Ever wonder how Santa squeezes down chimneys in countries that don’t even have fireplaces? Christmas is celebrated in wonderfully odd and endearing ways across the globe, and honestly, some traditions make decorating a tree look downright boring.
I recall learning that in Japan, KFC is a Christmas feast staple—suddenly, my family’s turkey drama seemed relatively tame!
Whether you’re holding a holiday quiz night, hoping to impress your relatives with esoteric festive facts, or just wondering about how the rest of the world jingles their bells, these trivia questions will sleigh your expectations.
Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers
- Q: In which country do people celebrate Christmas by eating KFC as a traditional holiday meal?
A: Japan – thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign!
- Q: What do children in the Netherlands leave out for Sinterklaas instead of cookies?
A: Carrots and hay for his horse, Amerigo.
- Q: In which Scandinavian country is a giant straw goat (Gävle Goat) erected every Christmas?
A: Sweden – and it has a notorious history of being burned down by vandals!
- Q: What is the name of the Christmas witch in Italian folklore who delivers gifts to children?
A: La Befana – she flies on a broomstick on January 6th.
- Q: In Germany, what pickle-shaped ornament is hidden on the Christmas tree for children to find?
A: The Weihnachtsgurke (Christmas Pickle) – though its origins are actually debated!
- Q: Which country celebrates “Little Christmas” or Juleliten on January 13th?
A: Norway – marking the end of the Christmas season.
- Q: In Mexico, what is the name of the nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas?
A: Las Posadas – reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
- Q: What do Australians commonly do on Christmas Day due to their summer weather?
A: Have barbecues on the beach or outdoor picnics.
- Q: In Iceland, how many Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) visit children in the 13 days before Christmas?
A: Thirteen – each with their own mischievous personality!
- Q: What is the traditional Christmas meal in Poland that must include an odd or even number of dishes?
A: Wigilia – featuring 12 dishes to represent the 12 apostles.
- Q: In the Philippines, what giant lantern festival lights up the city of San Fernando?
A: The Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul Sampernandu).
- Q: Which European country has a tradition of roller-skating to church on Christmas morning?
A: Venezuela – roads are even closed for the occasion!
- Q: What do people in Ukraine traditionally place on their Christmas trees?
A: Spider webs (pavuchky) – inspired by a folk tale about a poor family.
- Q: In Ethiopia, what date is Christmas celebrated according to their calendar?
A: January 7th – following the Julian calendar.
- Q: What is the name of the traditional Czech Christmas carp that families sometimes keep in their bathtub?
A: Kapr – it’s later prepared for Christmas dinner.
- Q: Which country’s Christmas tradition includes the “Catalonian Caganer” figurine in nativity scenes?
A: Spain (Catalonia) – a figure depicted in a, um, compromising position!
- Q: In Finland, what do families traditionally visit on Christmas Eve?
A: Cemeteries and saunas – honoring the deceased and cleansing ritually.
- Q: What is the name of the French Christmas log cake?
A: Bûche de Noël – decorated to look like an actual log.
- Q: In South Africa, what type of protein is commonly part of the Christmas braai?
A: Various meats including boerewors, steak, and seafood.
- Q: Which country celebrates “Noche Buena” with a big feast on Christmas Eve?
A: Multiple Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, the Philippines, and Latin America.
- Q: What mischievous creature punishes naughty children in Austrian Christmas folklore?
A: Krampus – the demonic counterpart to St. Nicholas.
- Q: In Greece, what do people burn to ward off kallikantzaroi (goblins) during the 12 days of Christmas?
A: Old shoes or logs – keeping the hearth fire burning continuously.
- Q: What is the traditional Christmas dessert in England that’s set on fire?
A: Christmas pudding (plum pudding) – flambéed with brandy.
- Q: In India’s Goa region, what Christian Christmas tradition is widely celebrated?
A: Midnight Mass and elaborate nativity scenes called “presepios.”
