17+ Christmas Trivia: The Ultimate Holiday IQ Test You Can't Fail!

17+ Christmas Trivia: Unwrap This Surprising Quiz & Test Your Cheer IQ

Welcome to our comprehensive christmas trivia collection. Test your knowledge with our carefully crafted questions!

What is the name of the reindeer with a very shiny nose?

easy

Blitzen

Dasher

Rudolph

Comet

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Rudolph is the most famous of Santa’s reindeer, known for his glowing red nose that helps guide Santa’s sleigh through the night. The character first appeared in a 1939 booklet written by Robert L. May.

Related Fact: The original Rudolph story was created as a marketing ploy for Montgomery Ward department stores.

In ‘The 12 Days of Christmas,’ what is given on the fifth day?

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Five french hens

Five gold rings

Five lords a-leaping

Five swans a-swimming

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Explanation: The popular Christmas carol lists increasing gifts for each of the twelve days of Christmas. On the fifth day, the gift received is five gold rings, a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Related Fact: The total number of gifts given over the 12 days is 364.

Which country is credited with the origin of the Christmas tree tradition?

easy

Germany

France

United States

England

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: The Christmas tree tradition as we know it today originated in Germany in the 16th century. Devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

Related Fact: Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband, popularized the Christmas tree in England in the 1840s.

What popular Christmas ballet premiered in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1892?

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The Nutcracker

Sleeping Beauty

Don Quixote

Swan Lake

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Explanation: The Nutcracker, with music by Tchaikovsky, tells the story of Clara and her magical journey on Christmas Eve. Although it wasn’t initially a success, it’s now a beloved holiday classic.

Related Fact: The Sugar Plum Fairy is one of the most iconic characters from The Nutcracker.

What is the name of Scrooge’s business partner in ‘A Christmas Carol’?

easy

Bob Cratchit

Ebenezer Scrooge II

Tiny Tim

Jacob Marley

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner, appears as a ghost to warn Scrooge about the consequences of his miserly ways. He is burdened by heavy chains forged from his own greed during life.

Related Fact: Charles Dickens originally intended ‘A Christmas Carol’ to be a pamphlet arguing for better treatment of poor children.

Which Christmas carol was originally a Thanksgiving song?

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Deck the Halls

Jingle Bells

O Holy Night

Silent Night

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: ‘Jingle Bells’, written by James Lord Pierpont, was originally titled ‘One Horse Open Sleigh’ and was intended for a Thanksgiving celebration. Its popularity led to its association with Christmas.

Related Fact: Jingle Bells was one of the first songs broadcast from space in 1965.

In the song ‘Winter Wonderland’, what do we pretend the snowman is?

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Parson Brown

Santa Claus

Frosty the Snowman

Jack Frost

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Explanation: The song describes a winter scene where the narrator and their companion build a snowman and humorously pretend it is ‘Parson Brown’ who can marry them. The lyrics contribute to the whimsical and romantic atmosphere of the song.

Related Fact: The lyricist, Richard B. Smith, wrote Winter Wonderland while in a tuberculosis sanatorium.

What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Italy?

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Christmas Pudding

Mince Pie

Yule Log

Panettone

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Explanation: Panettone is a sweet bread loaf originating from Milan, Italy. It’s made with candied fruit and raisins and is a staple Christmas dessert.

Related Fact: There are legends surrounding the origins of Panettone, including one involving a scullery boy named Toni.

According to the poem, ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’, what is the name of Santa’s lead reindeer?

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Rudolph

Cupid

Dasher

Comet

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: In Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ (more commonly known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’), the first reindeer mentioned is Dasher. He leads Santa’s sleigh.

Related Fact: The poem significantly shaped the modern image of Santa Claus.

What color were the original Santa Claus suits, before Coca-Cola’s marketing campaign?

hard

Various Colors

Brown

Red

Green

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Prior to Coca-Cola’s famous advertising, Santa was depicted in various colors, including green, brown, and even blue. The red-suited Santa we know today became popular due to their campaign.

