. On "Seinfeld," what does the Costanza family put up instead of a Christmas tree for Festivus?

The Costanzas put up a plain aluminum pole.

10. In "A Christmas Story," what does Ralphie want for Christmas?

Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun.

11. In "A Christmas Story," what "major award" does Ralphie's father win?

Ralphie's father wins a lamp shaped like a woman's leg.

12. What is the name of the dog the Simpsons adopt in their first full-length episode?

The Simpsons adopt Santa's Little Helper in "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" (1989).

13. In "The Polar Express," what does Santa give the boy as the first gift of Christmas?

Santa gives the boy a silver bell from his sleigh.

14. What is the name of the Grinch's dog?

The Grinch's dog is named Max.

15. Who played the Grinch in the 2000 live-action film?

Jim Carrey played the Grinch in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000).

16. In "It's a Wonderful Life," what is the name of George Bailey's guardian angel?

George Bailey's guardian angel is Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Class.

17. In what town does "It's a Wonderful Life" take place?

"It's a Wonderful Life" takes place in Bedford Falls.

18. What is the name of the skyscraper in "Die Hard"?

The skyscraper in "Die Hard" is Nakatomi Plaza.

19. Who plays Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Muppet Christmas Carol"?

Michael Caine plays Scrooge in "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992).

20. In the 1964 TV special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," what does Hermey the elf want to be?

Hermey the elf wants to be a dentist.

Christmas Song and Carol Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable Christmas Song & Carol trivia PDF (with answer key) here!   

1. In "The Twelve Days of Christmas," what is given on the tenth day?

On the tenth day, the gift is ten lords a-leaping.

2. How many gifts are given in total in "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?

Counting every repeated verse, 364 gifts are given in "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

3. In "Jingle Bells," what kind of sleigh is it?

"Jingle Bells" is about a one-horse open sleigh.

4. Who wrote "Jingle Bells"?

James Lord Pierpont wrote "Jingle Bells," published in 1857 as "One Horse Open Sleigh."

Fun fact: In 1965, it became the first song played in space, by the Gemini 6 astronauts on harmonica and bells.

5. In what language was "Silent Night" originally written?

"Silent Night" was originally written in German as "Stille Nacht." It was first performed in Oberndorf, Austria, in 1818.

6. In what language was "O Holy Night" originally written?

"O Holy Night" was originally written in French, with music by Adolphe Adam in 1847.

7. "Carol of the Bells" is based on a folk song from which country?

"Carol of the Bells" is based on "Shchedryk," a Ukrainian folk chant arranged by Mykola Leontovych.

8. What is the best-selling single of all time?

Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" is the best-selling single of all time, according to Guinness World Records.

9. Who wrote "White Christmas"?

Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas." Bing Crosby first sang it in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn."

10. In what year was Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" released?

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" was released in 1994. It didn't reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 until 2019.

11. Which singing cowboy had the first hit recording of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?

Gene Autry had the first hit recording of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1949.

12. Which singer made "The Christmas Song" ("Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") famous?

Nat King Cole made "The Christmas Song" famous.

Fun fact: Mel Tormé and Bob Wells wrote it during a summer heat wave in 1945, trying to "think cool."

13. Who recorded "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"?

The husband-and-wife duo Elmo & Patsy recorded "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" in 1979.

14. Who sang the 1970 hit "Feliz Navidad"?

José Feliciano wrote and sang "Feliz Navidad."

15. What charity supergroup recorded "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 1984?

Band Aid, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, recorded "Do They Know It's Christmas?" to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Christmas History Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable Christmas History trivia PDF (with answer key) here!    

1. In what country did the tradition of decorating Christmas trees begin?

The tradition of decorating Christmas trees is generally credited to Germany in the 1500s.

2. In what year did Christmas become a federal holiday in the United States?

Christmas became a US federal holiday in 1870, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law.

3. During the 1914 Christmas Truce of World War I, which troops stopped fighting to celebrate together?

British and German troops on the Western Front held an unofficial Christmas truce in 1914.

4. Where does the word "Yule" come from?

"Yule" comes from the Old English word for a Germanic midwinter festival, later tied to Christmas.