- Q: What does “Feliz Navidad” mean?
A: Merry Christmas in Spanish.
Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers Printable
- Q: Which country started the tradition of the Christmas tree?
A: Germany – dating back to the 16th century.
- Q: In Greenland, what unusual ingredient is part of the traditional Christmas meal?
A: Kiviak – fermented seabird wrapped in sealskin!
- Q: What do children in Argentina receive on January 6th instead of December 25th?
A: Gifts from the Three Wise Men (DÃa de los Reyes).
- Q: In which country is Donald Duck a must-watch on Christmas Eve?
A: Sweden – “Kalle Anka” has aired since 1960!
- Q: What is the traditional Jamaican Christmas drink made from hibiscus flowers?
A: Sorrel – spiced with ginger and sometimes rum.
- Q: In Portugal, what meal is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve?
A: Bacalhau (salted codfish) with boiled vegetables.
- Q: Which country celebrates “St. Lucia Day” on December 13th with candlelit processions?
A: Sweden – honoring Saint Lucy.
- Q: What do New Zealanders call their Christmas feast held outdoors?
A: A “Kiwi Christmas” or Christmas barbecue.
- Q: In Armenia, when is Christmas celebrated?
A: January 6th – combined with Epiphany.
- Q: What is the name of the traditional Romanian Christmas carol singers who go door-to-door?
A: Colindători – performing ancient carols.
- Q: In Brazil, what is Papai Noel’s preferred attire despite the summer heat?
A: Traditional red suit – though sometimes adapted to silk!
- Q: Which country’s Christmas tradition includes eating seven different fish dishes on Christmas Eve?
A: Italy – the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
- Q: What is the traditional Icelandic Christmas book-giving tradition called?
A: Jólabókaflóð (Christmas Book Flood) – exchanging books on Christmas Eve.
- Q: In Lebanon, what do Christians plant on December 4th for St. Barbara’s Day?
A: Seeds of wheat, barley, or lentils – symbolizing renewal.
- Q: Which country celebrates “Sinterklaas” on December 5th, before Christmas?
A: The Netherlands and Belgium.
- Q: What do Belgians traditionally leave out for Sinterklaas?
A: Beer or wine for Sinterklaas and carrots for his horse.
- Q: In Denmark, what rice dessert hides a whole almond for good luck?
A: Risalamande – the finder gets a small gift!
- Q: What is the traditional Christmas beverage in Puerto Rico made with coconut cream?
A: Coquito – Puerto Rico’s answer to eggnog.
- Q: In Peru, what is the traditional Christmas meal centerpiece?
A: Roasted turkey or lechón (roast pig).
- Q: Which country celebrates Christmas with “Joulupukki,” their version of Santa Claus?
A: Finland – the name literally means “Christmas Goat.”
- Q: What do Serbians burn on Christmas Eve to symbolize the warmth of Christ’s birth?
A: The Badnjak (Yule log) – a specially selected oak branch.
- Q: In Hungary, what fortune-telling tradition involves melting lead on New Year’s Eve?
A: Ólomöntés – though this is a New Year’s tradition, the Christmas season extends to it.
- Q: What unique vehicle does Santa use in Australia according to local lore?
A: A sleigh pulled by six white kangaroos nicknamed “boomers!”
- Q: In Ghana, what is the traditional Christmas breakfast?
A: Rice and stew or “fufu” with light soup.
- Q: Which country celebrates “Ganna” on January 7th with a special hockey-like game?
A: Ethiopia – the game is also called “Ganna.”
Easy Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers
- Q: What color is associated with Christmas in most Western countries?
A: Red and green.
- Q: In which season do Australians celebrate Christmas?
A: Summer – it’s hot and sunny down under!
- Q: What does “Navidad” mean in English?
A: Christmas (in Spanish).
- Q: Which country is famous for creating the first gingerbread houses?
A: Germany.