Related Fact: While Coca-Cola helped popularize the red suit, the legend of Santa Claus existed long before their campaign.

What is the name of the angel who appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus?

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Michael

Uriel

Raphael

Gabriel

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Explanation: The angel Gabriel appears in the Bible to announce to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus. This event is a central part of the Christmas story.

Related Fact: Gabriel is also an important figure in Judaism and Islam.

Which country gifts a Christmas tree to London each year?

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Norway

Finland

Sweden

Denmark

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Norway donates a Christmas tree to London annually as a thank you for Britain’s support during World War II. The tree stands in Trafalgar Square.

Related Fact: The tree is usually a Norwegian spruce over 20 meters tall.

What is the main ingredient in eggnog, a popular Christmas drink?

easy

Cream

Whiskey

Eggs

Milk

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Eggnog’s key ingredient is eggs, which give it its creamy texture. Milk, cream, and spices are also common additions, and it’s often spiked with alcohol.

Related Fact: Eggnog’s origins can be traced back to medieval Britain.

In the movie ‘Elf,’ what are the four food groups Buddy the Elf adheres to?

easy

Sugar, Spice, Everything Nice, Salt

Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn, Syrup

Fruits, Vegetables, Meats, Grains

Pizza, Pasta, Burgers, Fries

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Explanation: Buddy the Elf has a famously sweet tooth, and humorously declares that his four main food groups are candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. This highlights his naive and childlike nature.

Related Fact: Will Ferrell’s deadpan delivery of these lines makes them incredibly memorable.

What is the name of the Grinch’s dog in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’?

easy

Buddy

Rover

Spot

Max

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Max is the Grinch’s loyal (though often put-upon) dog, who helps him pull his sleigh down to Whoville. He ultimately becomes an integral part of the Grinch’s transformation.

Related Fact: In the original book, Max is portrayed as a somewhat reluctant participant in the Grinch’s schemes.

What gift did the Magi, Balthazar give baby Jesus?

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Myrrh

Silver

Frankincense

Gold

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Balthazar, one of the three wise men, gifted baby Jesus myrrh. Myrrh was an oil used to anoint dead bodies, a symbol of mortality.

Related Fact: The gifts of the Magi are often interpreted as symbolic of Jesus’s destiny as a king (gold), a priest (frankincense), and a sacrifice (myrrh), which makes this christmas trivia extra meaningful.

What is the celebration on December 26th in many countries, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth nations?

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New Year’s Eve

Epiphany

Boxing Day

St. Stephen’s Day

View explanation and related facts

Explanation: Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a holiday traditionally associated with giving gifts to servants and tradespeople. Nowadays, it’s often a day for shopping and sporting events.

Related Fact: The exact origins of Boxing Day are debated, but likely involve charitable giving and the redistribution of wealth.

Interesting Insights About Christmas

Here are three unique and fascinating insights about christmas trivia:

1. The Accidental Origins of Rudolph’s Red Nose and the Marketing Machine While often attributed solely to a Christmas children’s book, the story of Rudolph’s red nose actually began as a marketing campaign for Montgomery Ward department stores in 1939. Copywriter Robert May was tasked with creating a Christmas story to be given away to shoppers, saving the company the cost of buying coloring books. Rudolph was initially rejected because his “glowing” red nose was considered unfitting and associated with drunkenness. However, May persisted, drawing inspiration from his own feelings of being an outcast, and the story was eventually published. The immense popularity of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” wasn’t just about a heartwarming tale; it was a direct result of a carefully crafted marketing strategy. So, when you come across christmas trivia mentioning Rudolph, remember it’s a symbol of consumerism as much as it is holiday cheer.

