Christmas Trivia

Christmas trivia explores the holiday’s origins, traditions, symbols, and pop-culture footprint across centuries of celebration. From Saint Nicholas and evergreen trees to classic films and modern customs, it offers a mix of easy, family-friendly, funny, and challenging facts for curious readers.

Easy Christmas Trivia

13 questions

These easy Christmas trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.

Question 1
On what date is Christmas celebrated in many countries each year?
Answer: December 25
Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25 in many countries.
Question 2
In the Nativity story, who is the mother of Jesus?
Answer: Mary
The Nativity story identifies Mary is the mother of Jesus.
Question 3
In the Nativity story, who is Mary’s husband?
Answer: Joseph
Joseph is Mary’s husband in the Nativity story.
Question 4
Who is described as visiting the newborn Jesus in the Nativity account?
Answer: Shepherds
The Nativity account describes shepherds visiting the newborn Jesus.
Question 5
Who is traditionally associated with delivering gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas night?
Answer: Santa Claus
Santa Claus is traditionally linked with delivering gifts at Christmas.
Question 6
What animals traditionally pull Santa’s sleigh?
Answer: Reindeer
Santa’s sleigh is traditionally pulled by reindeer.
Question 7
Who wrote the Christmas song “Jingle Bells”?
Answer: James Lord Pierpont
“Jingle Bells” was written by James Lord Pierpont.
Question 8
Who wrote “A Christmas Carol”?
Answer: Charles Dickens
“A Christmas Carol” was written by Charles Dickens.
Question 9
What is the full name of the boy at the center of “Home Alone”?
Answer: Kevin McCallister
“Home Alone” centers on a boy named Kevin McCallister.
Question 10
Who created “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”?
Answer: Dr. Seuss
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” was created by Dr. Seuss.
Question 11
Which group recorded the holiday song “Last Christmas”?
Answer: Wham!
“Last Christmas” was recorded by Wham!.
Question 12
Who recorded “All I Want for Christmas Is You”?
Answer: Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” was recorded by Mariah Carey.
Question 13
What two colors are candy canes commonly striped?
Answer: Red and white
Candy canes are commonly striped red and white.

Christmas Family Trivia

12 questions

These family Christmas trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.

Question 1
In the Nativity story told in Matthew, what name is commonly given to the visitors who come to see Jesus?
Answer: Wise Men
Matthew’s Nativity account mentions visitors known is the Wise Men.
Question 2
According to the carol, how many total days are counted in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”?
1. A.11
2. B.25
3. C.12
4. D.10
Answer: 12
The traditional count named in the song is 12 days.
Question 3
Which ballet is most closely linked with the Christmas season?
1. A.Giselle
2. B.The Nutcracker
3. C.Swan Lake
4. D.Coppélia
Answer: The Nutcracker
The ballet most closely associated with Christmas is “The Nutcracker.”.
Question 4
Who composed the music for “The Nutcracker”?
Answer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The music for “The Nutcracker” was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Question 5
Who wrote the beloved Christmas song “White Christmas”?
Answer: Irving Berlin
“White Christmas” was written by Irving Berlin.
Question 6
Which actor plays George Bailey in the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
Answer: James Stewart
“It’s a Wonderful Life” stars James Stewart is George Bailey.
Question 7
What is the name of the main character in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
Answer: George Bailey
In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the main character is named George Bailey.
Question 8
In New York City, what famous place is especially known for its giant Christmas tree?
Answer: Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center in New York City is famous for its Christmas tree.
Question 9
Which London square receives a well-known Christmas tree gift from Norway?
Answer: Trafalgar Square
The central London square known for a Christmas tree gift from Norway is Trafalgar Square.
Question 10
St. Peter’s Square, where the Vatican’s large public Christmas tree is displayed, is in what city-state?
Answer: Vatican City
The Vatican’s large public Christmas tree is displayed in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Question 11
At what official residence is the U.S. presidential Christmas tree displayed?
Answer: White House
The White House is the official residence where the U.S. presidential Christmas tree is displayed.
Question 12
Who is credited with establishing the custom of having a Christmas tree at the White House?
Answer: Edith Roosevelt
Edith Roosevelt is credited with establishing the custom of having a White House Christmas tree.

Fun Christmas Trivia

13 questions

These fun Christmas trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.

