Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like debating with your cousin about whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie (it does, fight me). Christmas customs are the glue that holds our festive season together—from squabbling over tinsel placement to pretending fruitcake is edible.
Whether you’re organizing a holiday party, searching for conversation starters around the dinner table, or just want to prove you’re the supreme Christmas know-it-all, these trivia questions will have everyone laughing, learning, and possibly Googling madly beneath the table.
Ready to jingle all the way through some extremely amusing facts?
Classic Yuletide Customs: Simple Christmas Traditions Trivia Questions and Answers
Q: What plant is traditionally hung in doorways during Christmas, encouraging people to kiss beneath it?
A: Mistletoe—nature’s excuse for awkward romantic encounters since forever.
Q: Which country started the tradition of decorating Christmas trees?
A: Germany—they really branched out with that idea.
Q: What do children typically leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve?
A: Milk and cookies—because even magical beings need their carbs.
Q: In which season does Christmas occur in Australia?
A: Summer—they’re out here having beach barbecues while we’re building snowmen.
Q: What’s the name of the day after Christmas celebrated in the UK and Canada?
A: Boxing Day—no actual boxing required, sadly.
Q: Which reindeer is known for having a bright red nose?
A: Rudolph—the original influencer with a built-in ring light.
Q: What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?
A: A star or angel—basically the tree’s crown of glory.
Q: Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics “Fa la la la la”?
A: Deck the Halls—the song that proves you can be iconic with gibberish.
Q: What color suit does Santa Claus traditionally wear?
A: Red and white—thanks to Coca-Cola’s marketing genius.
Q: What’s hidden inside a traditional Christmas pudding?
A: A coin—because nothing says “holiday magic” like potential dental emergencies.
Q: In what century did Christmas cards first become popular?
A: The 19th century—when people actually wrote to each other instead of texting emojis.
Q: What beverage is also called “milk punch”?
A: Eggnog—the drink that divides families more than politics.
Q: How many ghosts visit Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?
A: Four—including Marley, who really knew how to make an entrance.
Q: What fruit is traditionally put in Christmas stockings?
A: Oranges—back when fruit was an actual luxury gift.
Q: Which country can be credited with creating the candy cane?
A: Germany—they really cornered the Christmas market.
Q: What does the word “Noel” mean in Latin?
A: Birth—making every Noel ever born very on-theme.
Q: What are the two most popular names for Santa Claus?
A: Saint Nicholas and Kris Kringle—he’s got more aliases than a spy.
Q: In Home Alone, where are the McCallisters going on vacation?
A: Paris—because abandoning your kid is fancier in France.
Q: What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?
A: Tinsel—before we discovered plastic could do everything.
Q: What’s the best-selling Christmas song of all time?
A: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby—still making Mariah nervous.
Q: When is Epiphany celebrated?
A: January 6th—when the Three Wise Men finally used GPS.
Q: What traditional Christmas plant is also called the “Flower of the Holy Night”?
A: Poinsettia—proof that even plants can be festive.
Q: How many days are in the Advent calendar?
A: 24—one chocolate per day keeps the holiday stress away.
Ho-Ho-Hilarious: Funny Christmas Traditions Trivia Questions and Answers
Q: In Iceland, what happens to children who don’t behave during Christmas?
A: The Yule Cat eats them—okay, maybe just their new clothes, but still terrifying.
Q: Which country has a tradition of hiding all brooms on Christmas Eve?
A: Norway—because witches apparently have nothing better to do than steal cleaning supplies.
Q: In Catalonia, what does the “Caga TiĂł” log do?
A: It poops out presents when you hit it with a stick—yes, really.
Q: What does KFC become in Japan during Christmas?
A: The official Christmas dinner—finger-lickin’ festive.
Q: In Ukraine, what’s considered good luck to find on your Christmas tree?
A: A spider web—the only time arachnids are welcome indoors.
Q: What do Venezuelans do on Christmas morning in Caracas?
A: Roller skate to church—because walking is too mainstream.
Q: In Austria, who accompanies St. Nicholas to punish naughty children?
A: Krampus—the demon who makes coal look like a blessing.
Q: What do people in the Czech Republic do to predict the future on Christmas?
A: Cut an apple in half and read the seeds—Steve Jobs would be proud.
Q: In Poland, what’s considered bad luck at the Christmas dinner table?
A: Having an odd number of people—forever alone hits different at the holidays.
Q: What’s the traditional Christmas meal in Greenland?
A: Kiviak—fermented seabird wrapped in seal skin. Yum?
Q: In Finland, what do people traditionally do on Christmas Eve?
A: Visit the sauna—getting steamy before getting presents.
Q: What animal do Swedes traditionally make from straw?
A: A giant goat (Gävle Goat)—which gets burned down almost every year.
