Nothing brings people together during the holiday season like a fun game of Christmas trivia. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, office party, or friendly competition, these christmas trivia questions will test your knowledge of traditions, holiday movies, history, and christmas fun facts. This collection includes christmas trivia questions and answers, categories for all difficulty levels, and special sections for christmas movie trivia questions and holiday trivia questions perfect for the whole family.
Introduction to Christmas Trivia
Christmas trivia is a joyful way to celebrate the season while learning surprising traditions and facts. From how Santa became a beloved American icon to holiday movie quotes everyone knows, this quiz offers a mix of easy, medium, and challenging questions. Whether you’re a festive expert or just warming up, there’s something here for all levels.
Christmas Trivia Questions for Adults
Easy Questions
- What date is Christmas celebrated each year?
December 25 - What traditional Christmas decoration is actually a parasitic plant?
Mistletoe - What red-nosed reindeer helps guide Santa’s sleigh?
Rudolph - What beverage is traditionally left out for Santa in the U.S.?
Milk and cookies - What plant is often given as a Christmas gift and has bright red leaves?
Poinsettia - How many reindeer does Santa have (including Rudolph)?
Nine - What sweet treat is shaped like the letter “J”?
Candy cane - Which holiday song includes the lyrics “Fa la la la la”?
Deck the Halls - What color are the berries on mistletoe?
White - What do many Americans place at the top of their Christmas tree?
A star or an angel
Medium Questions
- What country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
Germany - In “The 12 Days of Christmas,” what is given on the fifth day?
Five golden rings - What Christmas drink is known as “milk punch”?
Eggnog - What city hosts the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree?
New York City - What is Santa Claus called in the United Kingdom?
Father Christmas - Which U.S. state was the first to recognize Christmas as an official holiday?
Alabama - What holiday figure is also known as Kris Kringle?
Santa Claus - What Christmas song holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling single?
White Christmas - What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?
Tinsel - What snack do children in the U.K. often leave for Santa instead of cookies?
Minced pie
Hard Questions
- What ocean is Christmas Island located in?
Indian Ocean - What Christian bishop inspired the modern Santa Claus?
St. Nicholas of Myra - How many ghosts appear in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”?
Four - What year did NORAD begin tracking Santa on Christmas Eve?
1955 - Which U.S. president banned Christmas trees in the White House?
Theodore Roosevelt - What is the original name of the holiday song “Silver Bells”?
“Tinkle Bell” (renamed to avoid awkward meaning) - What animal replaces reindeer in Santa traditions in Australia?
Kangaroos - Which U.S. state grows the most Christmas trees?
Oregon - In what country is KFC a popular traditional Christmas meal?
Japan - What Roman holiday influenced many Christmas traditions?
Saturnalia
Christmas Movie Trivia Questions
Iconic Films
- In “Home Alone,” where is the McCallister family traveling for Christmas?
Paris - What is the name of Ralphie’s desired gift in “A Christmas Story”?
A Red Ryder BB gun - In “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” what is the Grinch’s dog’s name?
Max - Which Christmas movie features a boy who must believe in Santa to ride a magical train?
The Polar Express - What 1946 film features the character George Bailey?
It’s a Wonderful Life
Modern Classics
- In “Elf,” what are the four main food groups for elves?
Candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup - Which animated film features the character Jack Skellington?
The Nightmare Before Christmas - Who stars as Buddy in “Elf”?
Will Ferrell - In “The Santa Clause,” what causes Scott Calvin to become Santa?
He puts on Santa’s suit - Which 1990s movie features the villainous Wet Bandits?
Home Alone
Christmas Fun Facts
Here are some christmas fun facts you can use during trivia night:
- The abbreviation “Xmas” comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter in “Christos.”
- Jingle Bells was originally written as a Thanksgiving song.
- Americans send over 1.6 billion Christmas cards each year.
- The first artificial Christmas trees were made from dyed goose feathers.
- “Silent Night” is the most recorded Christmas song in history.
Holiday Trivia Questions to Share with Family
- What two reindeer have names that begin with the letter “D”?
Dasher and Dancer - Which country is credited with the first Christmas card?
England - What toy became a must-have Christmas item in 1996?
Tickle Me Elmo - What are the two most popular Christmas colors?
Red and green - Which Christmas figure is associated with punishing naughty children in European folklore?
Krampus - What type of pie is commonly eaten at Christmas in the U.K.?
Minced pie - What animal pulls Santa’s sleigh in Finland’s holiday folklore?
Reindeer, but more specifically “Finnish Forest Reindeer” - What popular Christmas plant is fatal to cats and dogs if eaten?
Poinsettia (mildly toxic) - What U.S. town is named after the North Pole?
North Pole, Alaska - What famous Christmas ballet features Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy?
The Nutcracker
Tips for Hosting a Christmas Trivia Night
Want to make your holiday gathering unforgettable? Try these tips:
- Create themed rounds such as movies, music, or world traditions.
- Use a holiday soundtrack to set the mood while you play.
- Offer festive prizes like ornaments, hot cocoa kits, or gift cards.
- Encourage team play to include guests of all ages.
- Add fun bonus rounds where players can earn extra points by singing lyrics or acting out scenes.