- Q: What do people in England pull at the dinner table for small prizes?
A: Christmas crackers.
- Q: In France, is Christmas celebrated on December 24th or 25th primarily?
A: December 25th, though Réveillon (the feast) happens Christmas Eve.
- Q: What is the main religion that celebrates Christmas?
A: Christianity.
- Q: In Mexico, what do children traditionally break at Christmas parties?
A: Piñatas.
- Q: Which reindeer is famous for having a red nose?
A: Rudolph – though this is more Anglo-American tradition!
- Q: What plant do people kiss under during Christmas?
A: Mistletoe.
- Q: In Italy, when does La Befana deliver gifts to children?
A: January 6th (Epiphany).
- Q: What is Santa Claus called in Germany?
A: Weihnachtsmann (or Nikolaus/St. Nikolaus).
- Q: Which country celebrates Christmas with a feast called “Réveillon”?
A: France (also some French-speaking regions).
- Q: What do Swedish families watch together on Christmas Eve?
A: Donald Duck cartoons.
- Q: In the UK, what is traditionally hidden inside Christmas pudding?
A: A coin – for good luck!
- Q: What do children in Spain receive gifts from on January 6th?
A: The Three Kings (Reyes Magos).
- Q: Which country is credited with creating the Advent calendar?
A: Germany.
- Q: In Poland, when does the Christmas Eve feast begin?
A: When the first star appears in the sky.
- Q: What is the name of the Italian Christmas cake filled with dried fruit?
A: Panettone.
- Q: Which Nordic country lights candles in cemeteries on Christmas Eve?
A: Finland.
- Q: What is the traditional Christmas greeting in German?
A: “Frohe Weihnachten.”
- Q: In Japan, what food chain has become synonymous with Christmas dinner?
A: KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken).
- Q: What are Christmas songs called?
A: Carols.
- Q: In which country would you find the tradition of “Christmas Markets”?
A: Germany (though they’re now popular across Europe).
- Q: What do Russians traditionally celebrate on January 7th?
A: Christmas – following the Orthodox calendar.
Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers for Adults
- Q: In which country is it tradition to watch “The Snowman” animated film every Christmas?
A: United Kingdom.
- Q: What alcoholic beverage is traditionally added to Christmas pudding in England?
A: Brandy or rum.
- Q: In Belgium and the Netherlands, what is the controversial helper of Sinterklaas called?
A: Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) – a tradition currently being reconsidered.
- Q: Which country produces the most Christmas trees commercially for export?
A: Denmark – followed by the United States and Canada.
- Q: What is the traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve dish made from poppy seeds?
A: Aguonų pienas (poppy seed milk).
- Q: In which country did the song “Silent Night” originate?
A: Austria – composed in 1818 in Oberndorf.
- Q: What is the name of the traditional Venezuelan Christmas bread?
A: Pan de Jamón (ham bread).
- Q: In Scotland, what is the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration called?
A: Hogmanay – though it extends from Christmas season.
- Q: Which country’s Christmas tradition includes “Christkindlmarkt” (Christ Child Market)?
A: Germany and Austria.
- Q: What is the traditional Spanish Christmas lottery called?
A: El Gordo (The Fat One) – held on December 22nd.
- Q: In Croatia, what does the youngest family member do with a candle on Christmas Eve?
A: Lights a candle and says prayers before the meal.
- Q: Which Pope officially established December 25th as Christmas Day?
A: Pope Julius I in the 4th century.
- Q: What is the traditional Russian Christmas porridge called?
A: Kutya – made with wheat berries, honey, and poppy seeds.
- Q: In what year did Coca-Cola first use Santa Claus in their advertising?
A: 1931 – though they didn’t invent the modern Santa image.
- Q: Which country celebrates “Little Christmas” (Nollaig na mBan) on January 6th?
A: Ireland – traditionally a day for women to relax.
- Q: What is the traditional Slovak Christmas wafer called?