Q: In Wales, what do people carry door-to-door while singing?
A: A horse skull on a stick—because nothing says “Christmas cheer” like death imagery.
Q: What do children in the Netherlands put out instead of stockings?
A: Shoes—apparently Santa has a foot fetish there.
Q: In Portugal, what do people set places for at the dinner table?
A: Dead relatives—casual dinner with ghosts, no big deal.
Q: What do people in Guatemala do to celebrate on December 7th?
A: Burn effigies of the devil—holiday spirit with a side of pyromania.
Q: In Estonia, how many meals do people traditionally eat on Christmas?
A: Seven, nine, or twelve—because commitment issues extend to dinner.
Q: What’s hidden in a Venezuelan hallaca at Christmas?
A: Whatever you want—it’s basically a surprise party in corn dough.
Q: In Ireland, what do people leave a candle in the window for?
A: To guide Mary and Joseph—because GPS wasn’t a thing 2000 years ago.
Q: What do Germans hide in the Christmas tree for kids to find?
A: A pickle ornament—the winner gets an extra gift or good luck.
Q: In Slovakia, what does the head of the family do with a spoonful of loksa?
A: Throws it at the ceiling—if it sticks, it’s a good year ahead.
Q: What do people in Newfoundland do during “Mummering”?
A: Dress in disguises and visit neighbors—like trick-or-treating for adults.
Q: In the Philippines, how long does the Christmas season officially last?
A: Four months—September to January, because go big or go home.
Classic Holiday Brain-Teasers: Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers
Q: What’s the name of the Grinch’s dog?
A: Max—the real hero of Whoville.
Q: How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh (including Rudolph)?
A: Nine—the original squad goals.
Q: What’s Frosty the Snowman’s nose made of?
A: A button—because carrots are for rabbits.
Q: In “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what gift is given on the seventh day?
A: Seven swans a-swimming—and a lifetime of bird droppings.
Q: What does Santa’s belt have on it?
A: A buckle—fashion and function combined.
Q: Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express?
A: Tom Hanks—basically a one-man show on ice.
Q: What Christmas song was originally written for Thanksgiving?
A: “Jingle Bells”—talk about identity crisis.
Q: In the movie Elf, what’s the main food group according to Buddy?
A: Candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup—the diabetes diet.
Q: What’s the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?
A: The Grinch (2018 animated version)—proving green is the color of money.
Q: Which U.S. state was the first to recognize Christmas as an official holiday?
A: Alabama—they started the trend in 1836.
Q: What’s the German name for the song “O Christmas Tree”?
A: “O Tannenbaum”—sounds fancier in German, everything does.
Q: In “A Christmas Story,” what does Ralphie want for Christmas?
A: A Red Ryder BB gun—you’ll shoot your eye out, kid.
Q: What country donates the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, London, every year?
A: Norway—thanks for the annual evergreen gift.
Q: What did the three wise men bring to baby Jesus?
A: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh—practical gifts for a newborn, obviously.
Q: Who invented electric Christmas lights?
A: Thomas Edison—because candles on trees were a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Q: What’s the bestselling Christmas toy of all time?
A: The Rubik’s Cube—frustrating kids since 1980.
Q: In what year did “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first air?
A: 1965—proving simple animation beats CGI any day.
Q: What do Swedish people traditionally watch on Christmas Eve?
A: Donald Duck cartoons—because why not?
Q: How tall was the tallest Christmas tree ever displayed?
A: 221 feet—compensating for something, perhaps?
Q: What’s the most recorded Christmas song?
A: “Silent Night”—over 730 versions and counting.
Q: In what country is it tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve?
A: Spain—one grape per month, don’t choke.
Q: What carol was sung during the Christmas Truce of 1914?
A: “Silent Night”—proving music can stop wars, at least temporarily.
Q: Which Christmas ballet features the Land of Sweets?
A: The Nutcracker—where candy is a whole kingdom.
Beginner-Friendly Festivity: Easy Christmas Traditions Trivia Questions and Answers
Q: What month is Christmas celebrated in?
A: December—the month credit cards fear most.
Q: What date is Christmas Day?
A: December 25th—mark your calendars, people.
Q: What do children hang by the fireplace for Santa?
A: Stockings—the original gift bags.
Q: What color is Santa’s suit?
A: Red—impossible to miss, even in a snowstorm.
Q: What do reindeer pull for Santa?
A: His sleigh—the original ride-sharing service.
Q: What do people decorate at Christmas?
A: Christmas trees—and everything else within arm’s reach.
Q: What does Santa say?
A: “Ho Ho Ho”—the laugh that launched a thousand mall jobs.
Q: Where does Santa live?
A: The North Pole—where the rent is cheap but the heating bills are killer.
Q: What do people give each other at Christmas?
A: Presents—and occasionally regifted candles.