5. According to legend, why were candy canes first handed out?

A popular legend says a German choirmaster handed out sugar sticks around 1670 to keep children quiet during long church services. There is no record proving it.

6. Who wrote "A Christmas Carol," and when was it published?

English author Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol," published in 1843.

7. In what year is the first recorded Christmas celebration on December 25?

The first recorded December 25 celebration of Christmas was in Rome in 336 AD.

8. Which government banned Christmas in England in 1647?

The Puritan-led English Parliament banned Christmas celebrations in 1647.

9. Which king's return in 1660 brought Christmas back to England?

The restoration of King Charles II in 1660 brought back public Christmas celebrations.

10. Which American colony fined people for celebrating Christmas from 1659 to 1681?

The Massachusetts Bay Colony fined people five shillings for celebrating Christmas.

11. What ancient Roman festival in December influenced some Christmas traditions?

Saturnalia, a Roman festival honoring the god Saturn, influenced customs like feasting and gift-giving.

12. Which royal couple helped make Christmas trees popular in Britain and America?

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized Christmas trees after an 1848 illustration showed their family around a decorated tree.

13. Which president had the first documented indoor Christmas tree at the White House?

Benjamin Harrison had the first documented indoor White House Christmas tree, in 1889.

14. Which president's son sneaked a Christmas tree into the White House?

Theodore Roosevelt's son Archie hid a small Christmas tree in a White House closet in 1902.

15. Who sent the first commercial Christmas cards?

Sir Henry Cole commissioned the first commercial Christmas cards in London in 1843. Artist John Callcott Horsley designed them.

16. What was the original title of the poem known as "The Night Before Christmas"?

Its original title was "A Visit from St. Nicholas," first published in 1823.

17. Who displayed the first electrically lit Christmas tree?

Edward H. Johnson, a business partner of Thomas Edison, lit the first electric Christmas tree in New York City in 1882.

18. In what year did the official Rockefeller Center tree-lighting ceremony begin?

The official Rockefeller Center tree lighting began in 1933. Construction workers put up the first tree there in 1931.

19. What was the title of the person chosen to lead Christmas revels in medieval and Tudor England?

That person was called the Lord of Misrule.

20. Which cartoonist shaped the modern image of Santa Claus in Harper's Weekly?

Thomas Nast shaped the modern image of Santa in drawings for Harper's Weekly, starting in 1863.

Christmas Traditions Around the World

⬇️ Download the free printable Christmas Traditions trivia PDF (with answer key) here!     

1. In which country is KFC a popular Christmas dinner?

In Japan, many families eat KFC for Christmas, a tradition that grew from a 1974 marketing campaign.

2. In which country do children leave out shoes for Sinterklaas?

In the Netherlands, children leave out shoes for Sinterklaas on the eve of December 6.

3. In what region does Krampus, the horned figure who punishes naughty children, come from?

Krampus comes from Alpine folklore, especially in Austria and southern Germany.

4. In which country is Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, celebrated?

Las Posadas is celebrated in Mexico from December 16 to 24.

5. Where does the "Christmas pickle" ornament tradition really come from?

The Christmas pickle is often called a German tradition, but most Germans have never heard of it. It most likely began in the US, where stores sold German glass ornaments in the late 1800s.

6. What is Christmas called in Ethiopia, and when is it celebrated?

In Ethiopia, Christmas is called Genna (or Ganna) and is celebrated on January 7.

7. What is the name of Spain's famous Christmas lottery?

Spain's Christmas lottery is called El Gordo, "the fat one." It has run since 1812.

8. In which country do people give books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading?

Iceland celebrates the Jólabókaflóð, or "Christmas Book Flood."

9. How many Yule Lads visit children in Iceland before Christmas?

Thirteen Yule Lads visit Icelandic children, one each night for the 13 nights before Christmas.

10. In which country do girls wear white gowns and crowns of candles on December 13?

In Sweden, girls dress as Saint Lucia on December 13.

11. What is Simbang Gabi, and where is it celebrated?

Simbang Gabi is a series of nine dawn masses from December 16 to 24, celebrated in the Philippines.

