Ultimate Christmas Trivia Quiz

December 5, 2023

The joyous sounds of sleigh bells resonating through the chilly air during the holiday season fill one with happiness and good cheer.

Entering the captivating world of a Christmas trivia quiz is the perfect way to add a little knowledge and a lot of fun to the celebrations as we get together with our loved ones to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

Our Christmas Trivia Quiz is intended to take you on a joyful voyage through the enchanting history, lively folklore, and rich tapestry of seasonal customs that have influenced how we commemorate this most delightful time of the year.

This quiz will test your knowledge, pique your curiosity, and provide you with morsels of Christmas wisdom to offer around the holiday table, regardless of how knowledgeable you are about Santa. You’ll come across a broad range of questions covering Christmas customs as you go on this quiz adventure.

The quiz is a sleigh journey through the years, enabling you to uncover the layers of seasonal lore, from the beginnings of popular carols to the intriguing history of Santa Claus.

Learn the origins of famous decorations, investigate regional variants of Christmas festivities, and discover the peculiar traditions that contribute to this season’s distinct appeal. Now grab a hot chocolate, settle in by the fire, and let the Christmas quizzing fun begin!

1. In the song “Jingle Bells,” what kind of sleigh is mentioned?

A. Two-horse open sleigh

B. One-horse open sleigh

C. Reindeer-pulled sleigh

C. Magical flying sleigh

In the song “Jingle Bells,” the type of sleigh mentioned is an “open sleigh.” The specific line in the song is “Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!” This classic holiday tune was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and has since become one of the most well-known and cheerful Christmas songs. The mention of the “one-horse open sleigh” adds to the festive and nostalgic imagery of dashing through the snow during the holiday season.

2. In the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” what is the name of the town where George Bailey lives?

A. Springfield

B. Pleasantville

C. Bedford Falls

D. Hometownville

Capra on his own placed Bedford Falls in Upstate New York. Bedford Falls might just be a composite of small towns across America, set in Upstate New York. But the fact is no town in Upstate New York has as many similarities to the town in It’s A Wonderful Life as does Seneca Falls.

3. What are the top two main colors of Christmas?

A. Blue and yellow

B. Purple and orange

C. Pink and silver

D. Red and green

The quintessential color combination that defines Christmas is the classic pairing of red and green. These vibrant hues have deep-rooted symbolism and historical significance, making them inseparable from the festive season. Red is a dominant color during Christmas, symbolizing various aspects of the holiday. It is often associated with the warmth of the hearth and home, representing love, passion, and the joyous spirit of the season. Santa Claus, the iconic figure of Christmas, dons a red suit, further cementing the color’s association with the holiday. Green, with its connections to evergreen trees and holly leaves, represents life, renewal, and the enduring spirit of nature even in the depths of winter. The use of greenery in Christmas decorations, such as wreaths and Christmas trees, is a nod to this symbolism. The Christmas tree, bedecked in green needles, stands as a centerpiece in many homes during the holiday season. The association of red and green with Christmas has historical roots dating back centuries. In ancient times, evergreen plants like holly and ivy were used in winter festivals to symbolize life and hope during the cold, dark months. Over time, these traditions evolved, and the colors became synonymous with the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus.

4. According to legend, what holiday figure punishes naughty children?

A. Santa Claus

B. Frosty the Snowman

C. The Easter Bunny

D. Krampus

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas.

5. What is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?

A. The Grinch

B. A Christmas Carol

C. Home Alone

D. Elf

the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time is “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Directed by Ron Howard and released in 2000, this film is a live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic 1957 children’s book. One interesting fun fact about “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is that Jim Carrey, who played the lead role of the Grinch, went through extensive makeup application to transform into the character. The process took several hours each day, and Carrey’s commitment to bringing the Grinch to life on screen contributed to the film’s success.
The film’s combination of Carrey’s comedic talent, the timeless story of the Grinch’s redemption, and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss made it a hit at the box office, earning its place as one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies.