Question 1
Which region is famous for the cheeky Christmas figurine tradition known as the caganer?
Answer: Catalonia
The caganer is a traditional Christmas figurine associated with Catalonia.
Question 2
The pre-Christmas custom called the Burning of the Devil is famously held in which country?
1. A.Spain
2. B.Guatemala
3. C.Peru
4. D.Mexico
Answer: Guatemala
Burning of the Devil is a pre-Christmas tradition in Guatemala.
Question 3
If you’re browsing Prague’s best-known Christmas market, which square are you standing in?
Answer: Old Town Square
Prague’s well-known Christmas market is held in Old Town Square.
Question 4
What German word means a Christmas market and sounds extra festive while saying it?
Answer: Christkindlesmarkt
Christkindlesmarkt is the German word for a Christmas market.
Question 5
Which German city is especially famous for its Christkindlesmarkt?
Answer: Nuremberg
Nuremberg is particularly well known for its Christkindlesmarkt.
Question 6
“Silent Night” was first performed in what Austrian town?
Answer: Oberndorf bei Salzburg
The first performance of “Silent Night” took place in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
Question 7
The tune used for “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was adapted from music by which composer?
Answer: Felix Mendelssohn
The carol uses a tune adapted from music by Felix Mendelssohn.
Question 8
Who composed the oratorio “Messiah,” a work often performed at Christmas?
Answer: George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel composed “Messiah.”.
Question 9
What poem opens with the famous line “’Twas the night before Christmas”?
1. A.Christmas Bells
2. B.A Visit from St. Nicholas
3. C.The Polar Express
4. D.The Night Before Noel
Answer: A Visit from St. Nicholas
The line “’Twas the night before Christmas” begins “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”.
Question 10
Which 19th-century illustrator helped popularize the modern look of Santa Claus?
Answer: Thomas Nast
Thomas Nast’s illustrations helped shape the modern visual image of Santa Claus.
Question 11
Which organization has been tracking Santa as a public holiday tradition since the 1950s?
Answer: NORAD
NORAD has maintained the Santa-tracking tradition since the 1950s.
Question 12
At Christmas parties in many English-speaking places, what plant is tied to the kissing tradition?
Answer: mistletoe
Mistletoe is the plant associated with the Christmas kissing tradition in English-speaking countries.
Question 13
Which spiky-leaved plant with bright berries is a classic Christmas decoration?
Answer: holly
Holly is commonly used in Christmas decorations.

Funny Christmas Trivia

13 questions

These funny Christmas trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.

Question 1
Who plays Clark Griswold, the man determined to turn Christmas cheer into a full-contact sport, in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”?
1. A.Bill Murray
2. B.Tim Allen
3. C.Bruce Willis
4. D.Chevy Chase
Answer: Chevy Chase
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” stars Chevy Chase is Clark Griswold.
Question 2
On what street do the Griswolds live in “Christmas Vacation,” where decorative ambition meets suburban danger?
1. A.Elm
2. B.Hemlock
3. C.Maple
4. D.Holly
Answer: Hemlock
The Griswold family in “Christmas Vacation” famously lives on a street named Hemlock.
Question 3
In “Scrooged,” who plays Frank Cross, the television executive who could use several ghosts and maybe a nap?
1. A.Bill Murray
2. B.Chevy Chase
3. C.Michael Caine
4. D.Billy Bob Thornton
Answer: Bill Murray
“Scrooged” stars Bill Murray is television executive Frank Cross.
Question 4
Which actor plays Buddy in “Elf,” proving that enthusiasm can, in fact, wear tights?
1. A.Arnold Schwarzenegger
2. B.Will Ferrell
3. C.Jim Carrey
4. D.Tim Allen
Answer: Will Ferrell
“Elf” stars Will Ferrell is Buddy.
Question 5
In “Elf,” where does Buddy work in New York City when he’s not treating sugar like a food group?
1. A.FAO Schwarz
2. B.Saks
3. C.Gimbels
4. D.Macy's
Answer: Gimbels
In “Elf,” Buddy works at Gimbels in New York City.
Question 6
Who plays Howard Langston in “Jingle All the Way,” a man locked in combat with holiday shopping?
1. A.Arnold Schwarzenegger
2. B.Bruce Willis
3. C.Chevy Chase
4. D.Tim Allen
Answer: Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Jingle All the Way” stars Arnold Schwarzenegger is Howard Langston.
Question 7
In “Jingle All the Way,” what toy sends grown adults into maximum festive panic mode?
1. A.Super Elf
2. B.Turbo-Man
3. C.Buzz Lightyear
4. D.Red Ryder
Answer: Turbo-Man
In “Jingle All the Way,” the toy everyone wants is Turbo-Man.
Question 8
Who stars as Scott Calvin in “The Santa Clause,” where one rooftop mishap changes a career path forever?
1. A.Michael Caine
2. B.Tim Allen
3. C.Bill Murray
4. D.Will Ferrell
Answer: Tim Allen
“The Santa Clause” stars Tim Allen is Scott Calvin.
Question 9
Who plays Willie T. Soke in “Bad Santa,” a holiday figure with impressively low workplace standards?
1. A.Bill Murray
2. B.Billy Bob Thornton
3. C.Bruce Willis
4. D.Jim Carrey
Answer: Billy Bob Thornton
“Bad Santa” stars Billy Bob Thornton is Willie T. Soke.
Question 10
Who stars as the Grinch in the 2000 live-action “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” bringing green gloom to maximum volume?
1. A.Will Ferrell
2. B.Chevy Chase
3. C.Jim Carrey
4. D.Mike Myers
Answer: Jim Carrey
The 2000 live-action “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” stars Jim Carrey is the Grinch.
Question 11
Which 1988 Christmas film is a modernized retelling of “A Christmas Carol,” in case Dickens needed television executives?
1. A.The Santa Clause
2. B.Elf
3. C.Bad Santa
4. D.Scrooged
Answer: Scrooged
The 1988 film “Scrooged” is a modernized retelling of “A Christmas Carol.”.
Question 12
What is the name of the boy at the center of “A Christmas Story,” whose holiday wish list is extremely focused?
1. A.Frank Cross
2. B.Ralphie Parker
3. C.Kevin McCallister
4. D.Scott Calvin
Answer: Ralphie Parker
“A Christmas Story” centers on a boy named Ralphie Parker.
Question 13
In “A Christmas Story,” what gift does Ralphie want so badly that he practically turns it into a seasonal campaign slogan?
1. A.Train set
2. B.Toy drum
3. C.Red Ryder BB gun
4. D.Turbo-Man
Answer: Red Ryder BB gun
In “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