12. What is the Caga Tió, and where does it come from?

The Caga Tió is a smiling wooden log that "poops" out treats when children hit it with sticks. It comes from Catalonia, in northeastern Spain.

13. What is the name of the kind witch who brings gifts to Italian children on Epiphany?

In Italy, La Befana brings gifts on the night before Epiphany, January 6.

14. In which country is a Didukh, a sheaf of wheat honoring ancestors, displayed at Christmas?

The Didukh is a Christmas tradition in Ukraine.

15. In which country is Junkanoo, a parade with costumes and music, held on Boxing Day?

Junkanoo is held in the Bahamas on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

16. In which country is the Christmas Eve feast called joulupöytä?

Joulupöytä, meaning "Christmas table," is the Christmas feast in Finland.

17. What are the traditional Christmas carols that Greek children sing door to door called?

Greek children sing carols called kalanda (or kalanta).

18. In which Caribbean country do people take early-morning walks and attend church for the nine mornings before Christmas?

The Nine Mornings Festival is celebrated in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

19. In which country do many families celebrate Christmas with a beach day or barbecue?

In Australia, Christmas falls in summer, so beach days and barbecues are common.

20. In Poland, why is an extra place set at the Christmas Eve table?

At Wigilia, the Polish Christmas Eve supper, an extra place is set for an unexpected guest or traveler.

Christmas Food and Drink Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable Christmas Food & Drink trivia PDF (with answer key) here!      

1. What creamy holiday drink is made with milk, cream, sugar and eggs?

That drink is eggnog.

2. What nuts are traditionally roasted over an open fire at Christmas?

Chestnuts are traditionally roasted at Christmas.

3. Which country is credited with creating the gingerbread house?

Germany is credited with the gingerbread house, which became popular after the Brothers Grimm published "Hansel and Gretel" in 1812.

4. What Christmas Eve seafood dinner is a tradition in many Italian-American families?

Many Italian-American families celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which grew out of the southern Italian Christmas Eve vigil, La Vigilia.

5. What is a bûche de Noël?

A bûche de Noël is a French Christmas cake rolled and decorated to look like a Yule log.

6. What tall, dome-shaped sweet bread with candied fruit comes from Milan?

Panettone is the Christmas bread from Milan, Italy.

7. What German Christmas bread, dusted with powdered sugar, is famously made in Dresden?

Stollen is the German Christmas bread associated with Dresden.

8. What is traditionally hidden in a British Christmas pudding for good luck?

A silver coin is traditionally hidden in a British Christmas pudding.

9. What surprising ingredient did mince pies originally contain?

Mince pies originally contained minced meat, along with fruit and spices.

10. What hot spiced drink is named after an Old English toast meaning "be well"?

Wassail, a hot spiced cider or ale, takes its name from an Old English toast.

11. What hot spiced wine is sold at German Christmas markets?

Glühwein is the hot mulled wine sold at German Christmas markets.

12. What corn-dough dish wrapped in husks do many Mexican families make together at Christmas?

Many Mexican families make tamales together at Christmas.

13. What paper tubes that "pop" when pulled are set at British Christmas dinner tables?

Christmas crackers are set at British dinner tables. London confectioner Tom Smith invented them in the 1840s.

14. In Denmark, what do you win if you find the whole almond in the Christmas rice pudding?

Whoever finds the whole almond in the Danish rice pudding, risalamande, wins a small prize.

15. What does a traditional Japanese Christmas cake look like?

A Japanese Christmas cake is a sponge cake layered with whipped cream and topped with strawberries.

Santa, Reindeer and North Pole Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable Santa, Reindeer & North Pole trivia PDF (with answer key) here!       

1. What are the names of the eight reindeer in "A Visit from St. Nicholas"?

The eight reindeer are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.

Fun fact: Rudolph isn't in the 1823 poem. He was created more than a century later.

2. Who created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Robert L. May created Rudolph in 1939 for a Montgomery Ward department store coloring book.

3. Where is the real North Pole?

The geographic North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, on drifting sea ice.

