150 Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers

Christmas is a time of year that’s steeped in rich history, cherished traditions, and joyous celebrations. From its religious roots to modern-day customs, Christmas has evolved into a global phenomenon that captivates the hearts of millions. Whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast or simply enjoy the festive spirit, there’s always something new to discover about this beloved holiday.

To help you dive deeper into the world of Christmas, we’ve compiled a list of 150 intriguing trivia questions and answers that cover various aspects of the season. We’ve divided them into ten categories, each exploring a different facet of Christmas:

History of Christmas
Religious Aspects of Christmas
Christmas Around the World
Christmas Songs and Carols
Christmas Movies and TV Specials
Santa Claus and Folklore
Decorations and Symbols
Modern Christmas Traditions
Literature and Poetry
Fun and Miscellaneous

Whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family with your Christmas knowledge, or simply want to learn more about the holiday, this collection of trivia questions and answers is sure to entertain and enlighten you. From the origins of Christmas to the most beloved Christmas movies, and from the religious significance of the holiday to the quirky traditions that have emerged over time, we’ve got you covered.

So, grab a mug of hot cocoa, settle in by the fireplace, and get ready to test your Christmas knowledge with our 150 fascinating trivia questions and answers. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite Christmas fact or two along the way!

Table of Contents

History of Christmas

1. The first recorded celebration of Christmas took place during the reign of which Roman emperor?

A. Augustus
B. Constantine
C. Nero
D. Tiberius
Answer: B. Constantine

2. What year was Christmas declared a federal holiday in the United States?
Answer: 1870

3. In medieval Europe, what was the celebration of “Yule” closely associated with?

A. Harvest festivals
B. Winter solstice
C. Thanksgiving
D. Epiphany
Answer: B. Winter solstice

4. Which famous figure is credited with popularizing the use of Christmas trees in Britain?
Answer: Prince Albert (husband of Queen Victoria)

5. The term “Xmas” dates back to which language and tradition?

A. Greek
B. Latin
C. Norse
D. French
Answer: A. Greek

6. What historical event during World War I is famously associated with a Christmas truce?
Answer: The 1914 Christmas Truce

7. In what century did the first Nativity scene, as a tradition, originate?
Answer: 13th century

8. Who is credited with creating the first Nativity scene?
Answer: St. Francis of Assisi

9. The Puritans banned Christmas celebrations in which country during the 17th century?
Answer: England

10. What ancient Roman festival, held in December, influenced early Christmas traditions?

A. Bacchanalia
B. Saturnalia
C. Lupercalia
D. Floralia
Answer: B. Saturnalia

11. Why was December 25 chosen as the date to celebrate Christmas?
Answer: It coincided with pagan festivals like Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, making the transition to Christianity smoother.

12. The custom of hanging stockings is believed to originate from the story of which saint?
Answer: Saint Nicholas

13. In what country did the tradition of caroling originate?

A. England
B. Germany
C. France
D. Italy
Answer: A. England

14. The Feast of the Nativity was celebrated as early as which century?
Answer: 4th century

15. What is the meaning of the term “Christ” in Greek?

A. Savior
B. Anointed One
C. Holy One
D. Lord
Answer: B. Anointed One

Religious Aspects of Christmas

1. According to the Bible, where was Jesus born?

A. Jerusalem
B. Nazareth
C. Bethlehem
D. Galilee
Answer: C. Bethlehem

2. In the Nativity story, what guided the Wise Men to Jesus?
Answer: A star

3. How many Wise Men, or Magi, are traditionally said to have visited Jesus?
Answer: Three (though the Bible does not specify the number)

4. What gifts did the Wise Men bring to baby Jesus?
Answer: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh

5. What angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus?

A. Raphael
B. Gabriel
C. Michael
D. Uriel
Answer: B. Gabriel

6. Who was the Roman governor of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth?
Answer: Pontius Pilate (later), but the census was ordered by Quirinius.

7. What is the significance of the Virgin Mary in the Christmas story?
Answer: She is the mother of Jesus, who conceived him through the Holy Spirit.