2. The Medieval Connection to Mistletoe and its Legal Quandaries The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe isn’t just a Victorian invention; it has roots stretching back to ancient Celtic and Norse cultures. The Druids believed mistletoe possessed healing powers and symbolized peace, offering it to warring tribes as a truce. In medieval Europe, the practice evolved into a form of temporary marriage contract. A kiss under the mistletoe granted a couple a single day of betrothal, which was legally binding for that 24-hour period! Failure to abide by the “rules” of the temporary marriage carried social repercussions. This quirky historical fact highlights the surprisingly legalistic underpinnings of what we now consider a simple holiday gesture. When you next play christmas trivia, remember to distinguish between the romantic and the legally binding aspects of this tradition!

3. The Global Diffusion of Christmas Carols and the “Silent Night” Phenomenon While many Christmas carols, like “Silent Night,” are deeply embedded in Western culture, their global spread showcases the powerful influence of missionary work and international trade in the 19th and 20th centuries. “Silent Night,” originally composed in Austria in 1818, quickly spread through traveling singers and musicians across Europe. The song’s simple melody and message resonated across cultural boundaries. The song was then translated into hundreds of languages and spread across the world via missionary efforts. The global adaptation of Christmas carols is not simply a matter of translation; it’s a complex process of cultural negotiation and adaptation, reflecting the diverse ways in which Christmas is celebrated worldwide. A piece of christmas trivia involving the spread of carols is actually a question on the global spread of religion and commerce.

About Christmas

Christmas, a time of twinkling lights, heartwarming traditions, and joyful gatherings, holds a special place in our hearts. But beyond the festive decorations and delicious feasts, lies a wealth of fascinating history and quirky anecdotes that make exploring the world of Christmas trivia incredibly interesting. Delving into the origins of our beloved customs, from the symbolism of the Christmas tree to the evolution of Santa Claus, offers a captivating glimpse into centuries of cultural shifts and evolving beliefs. Prepare to unwrap some surprising knowledge as we embark on a journey through the festive season’s hidden stories.

Did you know, for instance, that caroling was originally a pagan tradition or that eggnog was once a beverage reserved for the aristocracy? This collection of Christmas trivia isn’t just a random assortment of facts; it’s a carefully curated selection designed to entertain, educate, and spark lively conversations around the holiday table. What sets this Christmas trivia apart is its focus on uncovering the unusual and the unexpected, revealing the surprising stories behind our most cherished Christmas traditions. So gather around, test your knowledge, and prepare to be amazed by the captivating world of Christmas trivia!

So, how much Christmas magic did you know? Hopefully, our Christmas trivia journey sparked some festive knowledge, teaching you fun facts about everything from Rudolph’s origins to the history of Christmas trees. If you enjoyed testing your Yuletide expertise, you might also be interested in learning about Christmas traditions around the world, the origins of carols, or even exploring vintage Christmas advertising. Don’t keep all this holiday cheer to yourself! Share your Christmas trivia score, challenge your friends, and see who truly embodies the spirit of Christmas!

Explore more about christmas trivia in our other related articles.

Learn More About Christmas

Explore these authoritative resources to deepen your knowledge about christmas:

Christmas | Definition, History, Traditions, & Facts (www.britannica.com)
Britannica is a well-respected encyclopedia known for its accuracy and comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics, including the history and traditions of Christmas.
Christmas – HISTORY (www.history.com)
HISTORY.com is the official website of the History Channel and offers articles, videos, and historical information related to Christmas, providing a reliable and accessible resource.
WhyChristmas?com: About Christmas Traditions & Customs (www.whychristmas.com)
WhyChristmas?com is an educational website that examines the origins and traditions of Christmas with a focus on factual accuracy and historical context and has been online since 2000, making it a long-standing and reliable resource.
Biblical Archaeology Society: Christmas Search (www.biblicalarchaeology.org)
The Biblical Archaeology Society provides scholarly articles and resources exploring the historical and archaeological context of the biblical stories associated with Christmas, offering an academic perspective.
Victoria and Albert Museum: Christmas Search (www.vam.ac.uk)
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a leading art and design museum, and their search results on “Christmas” include objects, articles, and exhibitions related to the cultural and historical representation of Christmas.