A: Oplátky – shared with honey at the Christmas Eve meal.
- Q: In which country is it customary to place shoes by the fireplace instead of stockings?
A: France and several other European countries.
- Q: What is the name of the traditional German Christmas stollen?
A: Christstollen – a fruit bread with marzipan.
- Q: Which country celebrates “Krampusnacht” (Krampus Night) on December 5th?
A: Austria, Bavaria (Germany), and other Alpine regions.
- Q: In Bulgaria, what must the Christmas Eve meal exclude entirely?
A: Meat and dairy products – it’s a strictly vegan meal.
- Q: What is the traditional Guatemalan Christmas drink made from corn?
A: Atol de elote (sweet corn drink).
- Q: Which country has a Christmas tradition of watching “Dinner for One” on TV?
A: Germany and several Scandinavian countries.
- Q: In what year was “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby first released?
A: 1942.
- Q: What is the traditional Macedonian Christmas greeting?
A: “Среќен Божиќ” (Srećen Božić).
- Q: Which country’s Christmas tradition includes the “Feast of the Radishes” on December 23rd?
A: Mexico (specifically Oaxaca) – Noche de Rábanos.
Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers for Hard
- Q: In what year did Norway start gifting a Christmas tree to the UK as thanks for WWII assistance?
A: 1947 – the tree stands in Trafalgar Square annually.
- Q: What is the name of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Christmas liturgy?
A: The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil.
- Q: In Catalonia, what does the “Tió de Nadal” (Christmas log) do when beaten with sticks?
A: It “poops” out presents and candy for children!
- Q: Which Byzantine Emperor officially recognized Christmas as a Roman holiday?
A: Emperor Justinian I in 529 AD.
- Q: What is the traditional Provençal Christmas tradition involving 13 desserts?
A: Les treize desserts – representing Jesus and the 12 apostles at the Last Supper.
- Q: In Malta, what is the traditional Christmas carol sung in Maltese called?
A: “Ninni la Tibkix Iktar” (Don’t Cry Anymore).
- Q: What is the name of the traditional Basque Christmas character who brings gifts?
A: Olentzero – a Basque charcoal maker.
- Q: In Georgia (the country), what traditional Christmas dish is made from walnuts and chicken?
A: Satsivi – served cold.
- Q: Which country celebrates “Wigilia” with an empty chair at the table for unexpected guests?
A: Poland.
- Q: What is the traditional Latvian Christmas decoration made from straw called?
A: Puzuri – intricate geometric straw ornaments.
- Q: In Estonia, what is the traditional Christmas sauna ritual believed to do?
A: Cleanse the body and soul before the holy day.
- Q: What is the name of the traditional Slovakian Christmas soup served on Christmas Eve?
A: Kapustnica – sauerkraut soup with sausage or mushrooms.
- Q: In what year was the first recorded use of “Xmas” as an abbreviation?
A: 1021 – the “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of Christ.
- Q: Which country’s Christmas tradition includes “Jolabokaflod,” where book sales peak in December?
A: Iceland – 10% of all books are sold in December!
- Q: What is the traditional Romanian Christmas dance performed by groups of young men?
A: CăluÅŸarii – though this is more of a New Year’s tradition, it extends through the Christmas season.
- Q: In Cyprus, what do children sing while carrying boats decorated with lights?
A: Traditional kalanta (carols) – the boats symbolize St. Nicholas’s maritime connection.
- Q: What is the name of the traditional Belarusian Christmas porridge?
A: Kutia – similar to Ukrainian and Russian traditions.
- Q: Which Pope declared December 25th a civic holiday throughout the Roman Empire?
A: The holiday was established under Constantine I’s influence in the 4th century.
- Q: In Luxembourg, what is the traditional Christmas market called?
A: Winterlights – featuring the “Kleng Häusermarché.”
- Q: What is the traditional Croatian Christmas greeting in the Dalmatian dialect?
