Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers

40 Christmas trivia questions with answers: films, songs, books and traditions around the world.

40 questions · tap “Show answer” under each one · Answer key

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GK Quiz for Class 3Trivia & General Knowledge · Worldwide · 10 questions

Dresden's Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets, dates back to which century?
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The 1400s
It was first held in 1434. Source
Which of these reindeer is named in the 1823 poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'?
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Dasher
The poem names eight; Donder and Blitzen were first spelled Dunder and Blixem. Source
What is the name of the Grinch's dog?
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Max
Max wears a single antler on Christmas Eve. Source
Which little girl meets the Grinch while he's stealing Christmas?
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Cindy Lou Who
In the book she is 'not more than two'. Source
Who played the Grinch in the 2000 live-action film?
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Jim Carrey
The makeup took hours every day. Source
In 'Home Alone', where does Kevin's family fly for Christmas?
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Paris
In the sequel, Kevin ends up in New York. Source
Which actor played Harry, one of the burglars in 'Home Alone'?
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Joe Pesci
Daniel Stern played his partner, Marv. Source
In 'Elf', what does Buddy pour on his spaghetti?
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Maple syrup
Elves, he explains, stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. Source
What is Scrooge's first name in 'A Christmas Carol'?
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Ebenezer
Jacob Marley was his business partner. Source
After Marley's ghost, how many spirits visit Scrooge?
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3
The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Source
In 'A Christmas Carol', what is Tiny Tim's family name?
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Cratchit
His father, Bob, is Scrooge's clerk. Source
In 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', what is given on the first day?
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A partridge in a pear tree
The song was first printed in England around 1780. Source

Counting every repeat, how many gifts are given in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'?
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364
That's nearly one for every day of the year. Source
Which Christmas Eve tradition of Italian-American families features many seafood dishes?
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Feast of the Seven Fishes
The number of dishes varies from family to family. Source
In Poland, what is the traditional Christmas Eve supper called?
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Wigilia
It starts when the first star appears in the sky. Source
Which plant with spiky leaves and red berries is a classic Christmas decoration?
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Holly
Only female holly plants have berries. Source
What was a Yule log originally?
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A big log burned in the fireplace
The cake version copies its shape. Source
Which ballet is performed by many companies every Christmas season?
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The Nutcracker
It's set on Christmas Eve, when a girl's toy comes to life. Source
Which US state was the first to make Christmas an official holiday, in 1836?
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Alabama
It became a federal holiday in 1870. Source
In which year did Christmas become a US federal holiday?
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1870
President Ulysses S. Grant signed the law. Source
Which Swedish town builds a giant Christmas goat out of straw every year?
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Gävle
The goat has often been burned down by pranksters. Source
Who created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, in 1939?
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Robert L. May
He wrote it for the Montgomery Ward department store. Source
In an old Norwegian tradition, what do families hide on Christmas Eve?
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Their brooms
Folklore said witches came out that night looking for brooms to ride. Source
Which country's Christmas trees are often decorated with spider-web ornaments, from a folk tale?
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Ukraine
In the tale, a spider decorates a poor family's tree overnight. Source
Which British band released 'Merry Xmas Everybody' in 1973?
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Slade
It reaches the UK charts again almost every December. Source

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Who released 'Wonderful Christmastime' in 1979?
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Paul McCartney
He played every instrument on it himself. Source
Who had a famous hit with 'Blue Christmas'?
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Elvis Presley
He recorded it in 1957. Source
Who sings 'Driving Home for Christmas'?
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Chris Rea
He wrote it while stuck in traffic. Source
Which fir is the most popular real Christmas tree in Britain?
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Nordmann fir
It's loved because it doesn't drop its needles. Source
Which Christmas tradition comes from a 2005 children's book about a scout elf?
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The Elf on the Shelf
The elf 'reports back' to Santa every night. Source
What is 'Secret Santa'?
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A gift swap where givers stay anonymous
Names are usually drawn from a hat. Source
Which ornament, hidden in the tree, is said to bring a gift or good luck to whoever finds it first?
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A pickle
It's often called a German tradition, but few Germans have heard of it. Source
In which German town were glass Christmas baubles first made?
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Lauscha
Glassblowers there began making them in the 1840s. Source
In which Finnish town is Santa Claus Village, on the Arctic Circle?
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Rovaniemi
It gets hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Source
In Catalonia, which smiling log do children tap with sticks so it 'gives' them sweets at Christmas?
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Tió de Nadal
Children 'feed' it for days before Christmas. Source
How many candles does a traditional Advent wreath have?
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4
One is lit on each Sunday before Christmas. Source
In 'The Polar Express', what is the first gift of Christmas given to the boy?
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A sleigh bell
Only people who believe can hear it ring. Source

What is a 'Christmas jumper' called in the US?
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An ugly Christmas sweater
Ugly sweater parties became popular in the 2000s. Source
Which flavor is a classic candy cane?
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Peppermint
Peppermint oil gives it a cool taste. Source
What is Santa Claus called in France?
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Père Noël
Papá Noel is Spanish, Babbo Natale Italian and Weihnachtsmann German. Source

Answer key

The 1400s
Dasher
Max
Cindy Lou Who
Jim Carrey
Paris
Joe Pesci
Maple syrup
Ebenezer
3
Cratchit
A partridge in a pear tree
364
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Wigilia
Holly
A big log burned in the fireplace
The Nutcracker
Alabama
1870
Gävle
Robert L. May
Their brooms
Ukraine
Slade
Paul McCartney
Elvis Presley
Chris Rea
Nordmann fir
The Elf on the Shelf
A gift swap where givers stay anonymous
A pickle
Lauscha
Rovaniemi
Tió de Nadal
4
A sleigh bell
An ugly Christmas sweater
Peppermint
Père Noël