6. In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what made Frosty come to life?

A. An old silk hat

B. A scarf

C. A carrot

D. A button nose

In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” Frosty’s enchanting animation is attributed to a rather whimsical accessory – a magical silk hat. This seemingly ordinary top hat, when placed on Frosty’s snowy head, works its mystical wonders and brings the jolly snowman to life. The lyrics of the song describe the transformative process with the lines “There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found.” The idea that a simple, discarded hat could harbor magical properties adds a touch of whimsy and fantasy to Frosty’s origin story.

7. What are the names of Santa’s reindeer?

A. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

B. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen, and Frosty

C. Cupid, Comet, Rudolph, and Sparkle

D. Jingle, Bells, Holly, and Snowy

In modern times, Santa is recognized as having 9 reindeers – Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph

8. In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what gift is given on the third day?

A. Three French hens

B. Three calling birds

C. Three turtle doves

D. Three golden rings

In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the gift given on the third day is “Three French Hens.” The lyrics of the song detail a series of increasingly extravagant gifts given by a true love over the twelve days of Christmas. Each day introduces a new set of gifts, with “Three French Hens” being the offering on the third day.
The song’s origin dates back to 18th-century England, and it has since become a popular and festive tune during the Christmas season. The repetition of gifts and the buildup of each day’s presents contribute to the whimsical and celebratory nature of the song.

9. Who wrote the famous Christmas story “A Christmas Carol”?

A. J.K. Rowling

B. Charles Dickens

C. Jane Austen

D. Mark Twain

The famous Christmas story “A Christmas Carol” was written by Charles Dickens. The novella was first published in 1843 and has since become one of Dickens’s most enduring and beloved works. Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” to address the social and economic inequalities of the time, weaving a powerful narrative of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas.
He began writing in October 1843 and completed it in just six weeks, finishing it in time for Christmas publication. The success of the novella was immediate, and it has since been adapted into numerous plays, films, and other forms of media, solidifying its place as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world during the holiday season.

10. Who wrote the song “All I Want for Christmas Is You”?

A. Mariah Carey

B. Charles Dickens

C. Thomas Eddison

D. Justin Bieber

The song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was written by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, along with Walter Afanasieff. Mariah Carey co-wrote and co-produced the song, which was released as a single from her fourth studio album, “Merry Christmas,” in 1994. All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become one of the best-selling singles of all time and is widely regarded as one of the most popular modern Christmas songs.

11. What famous Christmas ballet features a young girl’s journey to the Land of Sweets?

A. The Nutcracker

B. The Sleeping Beauty

C. The Swan Lake

D. The Cinderella

The famous Christmas ballet that features a young girl’s journey to the Land of Sweets is “The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker” was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and had its premiere in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December 1892.
The ballet is based on the 1816 story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
The ballet tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift. The Nutcracker comes to life, and Clara is transported to a magical world where she encounters various characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy.

12. What is the Italian Christmas Eve celebration known as?

A. Feast of the Seven Fishes

B. Buon Natale

C. Il Natale Felice

D. La Vigilia di Natale

Start feasting on La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve) Of course, Christmas is the time to indulge and enjoy yourself to the fullest. That’s why Italians celebrate Christmas Eve with a large feast known as La Vigilia on December 24th. Traditionally, Italian Christmas Eve dinner is a meat-free meal.

13. In what country did the Christmas tree tradition originate?

A. France

B. Germany

C. Italy

D. England

The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany, where families set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the Eucharistic host, the Christian sign of redemption).

14. What is the last line of the poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”?

A. Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

B. “Merry Christmas, everyone!”

C. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”

D. “And that’s how Christmas came to be.”

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
This final sentiment expresses Santa Claus’s well-wishes for a happy Christmas to everyone before he departs into the night. The poem, first published anonymously in 1823, has become a classic and is widely read during the Christmas season. It has contributed significantly to shaping the modern image of Santa Claus and the traditions associated with his annual visit.