Hard Christmas Trivia

14 questions

These hard Christmas trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.

Question 1
In what year was the first commercial Christmas card produced in London?
Answer: 1843
The first commercial Christmas card was produced in London in 1843.
Question 2
Who composed the music for “Silent Night,” whose lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr?
Answer: Franz Xaver Gruber
Joseph Mohr wrote the words, and Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music for “Silent Night.”.
Question 3
By what Latin title is “O Come, All Ye Faithful” also known?
Answer: Adeste Fideles
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” is also known by the Latin title “Adeste Fideles.”.
Question 4
Which writer authored the Christmas hymn “Joy to the World”?
Answer: Isaac Watts
The hymn “Joy to the World” was written by Isaac Watts.
Question 5
The tune most commonly paired with “What Child Is This?” comes from which older melody?
Answer: Greensleeves
“What Child Is This?” is commonly sung to the melody of “Greensleeves.”.
Question 6
“Carol of the Bells” is based on what Ukrainian composition?
Answer: Shchedryk
The song “Carol of the Bells” is based on the Ukrainian composition “Shchedryk.”.
Question 7
The 1881 Thomas Nast image “Merry Old Santa Claus” appeared in which publication?
Answer: Harper’s Weekly
Thomas Nast’s 1881 image “Merry Old Santa Claus” appeared in Harper’s Weekly.
Question 8
Before its authorship became famous, the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” first appeared anonymously in what newspaper?
Answer: Troy Sentinel
The poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was first published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel in 1823.
Question 9
The poinsettia takes its name from which person?
Answer: Joel Roberts Poinsett
The poinsettia is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett.
Question 10
Many Eastern Orthodox churches using the Julian calendar observe the Feast of the Nativity on what date?
Answer: January 7
For many churches using the Julian calendar, the Feast of the Nativity is observed on January 7.
Question 11
The famous Christmas truce happened during which year of World War I?
Answer: 1914
The Christmas truce took place in 1914 during World War I.
Question 12
In Spain, major Epiphany gift-giving is chiefly associated with which calendar date?
Answer: January 6
In Spain, major Epiphany gift-giving is associated with January 6.
Question 13
If you wanted to visit the native region of the Mexican poinsettia, what country would definitely be on your itinerary?
Answer: Mexico
The Mexican poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America.
Question 14
Which Roman December festival is frequently brought up when comparing ancient customs with Christmas traditions?
Answer: Saturnalia
The Roman festival Saturnalia occurred in December and is often discussed in comparisons with Christmas customs.

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Easy Christmas Trivia

On what date is Christmas celebrated in many countries each year?