8. In which Gospels of the New Testament is the birth of Jesus recounted?

A. Matthew and Mark
B. Matthew and Luke
C. Mark and John
D. Luke and John
Answer: B. Matthew and Luke

9. Who was the ruler who ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, attempting to kill baby Jesus?
Answer: King Herod

10. What is the name of the event when the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth?

A. The Annunciation
B. The Nativity Proclamation
C. The Epiphany
D. The Angelic Proclamation
Answer: D. The Angelic Proclamation

11. What does the term “Emmanuel” mean, as used in the Bible for Jesus?
Answer: God with us

12. What is celebrated on January 6, marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas?
Answer: Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day

13. The Advent season in Christianity begins how many weeks before Christmas?
Answer: Four weeks

14. In Christian tradition, what does the circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolize?
Answer: Eternity and the unending love of God

15. What is the name of the canticle Mary sings in the Bible when she learns she will bear Jesus?

A. Magnificat
B. Benedictus
C. Gloria
D. Nunc Dimittis
Answer: A. Magnificat

Christmas Around the World

1. In which country did the tradition of decorating Christmas trees originate?
Answer: Germany

2. What do children in Italy call Santa Claus?

A. Babbo Natale
B. Père Noël
C. Weihnachtsmann
D. Father Frost
Answer: A. Babbo Natale

3. What is the name of the witch who delivers gifts to children in Italy on Epiphany?
Answer: La Befana

4. In Japan, eating what fast food has become a popular Christmas tradition?
Answer: KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)

5. What is the traditional Christmas dessert in the United Kingdom?

A. Fruitcake
B. Christmas pudding
C. Stollen
D. Mince pies
Answer: B. Christmas pudding

6. In Sweden, what large animal made of straw is built as part of a Christmas tradition?
Answer: A goat (Yule Goat)

7. What do Australians often do on Christmas Day since it falls during their summer season?

A. Build snowmen
B. Have barbecues and go to the beach
C. Wear heavy winter clothing
D. Go skiing
Answer: B. Have barbecues and go to the beach

8. In Mexico, what is the name of the nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter?
Answer: Las Posadas

9. In the Philippines, what is the name of the world’s longest Christmas celebration?
Answer: Simbang Gabi (or the extended “Ber months”)

10. Which European country celebrates Christmas by placing shoes by the fireplace for presents?

A. Spain
B. Netherlands
C. France
D. Belgium
Answer: B. Netherlands

11. In Iceland, what are the “Yule Lads” known for?
Answer: Mischievous trolls who leave gifts (or potatoes) in children’s shoes

12. What is the name of the Christmas bread traditionally eaten in Germany?

A. Panettone
B. Stollen
C. Brioche
D. Challah
Answer: B. Stollen

13. What is the traditional Christmas drink called in Puerto Rico?
Answer: Coquito

14. Which country is known for its Christmas markets, especially in cities like Nuremberg and Dresden?
Answer: Germany

15. In Norway, families hide what household item to protect it from witches during Christmas?

A. Brooms
B. Shoes
C. Candles
D. Stockings
Answer: A. Brooms

Christmas Songs and Carols

1. What popular Christmas song was originally written for Thanksgiving?
Answer: “Jingle Bells”

2. Who wrote the song “White Christmas,” one of the best-selling singles of all time?
Answer: Irving Berlin

3. What is the name of the carol that begins with “God rest ye merry, gentlemen”?
Answer: “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”

4. Which singer is famous for the holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You”?
Answer: Mariah Carey

5. In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what gift is given on the seventh day?
Answer: Seven swans a-swimming

6. “O Holy Night” was originally written in which language?
Answer: French

7. What Christmas carol includes the lyrics, “Let earth receive her King”?
Answer: “Joy to the World”

8. Which song features the lyric “Pa rum pum pum pum”?
Answer: “The Little Drummer Boy”

9. Who sang the classic 1940s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”?
Answer: Judy Garland

10. What is the oldest Christmas carol still sung today?

A. “Silent Night”
B. “The First Noel”
C. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
D. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Answer: C. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

11. What Christmas song has the lyrics “Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh”?
Answer: “Jingle Bells”

12. “Feliz Navidad” is sung in both Spanish and English. Who wrote and popularized it?
Answer: José Feliciano

13. In what country did the carol “Silent Night” originate?
Answer: Austria

14. What classic Christmas song is known as “Stille Nacht” in its original language?
Answer: “Silent Night”

15. Which carol contains the line, “Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation”?
Answer: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Christmas Movies and TV Specials

1. In the movie Home Alone, where is Kevin McCallister’s family traveling when they leave him behind?
Answer: Paris

2. What is the name of the Grinch’s dog in How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
Answer: Max

3. Which actor played Buddy in the 2003 Christmas movie Elf?
Answer: Will Ferrell

4. What holiday does Jack Skellington try to take over in The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Answer: Christmas

5. In A Charlie Brown Christmas, what does Charlie Brown set out to find for the school play?
Answer: A Christmas tree

6. In the movie The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas?
Answer: A bell from Santa’s sleigh

7. Which famous actor played the role of George Bailey in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life?
Answer: James Stewart

8. What does Ralphie Parker want for Christmas in A Christmas Story?
Answer: A Red Ryder BB gun

9. In The Santa Clause, what causes Scott Calvin to become Santa Claus?

A. A magical wish
B. He puts on Santa’s suit after Santa falls off his roof
C. An elf chooses him
D. He is visited by the Ghost of Christmas
Answer: B. He puts on Santa’s suit after Santa falls off his roof

10. In Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, what causes the Grinch’s heart to grow three sizes?
Answer: He hears the Whos singing even after he steals their Christmas.