A: “Sritan Božić.”
- Q: In Albania, what is the traditional Christmas dessert called?
A: Ballokume – a cookie made with cornmeal and sugar.
- Q: Which country’s Christmas tradition includes leaving porridge out for the “Nisse” (house gnome)?
A: Denmark and Norway.
- Q: What is the traditional Moldovan Christmas carol-singing tradition called?
A: Colindatul – similar to Romanian traditions.
- Q: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, what is the traditional Christmas wheat decoration called?
A: Badnjak – burned on Christmas Eve.
- Q: Which country celebrates Christmas with “Jõuluvana,” their version of Santa Claus who wears a red coat?
A: Estonia.
Funny Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers
- Q: In which country might Santa get stuck because most homes don’t have chimneys?
A: Japan – apartment living is common, so Santa’s got to get creative!
- Q: What do Australians call their Christmas celebration that involves barbecues and beach trips?
A: “Christmas in July” backwards – or just a regular hot December!
- Q: In Venezuela, why are roads closed on Christmas morning?
A: So people can roller-skate to church – talk about wheely festive!
- Q: What do Czech families do with their Christmas carp before cooking it?
A: Keep it swimming in the bathtub – awkward bathroom visits guaranteed!
- Q: In Iceland, what happens to children who don’t receive new clothes before Christmas?
A: The Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn) might eat them – Santa’s got nothing on this feline!
- Q: What unusual ingredient appears in traditional Greenland Christmas food?
A: Fermented seabird – because nothing says “festive” like kiviak!
- Q: In Catalonia, what does a log “poop out” when children beat it with sticks?
A: Presents and candy – the Caga Tió has a very special digestive system!
- Q: What’s the most popular Christmas movie in Sweden that features zero snow?
A: Donald Duck cartoons – because nothing says Nordic Christmas like American animation!
- Q: In Germany, which ornament might you search for on the tree like an Easter egg hunt?
A: The Christmas Pickle – because why should eggs have all the hiding fun?
- Q: What do Norwegians hide on Christmas Eve to prevent witches from stealing?
A: All the brooms in the house – flying around on Christmas is a no-go!
- Q: In Austria, what terrifying creature accompanies St. Nicholas to discipline naughty children?
A: Krampus – making coal look like a generous gift!
- Q: What do Greeks burn during Christmas to keep goblins away?
A: Old shoes – fashion-forward goblin repellent!
- Q: In the Philippines, what do people build to celebrate Christmas starting in September?
A: Giant lanterns called “parols” – Christmas procrastination is not a thing there!
- Q: What does the Italian Christmas witch La Befana look like?
A: An old woman on a broomstick – basically if your grandmother joined Hogwarts!
- Q: In South Africa, what might you find on the Christmas braai instead of turkey?
A: Boerewors and steaks – because nothing says Christmas like grilled meat in summer!
- Q: What do Finnish people do on Christmas Eve before celebrating?
A: Visit cemeteries and take saunas – morbid relaxation combo!
- Q: In Wales, what do people carry door-to-door while singing?
A: A horse skull decorated with ribbons (Mari Lwyd) – totally not creepy at all!
- Q: What do Latvians do with their Christmas tree after the holidays?
A: Burn it during a bonfire party – fire safety officials love this tradition!
- Q: In Poland, how do families know when to start their Christmas Eve feast?
A: When the first star appears – stargazing becomes a competitive sport!
- Q: What do children in the Netherlands put in their shoes for Sinterklaas?
A: Carrots and hay for his horse – because Santa’s reindeer are overrated!
- Q: In Ukraine, why are spider webs considered lucky Christmas decorations?
A: A folk tale about a poor family – now everyone’s embracing cobwebs as décor!
- Q: What do Venezuelans wear on their feet while skating to church?
A: Roller skates – Jesus would definitely approve of this cardio workout!