In the Nativity story, who is the mother of Jesus?

In the Nativity story, who is Mary’s husband?

Who is described as visiting the newborn Jesus in the Nativity account?

Who is traditionally associated with delivering gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas night?

What animals traditionally pull Santa’s sleigh?

Who wrote the Christmas song “Jingle Bells”?

Who wrote “A Christmas Carol”?

What is the full name of the boy at the center of “Home Alone”?

Who created “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”?

Which group recorded the holiday song “Last Christmas”?

Who recorded “All I Want for Christmas Is You”?

What two colors are candy canes commonly striped?

Christmas Family Trivia

In the Nativity story told in Matthew, what name is commonly given to the visitors who come to see Jesus?

According to the carol, how many total days are counted in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”?

Which ballet is most closely linked with the Christmas season?

Who composed the music for “The Nutcracker”?

Who wrote the beloved Christmas song “White Christmas”?

Which actor plays George Bailey in the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”?

What is the name of the main character in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?

In New York City, what famous place is especially known for its giant Christmas tree?

Which London square receives a well-known Christmas tree gift from Norway?

St. Peter’s Square, where the Vatican’s large public Christmas tree is displayed, is in what city-state?

At what official residence is the U.S. presidential Christmas tree displayed?

Who is credited with establishing the custom of having a Christmas tree at the White House?

Fun Christmas Trivia

Which region is famous for the cheeky Christmas figurine tradition known as the caganer?

The pre-Christmas custom called the Burning of the Devil is famously held in which country?

If you’re browsing Prague’s best-known Christmas market, which square are you standing in?

What German word means a Christmas market and sounds extra festive while saying it?

Which German city is especially famous for its Christkindlesmarkt?

“Silent Night” was first performed in what Austrian town?

The tune used for “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was adapted from music by which composer?

Who composed the oratorio “Messiah,” a work often performed at Christmas?

What poem opens with the famous line “’Twas the night before Christmas”?

Which 19th-century illustrator helped popularize the modern look of Santa Claus?

Which organization has been tracking Santa as a public holiday tradition since the 1950s?

At Christmas parties in many English-speaking places, what plant is tied to the kissing tradition?

Which spiky-leaved plant with bright berries is a classic Christmas decoration?

Funny Christmas Trivia

Who plays Clark Griswold, the man determined to turn Christmas cheer into a full-contact sport, in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”?

On what street do the Griswolds live in “Christmas Vacation,” where decorative ambition meets suburban danger?

In “Scrooged,” who plays Frank Cross, the television executive who could use several ghosts and maybe a nap?

Which actor plays Buddy in “Elf,” proving that enthusiasm can, in fact, wear tights?

In “Elf,” where does Buddy work in New York City when he’s not treating sugar like a food group?

Who plays Howard Langston in “Jingle All the Way,” a man locked in combat with holiday shopping?

In “Jingle All the Way,” what toy sends grown adults into maximum festive panic mode?

Who stars as Scott Calvin in “The Santa Clause,” where one rooftop mishap changes a career path forever?

Who plays Willie T. Soke in “Bad Santa,” a holiday figure with impressively low workplace standards?

Who stars as the Grinch in the 2000 live-action “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” bringing green gloom to maximum volume?

Which 1988 Christmas film is a modernized retelling of “A Christmas Carol,” in case Dickens needed television executives?

What is the name of the boy at the center of “A Christmas Story,” whose holiday wish list is extremely focused?

In “A Christmas Story,” what gift does Ralphie want so badly that he practically turns it into a seasonal campaign slogan?

Hard Christmas Trivia

In what year was the first commercial Christmas card produced in London?

Who composed the music for “Silent Night,” whose lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr?

By what Latin title is “O Come, All Ye Faithful” also known?

Which writer authored the Christmas hymn “Joy to the World”?

The tune most commonly paired with “What Child Is This?” comes from which older melody?

“Carol of the Bells” is based on what Ukrainian composition?

The 1881 Thomas Nast image “Merry Old Santa Claus” appeared in which publication?

Before its authorship became famous, the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” first appeared anonymously in what newspaper?

The poinsettia takes its name from which person?

Many Eastern Orthodox churches using the Julian calendar observe the Feast of the Nativity on what date?

The famous Christmas truce happened during which year of World War I?

In Spain, major Epiphany gift-giving is chiefly associated with which calendar date?

If you wanted to visit the native region of the Mexican poinsettia, what country would definitely be on your itinerary?

Which Roman December festival is frequently brought up when comparing ancient customs with Christmas traditions?

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