20+ Holiday Trivia: Unwrap This Ultimate Quiz & Test Your Knowledge

Explanation: Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966-67. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to unite and empower the African American community.

Related Fact: The seven principles of Kwanzaa are known as the Nguzo Saba, which are values of African culture that contribute to building and reinforcing family, community, and culture.

Explanation: “The Nutcracker” ballet premiered on December 18, 1892. It was composed by Tchaikovsky and based on the story ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ by E.T.A. Hoffmann.

Related Fact: Despite its initial mixed reviews, The Nutcracker has become one of the most popular ballets of all time, especially during the Christmas season.

Explanation: Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Related Fact: The name “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “deepavali,” meaning “row of lights.”

Explanation: Elves are Santa’s helpers. They are responsible for making toys, caring for the reindeer, and maintaining Santa’s workshop.

Related Fact: The image of Santa’s elves became widely popularized in the 19th century, largely through literature and illustrations.

Explanation: The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree is believed to have originated in Germany during the 16th century. Germans would often bring evergreens into their homes and decorate them.

Related Fact: Early Christmas trees were decorated with edible items, such as fruits and nuts, before the introduction of ornaments.

Explanation: The lyrics of the popular Christmas carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ state that five golden rings are given on the fifth day. This is one of the most recognized lines from the song.

Related Fact: The origins of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ are believed to be a memory and forfeit game, with each player adding a new verse.

Explanation: Pagan Yule traditions can include burning a Yule log or the building and burning of a large wicker man, representing new beginnings and sacrifices to ensure a bountiful new year.

Related Fact: Yule traditions were often adapted into the celebrations of Christmas after the spread of Christianity throughout Europe.

Explanation: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight nights, each night lighting one candle on the menorah.

Related Fact: The miracle of Hanukkah involves a small amount of oil that miraculously lasted for eight days, which is why the holiday is celebrated for that length of time.

Explanation: Toshikoshi Soba (buckwheat noodles) are eaten on New Year’s Eve in Japan for good luck. The long noodles symbolize a long and healthy life.

Related Fact: Japanese New Year, or Shogatsu, is a very important holiday in Japan. Houses are cleaned, debts are paid, and special foods are prepared.

Explanation: The popular Christmas song we know as ‘Jingle Bells’ was originally composed under the title ‘One Horse Open Sleigh’. It was written by James Lord Pierpont and published in 1857.

Related Fact: Jingle Bells was originally intended to be sung for Thanksgiving, not Christmas, although it’s become a staple Christmas holiday trivia question.

Explanation: While Imani is commonly mistaken as one of the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa, the real seventh principle is actually Imani (Faith).

Related Fact: Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles, providing an opportunity to reflect on its meaning and application in daily life.

Explanation: Junkanoo is a street parade with music, dance, and costumes that is celebrated in The Bahamas, and in other Caribbean nations. It is held on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1).

Related Fact: The origins of Junkanoo are believed to stem from West African traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved people during the colonial era.

Explanation: Green is the color most associated with St. Patrick’s Day. This is due to Ireland being known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ because of its lush green landscapes, and also linked to the shamrock.

Related Fact: St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people.

Explanation: Mardi Gras, meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French, is the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the end of the Carnival season and the start of Lent.

Related Fact: Mardi Gras is celebrated with parades, music, feasts, and often the wearing of masks and costumes.

Explanation: The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. It dates back to 1570.

Related Fact: Strasbourg is often referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’ due to its rich Christmas traditions and elaborate decorations.

Explanation: Las Fallas is a traditional celebration held in Valencia, Spain. Large papier-mâché figures called ninots are created and then burned on the last night of the festival.

Related Fact: Some ninots are spared from the burning through popular vote and displayed in a museum.

Explanation: La Vigilia, or The Feast of the Seven Fishes, is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Italy. It typically includes seven different seafood dishes.

Related Fact: The tradition of eating seven fishes is believed to symbolize the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church or the seven hills of Rome.

Explanation: Saint Nicholas is the historical figure on whom the modern Santa Claus is based. He was known for his generosity and gift-giving, particularly to children.

Related Fact: In many European countries, Saint Nicholas’s Day (December 6th) is celebrated with children receiving gifts and treats.

Explanation: Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday where families honor and remember their deceased loved ones. Celebrations involve ofrendas, sugar skulls, and colorful decorations.

Related Fact: Día de Muertos is often celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, coinciding with Allhallowtide.

Explanation: Eid al-Adha, also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, traditionally lasts for four days in many Muslim communities, where families partake in prayers, feasts, and charitable giving.

Related Fact: Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.