15. In what city does the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” take place?

A. Chicago

B. London

C. New York City

D. Paris

The story takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the effect of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa. The film has become a perennial Christmas favorite.

16. What is the name of Scrooge’s deceased business partner in “A Christmas Carol”?

A. Bob Marley

B. Jacob Marley

C. Ebenezer Marley

D. Tim Marley

Jacob Marley, is a fictional character, the deceased business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (1843) by Charles Dickens. Marley’s ghost visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve at the beginning of the story.

17. Which plant is used for Christmas decoration?

A. Rosemary

B. Sunflower

C. Lily

D. Poinsettia

Poinsettia. Native to Mexico and parts of Central America, the vibrant poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) features showy petal-like bracts that resemble enormous flowers. Red is the most common color, but varieties with pink, yellow, mottled, or striped bracts have also been developed.

18. What is the name of the famous red-nosed reindeer?

A. Blitzen

B. Rudolph

C. Comet

D. Cupid

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer created by Robert L. May. Rudolph is usually depicted as the ninth and youngest of Santa Claus’s reindeer, using his luminous red nose to lead the reindeer team and guide Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

19. What popular Christmas beverage is also known as “milk punch”?

A. Hot Chocolate

B. Mulled Wine

C. Eggnog

D. Cider

Eggnog, historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage.

20. In what country did the tradition of exchanging gifts originate?

A. Egypt

B. Greece

C. Rome

D. China

In Rome during the second half of December and the early part of January, festivals took place at which gifts were exchanged; those offered in December were usually of two kinds of wax candles (which we have adopted for our Christmas trees) and dolls made of clay or some edible substance, which were given to children.

21. What is the title of the song sung by Bing Crosby in the film “White Christmas”?

A. Winter Wonderland

B. Let It Snow

C. Holiday Inn

D. Jingle Bell Rock

In Holiday Inn, the composition won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942. In the film, Crosby sings “White Christmas” as a duet with actress Marjorie Reynolds, though her voice was dubbed by Martha Mears.

22. What is the name of the Grinch’s dog in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”?

A. Max

B. Spot

C. Buddy

D. Rover

In Dr Seuss’ books and all adaptations, the Grinch’s canine companion is called Max. Max appears to be the Grinch’s only friend in the movie. Despite the Grinch’s bad moods and tirades, Max is ever-loyal to him. He even wears reindeer antlers and pulls the sleigh full of Whoville’s Christmas gifts!

23. In what year did the first commercial Christmas card appear?

A. 1625

B. 1843

C. 1901

D. 2000

Queen Victoria sent the first official Christmas card, and Sir Henry Cole, who amongst other things was an assistant to Sir Rowland Hill in the introduction of the penny post and the first Director of the V&A, commissioned the first commercial Christmas card in 1843.

24. What beverage company is often associated with Santa Claus due to its Christmas-themed advertisements?

A. Pepsi

B. Coca-Cola

C. Sprite

D. Dr. Pepper

The beverage company often associated with Santa Claus due to its Christmas-themed advertisements is Coca-Cola. The association between Coca-Cola and Santa Claus became particularly strong in the early 20th century, thanks to a series of iconic illustrations created by artist Haddon Sundblom. These images depicted a jolly Santa enjoying Coca-Cola, and they played a significant role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus as a rotund, happy figure in a red suit. The Coca-Cola Company’s holiday advertising campaigns featuring Santa have become ingrained in popular culture and are widely recognized during the Christmas season.

25. What song is known as the best-selling single of all time?

A. Jingle Bells

B. White Christmas

C. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

D. Blue Christmas

The Guinness World Records named the holiday single “White Christmas” (1942) by Bing Crosby as the best-selling single worldwide. According to Guinness, “White Christmas” sold over 50 million copies. The single is known as the “best-selling single of all time”. It was released before music charts were created.