Christmas brings joy, traditions, and plenty of chances to gather with loved ones. What better way to celebrate than testing your festive knowledge? From timeless carols to quirky customs around the world, this trivia collection is perfect for holiday parties, family game nights, or a fun evening by the fire.
With five categories covering everything from Santa’s reindeer to classic Christmas movies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ready to see who’s the ultimate Christmas trivia champion? Let’s get started!
Christmas Traditions Around the World
In which country did the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree begin?
Answer: Germany
What is the name of the Christmas gift-bringer in Italy?
Answer: La Befana (the Christmas witch)
Which European country celebrates “St. Nicholas’ Day” on December 6th?
Answer: Many countries, but particularly Germany and the Netherlands
What do people in Sweden celebrate on December 13th during the Christmas season?
Answer: St. Lucia’s Day
In which country do people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to ward off evil spirits?
Answer: Norway
What’s the name of the traditional Mexican celebration where people reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter?
Answer: Las Posadas
Which Asian country recognizes Christmas as a secular holiday but celebrates with KFC meals?
Answer: Japan
In Ukraine, what symbol of good fortune is often included in Christmas decorations?
Answer: Spider webs
What do Australians traditionally eat during Christmas dinner?
Answer: Seafood, especially prawns
Which country celebrates the Giant Lantern Festival every December?
Answer: The Philippines
Santa Claus and His Reindeer
Which historical figure inspired the modern Santa Claus?
Answer: St. Nicholas
What is Santa Claus called in Germany?
Answer: Weihnachtsmann
How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh in the poem The Night Before Christmas?
Answer: Eight
Which of Santa’s reindeer shares its name with a popular Valentine’s Day symbol?
Answer: Cupid
What do people leave out for Santa to eat in the United States on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Cookies and milk
Which reindeer is known as the leader of Santa’s sleigh?
Answer: Rudolph
What’s the name of Santa Claus in the Netherlands?
Answer: Sinterklaas
In what country does Santa ride a goat named “Joulupukki”?
Answer: Finland
Who is the Grinch’s faithful dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
Answer: Max
Which two reindeer names start with the letter “D”?
Answer: Dasher and Dancer
Christmas Movies & Music
What 1989 film features the Griswold family’s chaotic Christmas?
Answer: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Which Christmas movie is set in the fictional town of Bedford Falls?
Answer: It’s a Wonderful Life
Who sings the classic song “All I Want for Christmas Is You”?
Answer: Mariah Carey
What is the name of the main character in Home Alone?
Answer: Kevin McCallister
Which Christmas movie features a boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole?
Answer: The Polar Express
What song tells the story of a snowman brought to life?
Answer: Frosty the Snowman
In Elf, what is Buddy’s favorite food group?
Answer: Candy
Which singer croons the classic “White Christmas”?
Answer: Bing Crosby
What animated Christmas film features a train conductor voiced by Tom Hanks?
Answer: The Polar Express
What song, originally sung in German as “Stille Nacht,” became a worldwide Christmas carol?
Answer: Silent Night
Christmas Stories & Characters
What’s the name of the ghost who visits Scrooge first in A Christmas Carol?
Answer: Jacob Marley
Who wrote A Christmas Carol?
Answer: Charles Dickens
What’s the name of Scrooge’s underpaid clerk in A Christmas Carol?
Answer: Bob Cratchit
Who tries to stop Christmas from coming in Whoville?
Answer: The Grinch
What magical item brings Frosty the Snowman to life?
Answer: A hat
In the poem The Night Before Christmas, what are children dreaming of?
Answer: Sugar plums
What holiday legend says that naughty children will receive coal instead of presents?
Answer: Santa’s naughty list
In the Nutcracker ballet, who does the Nutcracker fight?
Answer: The Mouse King
What Christmas story involves a little girl selling matches on a snowy evening?
Answer: The Little Match Girl
What character steals Christmas in Dr. Seuss’s famous tale?
Answer: The Grinch
Fun Christmas Facts & History
What year was the first Christmas card sent?
Answer: 1843
What beverage is often referred to as “Christmas milk”?
Answer: Eggnog
Which Christmas decoration was originally made from silver?
Answer: Tinsel
What popular Christmas song was the first to be broadcast from space?
Answer: Jingle Bells
What plant do people traditionally kiss under during Christmas?
Answer: Mistletoe
Which country started the tradition of sending Christmas cards?
Answer: England
What is the significance of a Yule Log?
Answer: It was a traditional log burned for good luck during Christmas
How many gifts are given in total in the song The 12 Days of Christmas?
Answer: 364 gifts
What red-and-white candy is often shaped like a shepherd’s staff?
Answer: Candy canes
What plant with red leaves is often associated with Christmas?
Answer: Poinsettia