11. What year was the classic animated film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first aired?
Answer: 1964

12. In Elf, what is the first rule of the Code of Elves?

A. Treat every day like Christmas
B. Help those in need
C. Santa is always watching
D. Spread cheer to the world
Answer: A. Treat every day like Christmas

13. In Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle claims to be who?
Answer: The real Santa Claus

14. In the movie Die Hard, what is the name of the building where the Christmas party is held?
Answer: Nakatomi Plaza

15. Which famous ballet often performed during Christmas tells the story of Clara and her adventures with the Nutcracker?
Answer: The Nutcracker

Santa Claus and Folklore

1. The modern image of Santa Claus was popularized by which company’s advertisements in the 1930s?
Answer: Coca-Cola

2. Santa Claus is based on which historical saint?
Answer: Saint Nicholas

3. In which country did the legend of Saint Nicholas originate?
Answer: Turkey (historically Asia Minor)

4. What is the name of Santa Claus in Dutch tradition?
Answer: Sinterklaas

5. In Scandinavian folklore, what is the name of the gnome or elf associated with Christmas?
Answer: Tomte or Nisse

6. According to tradition, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole. Which country claims to have Santa’s official home in Lapland?
Answer: Finland

7. What is the name of the horse that accompanies Saint Nicholas in Dutch and Belgian traditions?

A. Blitzen
B. Sleipnir
C. Amerigo
D. Pegasus
Answer: C. Amerigo

8. In German folklore, who accompanies Saint Nicholas to punish naughty children?
Answer: Krampus

9. In American folklore, Santa Claus travels on a sleigh pulled by how many reindeer?
Answer: Eight (nine including Rudolph)

10. What are the names of Santa’s original eight reindeer?
Answer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen

11. What is the name of the holiday figure who delivers gifts in Russia?
Answer: Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)

12. In which country does Santa Claus traditionally arrive by boat and ride a white horse named Sleipnir?
Answer: Norway

13. What is the name of the Italian Christmas witch who delivers gifts to children?
Answer: La Befana

14. In Mexican tradition, who brings gifts to children on Three Kings’ Day?
Answer: The Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos)

15. What is Santa Claus known as in France?
Answer: Père Noël

Decorations and Symbols

1. What type of tree is most commonly used as a Christmas tree?
Answer: Evergreen (such as fir, spruce, or pine)

2. What do the red berries of the holly plant symbolize in Christian tradition?
Answer: The blood of Jesus Christ

3. Who is credited with creating the first lighted Christmas tree by adding candles to it?

A. Martin Luther
B. Prince Albert
C. Charles Dickens
D. Thomas Edison
Answer: A. Martin Luther

4. What is the name of the plant traditionally hung, under which people kiss during Christmas?
Answer: Mistletoe

5. What does the circular shape of a Christmas wreath symbolize?
Answer: Eternity and everlasting life

6. The first artificial Christmas trees were made from what material?

A. Plastic
B. Goose feathers
C. Metal
D. Straw
Answer: B. Goose feathers

7. The custom of hanging stockings is believed to have originated with what legendary figure?
Answer: Saint Nicholas

8. What Christmas symbol represents the star that led the Wise Men to Jesus?
Answer: The star placed on top of the Christmas tree

9. In traditional Christmas decor, what does the candy cane’s shape represent?
Answer: A shepherd’s crook

10. In Mexico, what is the name of the decorative flower associated with Christmas?
Answer: Poinsettia

11. Tinsel was originally made from which metal?

A. Gold
B. Lead
C. Silver
D. Aluminum
Answer: C. Silver

12. What do the colors red and green traditionally represent during Christmas?
Answer: Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and green symbolizes eternal life.