4. Which US state has a town named North Pole?

Alaska has a town named North Pole, near Fairbanks.

5. Where did the real St. Nicholas live?

St. Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop in Myra, in what is now Turkey.

6. What military organization tracks Santa every Christmas Eve?

NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has tracked Santa since 1955.

Fun fact: It started when a newspaper ad misprinted the number for kids to call Santa, and children reached the military's operations center instead.

7. In which Finnish city can you visit Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle?

Santa Claus Village is in Rovaniemi, Finland.

8. Why are Santa's antlered reindeer probably female?

Male reindeer usually shed their antlers in late fall, while females keep theirs through winter. So reindeer with antlers on Christmas Eve are likely female.

9. Which company's 1930s ads made the jolly, red-suited Santa famous?

Coca-Cola's ads, illustrated by Haddon Sundblom starting in 1931, made that Santa famous. Santa had worn red before, but the ads cemented the look.

10. What is Santa Claus called in France?

In France, Santa Claus is called Père Noël.

Hard Christmas Trivia

⬇️ Download the free printable Hard Christmas trivia PDF (with answer key) here!        

1. Which president lit the first National Christmas Tree?

Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree in 1923.

2. Which US state was the first to make Christmas a legal holiday?

Alabama was the first state to make Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.

3. What short story inspired "It's a Wonderful Life"?

"It's a Wonderful Life" was inspired by "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. He first printed it as a Christmas card in 1943.

4. How much does Scrooge pay Bob Cratchit each week?

Scrooge pays Bob Cratchit 15 shillings a week.

5. Which country sends London a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square every year?

Norway has sent the Trafalgar Square tree every year since 1947, as thanks for Britain's support during World War II.

6. Who composed the music for "The Nutcracker"?

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed "The Nutcracker," which premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892.

7. What instrument plays the melody in "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"?

The celesta, a bell-like keyboard instrument, plays the melody.

8. Which composer wrote the melody used for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"?

The melody comes from Felix Mendelssohn, adapted for the carol in 1855.

9. In what year did the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the Book of Genesis while orbiting the moon on Christmas Eve?

The Apollo 8 astronauts read from Genesis on Christmas Eve, 1968.

10. What is the long Christmas Eve dinner called in France?

The French Christmas Eve dinner is called le Réveillon.

How to Host a Christmas Trivia Game

A Christmas trivia game works best with teams of 3–5 people, three to five rounds and about 10 questions per round. Here's a simple setup that works for families, classrooms and office parties.

1. Pick your rounds. Mix categories from this list, such as one movie round, one song round and one traditions round. For mixed ages, start with the easy round.
2. Print the questions and answer key. Download the free printable PDF. Keep the answer key separate from the question sheets.
3. Form teams. Mix ages and generations so every team has a movie buff and a history fan.
4. Set the scoring. Give 1 point per correct answer and 2 points for the hard round. Use one question from the hard round as a tiebreaker.
5. Add prizes. Small prizes like ornaments, cocoa mix or a homemade treat keep the competition friendly.

Hosting the whole party? Use a free SignUp sheet to coordinate who brings snacks, prizes and supplies, so your trivia host can focus on the fun.

Christmas Trivia FAQ

How many questions should a Christmas trivia game have?

Most Christmas trivia games use 30 to 50 questions, split into three to five rounds. That fills about an hour at a party.

What are good Christmas trivia questions for kids?

Good Christmas trivia questions for kids focus on Santa, reindeer, snowmen and favorite holiday movies. Start with the Easy Christmas Trivia section above.

What are some hard Christmas trivia questions?

Hard Christmas trivia questions cover holiday history, music origins and lesser-known facts, like who lit the first National Christmas Tree. See the Hard Christmas Trivia section above.

Is there a printable version of these Christmas trivia questions?

Yes. All 150 questions are in a free printable PDF with a separate answer key.

How do you make Christmas trivia more fun?

Play in teams, mix easy and hard rounds, add small prizes, and try a themed round like Christmas movies or carols.

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About the Author & Designer

   

Tara McAdams

Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator

Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics – including lifestyle trends, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning. More about Tara →