Q: What’s the day before Christmas called?
A: Christmas Eve—the night of organized chaos.
Q: What do people sing at Christmas?
A: Carols—whether they can carry a tune or not.
Q: What pulls Santa’s sleigh through the sky?
A: Reindeer—FAA-approved magical creatures.
Q: What do you call the scene with baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph?
A: A Nativity scene—the original family photo.
Q: What colors are most associated with Christmas?
A: Red and green—the unofficial color scheme of December.
Q: What white, cold stuff falls from the sky in winter?
A: Snow—nature’s glitter that you can’t vacuum.
Q: What round decoration do people hang on their doors?
A: A wreath—the circle of holiday life.
Q: What hot drink is popular during Christmas?
A: Hot chocolate—liquid happiness in a mug.
Q: What kind of cookies do people leave for Santa?
A: Christmas cookies—usually store-bought, let’s be honest.
Q: What do elves help Santa do?
A: Make toys—the original gig economy workers.
Q: What striped candy is popular at Christmas?
A: Candy canes—peppermint sticks with a curve.
Q: What do people put on their Christmas trees to make them sparkle?
A: Lights and ornaments—because trees deserve to shine too.
Q: What animal is Rudolph?
A: A reindeer—with the world’s most famous nose.
Q: What do people do under mistletoe?
A: Kiss—or awkwardly avoid eye contact.
Grown-Up Gatherings: Christmas Traditions Trivia Questions and Answers for Adults
Q: What percentage of Americans regift Christmas presents?
A: About 60%—we all do it, stop pretending you don’t.
Q: What’s the most expensive Christmas bauble ever sold?
A: A Hallmark Keepsake ornament worth $6,600—for when your tree needs bling.
Q: In medieval England, what was wassailing?
A: Going door to door singing for booze—the original pub crawl.
Q: What year did Coca-Cola start using Santa in advertisements?
A: 1931—creating the modern Santa we know and love.
Q: What’s the origin of the word “Christmas”?
A: “Christ’s Mass”—a religious service for Jesus’s birth.
Q: How much does the average American spend on Christmas gifts?
A: Around $1,000—bankruptcy wrapped in ribbon.
Q: What beverage company is credited with popularizing Santa’s red suit?
A: Coca-Cola—branding at its finest.
Q: In Victorian England, what were Christmas cards originally sent to do?
A: Save time by not having to visit everyone—the original group text.
Q: What’s the busiest shopping day of the year?
A: Black Friday—where humanity’s true colors show.
Q: When did Christmas become a federal holiday in the United States?
A: 1870—better late than never.
Q: What’s the tradition behind hanging stockings?
A: St. Nicholas left gold coins in stockings drying by the fire—classy cash drops.
Q: How many turkeys are consumed in the UK at Christmas?
A: About 10 million—sorry, gobblers.
Q: What’s the divorce rate spike after Christmas called?
A: “Divorce Month”—January is for lawyers.
Q: In what year was “A Christmas Carol” published?
A: 1843—Dickens really knew how to guilt-trip readers.
Q: What’s the traditional alcoholic ingredient in a Tom and Jerry?
A: Rum and brandy—because eggnog wasn’t strong enough.
Q: What does the poinsettia symbolize in Christian tradition?
A: The Star of Bethlehem—pretty flowers with purpose.
Q: How much money do Americans spend on ugly Christmas sweaters annually?
A: Over $5 billion—proof that irony is profitable.
Q: What’s the name of the phobia of Christmas?
A: Christougenniatikophobia—try saying that after eggnog.
Q: In which country is it tradition to have a Christmas sauna?
A: Finland—nothing says holiday like communal sweating.
Q: What percentage of Americans use artificial Christmas trees?
A: About 80%—plastic fantastic.
Q: Who wrote “The Night Before Christmas”?
A: Clement Clarke Moore—the OG Christmas poet.
Q: What’s the record for most lights on a residential property?
A: Over 600,000 lights—and an electric bill to match.
Q: When did Rudolph first appear?
A: 1939—as a Montgomery Ward marketing booklet character.
Little Learner Edition: Christmas Traditions Trivia Questions and Answers for Kids
Q: What do Santa’s helpers call themselves?
A: Elves—the cutest workforce ever.
Q: How does Santa get into houses?
A: Through the chimney—hopefully he’s flexible.
Q: What do you call a snowman in summer?
A: A puddle—rest in peace, Frosty.
Q: What’s Rudolph’s favorite food?
A: Carrots—keeping that nose bright and shiny.
Q: How many antlers does a reindeer have?
A: Two—nature’s built-in Christmas decorations.
Q: What do elves wear on their feet?
A: Curly-toed shoes—maximum cuteness factor.
Q: What’s Santa’s favorite snack?
A: Cookies and milk—he’s not picky about brands.