13. What is the name of the German tradition where a glass pickle ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree?
Answer: The Christmas Pickle (Weihnachtsgurke)

14. What does a Yule log traditionally symbolize?
Answer: Good luck, prosperity, and the driving away of evil spirits

15. What modern invention did Thomas Edison’s assistants create that became a Christmas staple?
Answer: Electric Christmas lights

Modern Christmas Traditions

1. What popular holiday drink is made from milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks?
Answer: Eggnog

2. What is the biggest selling Christmas single of all time?
Answer: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby

3. What is the name of the gift exchange game where participants can “steal” gifts from others?
Answer: White Elephant (or Yankee Swap)

4. What is the most popular day for buying a Christmas tree in the U.S.?

A. Thanksgiving Day
B. Black Friday
C. First Saturday in December
D. Christmas Eve
Answer: B. Black Friday

5. What popular figure is said to oversee the behavior of children in December, reporting back to Santa?
Answer: The Elf on the Shelf

6. What is the name of the day when retailers offer massive holiday discounts online?
Answer: Cyber Monday

7. In the U.S., what is the most common Christmas dinner main course?

A. Roast turkey
B. Ham
C. Beef tenderloin
D. Roast chicken
Answer: B. Ham

8. What popular Christmas event involves dressing in festive or humorous sweaters?
Answer: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

9. What technology has made sending Christmas cards easier in modern times?
Answer: E-cards and email

10. In the U.K., what do families traditionally pull at the dinner table during Christmas?
Answer: Christmas crackers

11. What viral Christmas character became famous for dancing to the song “The Cha Cha Slide”?
Answer: The Dancing Santa

12. What day do most Americans take down their Christmas decorations?

A. New Year’s Eve
B. January 6 (Epiphany)
C. January 1
D. December 26
Answer: B. January 6 (Epiphany)

13. What is the most watched Christmas movie in the U.S. on TV each year?
Answer: Home Alone

14. How many years does it take for Hallmark to plan and produce its annual Christmas movies?

A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 6 months
Answer: B. 2 years

15. What is the name of the trend where neighborhoods compete with extravagant Christmas light displays?
Answer: Christmas Light Wars

Literature and Poetry

1. Who wrote the classic Christmas novella A Christmas Carol?
Answer: Charles Dickens

2. What are the names of the three spirits who visit Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?
Answer: The Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

3. What is the famous opening line of A Visit from St. Nicholas, commonly known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas?
Answer: “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house…”

4. What pen name did the author of A Visit from St. Nicholas use?
Answer: Clement Clarke Moore

5. What holiday figure features prominently in the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas?
Answer: Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus)

6. What is the name of the boy in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
Answer: There is no boy; it focuses on Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch.

7. In The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, what is the first gift of Christmas?
Answer: A silver bell

8. Which famous Christmas story begins with the line, “Marley was dead: to begin with”?
Answer: A Christmas Carol

9. In A Christmas Carol, what is the name of Scrooge’s underpaid clerk?
Answer: Bob Cratchit

10. In what year was A Christmas Carol first published?
Answer: 1843

11. Who is the author of the short story The Gift of the Magi, which is a popular Christmas tale?
Answer: O. Henry

12. In Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, what is Santa’s sleigh described as being drawn by?
Answer: Eight tiny reindeer

13. What famous Christmas story includes the line, “God bless us, everyone!”?
Answer: A Christmas Carol

14. What novel features a family celebrating Christmas and the character Jo March?
Answer: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

15. In Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl, what is the girl doing on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Selling matches and imagining a warm, happy Christmas

Fun and Miscellaneous

1. In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” how many total gifts are given by the end of the song?
Answer: 364

2. What Christmas beverage is also known as “milk punch”?
Answer: Eggnog

3. What is the name of the snowman in the popular holiday song?
Answer: Frosty

4. What is the name of the animated film where a train takes children to the North Pole on Christmas Eve?
Answer: The Polar Express

5. What holiday toy caused riots in stores when it was first released in 1996?
Answer: Tickle Me Elmo

6. In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what brings Frosty to life?
Answer: An old silk hat

7. What year did NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) start tracking Santa’s flight?
Answer: 1955

8. What popular Christmas ballet features a young girl named Clara?
Answer: The Nutcracker

9. How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian?
Answer: Mele Kalikimaka

10. What is the traditional fruit hidden inside a Christmas pudding?
Answer: A coin (historically, a silver coin or sixpence)

11. According to folklore, what special ability does mistletoe have besides encouraging kissing?
Answer: It’s said to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

12. What famous department store created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as a holiday promotion?
Answer: Montgomery Ward

13. Which country started the tradition of sending Christmas cards?
Answer: England

14. What is the name of the green creature who tried to steal Christmas?
Answer: The Grinch

15. In the movie Elf, what are the four main food groups for elves?
Answer: Candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup

16. In what year was the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree put up?
Answer: 1931

17. What Christmas song holds the Guinness World Record for being the most recorded song of all time?
Answer: “Silent Night”

18. Which reindeer’s name starts with the letter “B”?
Answer: Blitzen

19. What does “Feliz Navidad” mean in English?
Answer: Merry Christmas

20. What does the custom of leaving milk and cookies for Santa symbolize?
Answer: Hospitality and gratitude