- Q: In Japan, what fast-food chain requires reservations months in advance for Christmas?
A: KFC – the Colonel beats Santa in popularity!
- Q: What does Iceland’s Yule Cat do to people who don’t get new clothes?
A: Supposedly eats them – the ultimate fashion police!
- Q: In Belgium, what beverage might Sinterklaas drink instead of milk?
A: Beer – because even saints need to unwind after a long night!
Best Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers
- Q: Which country has the longest Christmas celebration, starting in September?
A: The Philippines – holding the world record for festive endurance!
- Q: What is considered the most popular Christmas carol worldwide?
A: “Silent Night” – translated into over 300 languages.
- Q: In which country did the tradition of sending Christmas cards originate?
A: England (United Kingdom) – first commercial card in 1843.
- Q: What country produces and exports the most Christmas trees globally?
A: Denmark – they’re the evergreen entrepreneurs!
- Q: Which nation gifts a Christmas tree to London’s Trafalgar Square annually?
A: Norway – a tradition since 1947 as thanks for WWII support.
- Q: What is the world’s most recorded Christmas song?
A: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby – over 500 versions exist!
- Q: Which country created the Advent calendar tradition?
A: Germany – originally using chalk marks in the 19th century.
- Q: What is the most popular Christmas dish globally?
A: Turkey or ham – though regional variations are endless!
- Q: Which country has the world’s largest nativity scene?
A: Varies by year, but Italy often holds records with life-sized displays.
- Q: What is the most valuable Christmas tradition in terms of economic impact?
A: Christmas shopping – retail sales peak globally in December.
- Q: Which country is credited with inventing the Christmas tree decoration tradition?
A: Germany – starting with candles and apples in the 16th century.
- Q: What is the most-watched Christmas movie worldwide?
A: “Home Alone” – a perennial favorite across cultures.
- Q: Which country has the highest per capita Christmas tree ownership?
A: United States – over 25 million real trees sold annually.
- Q: What is the oldest known Christmas carol still sung today?
A: “Jesus Refulsit Omnium” (Jesus, Light of All the Nations) – from 4th century.
- Q: Which country spends the most on Christmas celebrations per person?
A: United Kingdom – averaging over £800 per household.
- Q: What is the most popular Christmas dessert across European countries?
A: Christmas pudding and variations of fruitcake.
- Q: Which country created the tradition of mistletoe kissing?
A: Ancient Scandinavia and Celtic Britain – rooted in Norse mythology.
- Q: What is the most linguistically diverse Christmas greeting?
A: “Merry Christmas” – translated into over 100 languages globally.
- Q: Which country has the strictest Christmas Eve fasting tradition?
A: Ethiopia and some Eastern Orthodox countries – fasting until after church.
- Q: What is the most unusual Christmas tradition still practiced today?
A: Debatable, but the Catalonian “Caga Tió” (pooping log) ranks high!
- Q: Which country has the most elaborate Christmas light displays?
A: The Philippines – entire neighborhoods compete for decorations.
- Q: What is the most common Christmas tree species used worldwide?
A: Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir – both retain needles well.
- Q: Which country has Christmas celebrations most influenced by indigenous traditions?
A: Mexico – blending Catholic and indigenous practices.
- Q: What is the most environmentally sustainable Christmas tradition?
A: Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood – promoting reading over material goods.
- Q: Which country has the most public holidays during the Christmas season?
A: Varies, but many European countries have December 24, 25, and 26 as holidays.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—a sleigh-full of Christmas knowledge spanning from Japan’s KFC feasts to Iceland’s book-loving traditions!
Whether you’re prepared for your next holiday party, looking to confuse your know-it-all relative, or just want to appreciate how gloriously strange Christmas can be around the globe, these questions indicate that the festive spirit knows no borders (though it does speak many languages).
Now go forth and spread the joyful knowledge—your pals will believe you’re the Santa of interesting facts! After all, ’tis the season to be funny.