Q: What sound does Santa’s sleigh make?
A: Jingle jingle—bells all the way.
Q: What do you call a baby reindeer?
A: A calf—adorable, but not good at flying yet.
Q: What’s the snowman’s favorite game?
A: Freeze tag—he always wins.
Q: Where do elves go to school?
A: The North Pole Academy—majoring in toy-making.
Q: What’s Mrs. Claus’s first name?
A: Jessica, Mary, or Anna—depends which story you read.
Q: What do reindeer eat?
A: Moss and lichen—fancy salad for fancy deer.
Q: How old is Santa Claus?
A: Over 1,700 years—but he doesn’t look a day over 500.
Q: What does Santa check twice?
A: His list—naughty and nice inventory control.
Q: What color is Rudolph’s nose?
A: Red—like a Christmas traffic light.
Q: Where do snowmen keep their money?
A: In a snow bank—coolest savings account ever.
Q: What’s Jack Frost’s job?
A: Painting windows with frost—the original graffiti artist.
Q: What do you call Santa when he stops moving?
A: Santa Pause—dad joke level: maximum.
Q: How many sizes did the Grinch’s heart grow?
A: Three sizes—from tiny to normal-ish.
Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?
A: Frostbite—spooky and chilly.
Q: What’s a Christmas tree’s favorite candy?
A: Orna-mints—get it? Get it?
Q: What do snowmen wear on their heads?
A: Top hats—classy frozen gentlemen.
Expert-Level Yuletide: Hard Christmas Traditions Trivia Questions and Answers for Experts
Q: In what year was the first commercial Christmas card produced?
A: 1843—by Sir Henry Cole in London.
Q: What’s the Scandinavian tradition of “Julebukking”?
A: Adults dress in costumes and go door to door—like Halloween but colder.
Q: What Roman festival influenced many Christmas traditions?
A: Saturnalia—the original holiday party.
Q: In which Gospel does the nativity story appear?
A: Matthew and Luke—Mark and John skipped that chapter.
Q: What’s the Lithuanian Christmas Eve tradition called “KĹ«ÄŤios”?
A: A 12-dish meatless feast—your vegetarian aunt’s dream.
Q: Who wrote “The Gift of the Magi”?
A: O. Henry—the master of ironic Christmas tales.
Q: What’s the Mexican tradition of reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey?
A: Las Posadas—nine nights of holy traveling.
Q: In what year did NORAD start tracking Santa?
A: 1955—after a misprint gave kids the wrong number.
Q: What’s the ancient Germanic midwinter festival called?
A: Yule—where most of our traditions originated.
Q: What’s the Ethiopian Christmas called and when is it celebrated?
A: Ganna, on January 7th—they use a different calendar.
Q: Who is Befana in Italian folklore?
A: A witch who delivers gifts on Epiphany—the original multi-tasking lady.
Q: What’s the name of the Ukrainian Christmas song that became “Carol of the Bells”?
A: “Shchedryk”—try pronouncing that three times fast.
Q: In Armenia, when is Christmas celebrated?
A: January 6th—they combined it with Epiphany.
Q: What’s the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
A: An Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition—pescatarian paradise.
Q: Who composed “The Nutcracker Suite”?
A: Tchaikovsky—Russia’s gift to ballet and Christmas.
Q: What’s the Bulgarian tradition of “Koledari”?
A: Groups of men visiting houses blessing them with songs—caroling with authority.
Q: In what year was “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” song released?
A: 1949—by Gene Autry, hitting #1 instantly.
Q: What’s the origin of the Christmas pickle ornament tradition?
A: Unknown—possibly a marketing gimmick, possibly German, definitely weird.
Q: What’s “Koliada” in Slavic tradition?
A: Winter solstice caroling—pre-Christian party vibes.
Q: Who played Santa in the 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street”?
A: Edmund Gwenn—he won an Oscar for it.
Q: What’s the “Christkind” in German Christmas tradition?
A: A sprite-like gift bringer—not Santa, but equally magical.
Q: In what country did the tradition of Christmas crackers originate?
A: England—invented by Tom Smith in 1847.
Q: What’s the Greek tradition of burning shoes during the 12 days of Christmas?
A: To ward off Kallikantzaroi (mischievous goblins)—extreme pest control.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—135+ Christmas traditions trivia questions and answers to make you the star of every holiday event! Whether you’re using these to spice up your family meal, create an amazing Christmas party game, or just settle disagreements over Santa’s logistics, you’re now armed with enough festive facts to sleigh any conversation.
Remember, the best traditions aren’t just about knowing the answers—they’re about creating memories, sharing laughter, and maybe learning that Japan eats KFC for Christmas (really, Google it). So go forth, spread the trivia cheer, and may your days be merry, bright, and full of “I told you so” moments. Santa’s watching, but now you’re ready!