Nothing brings people together during the holiday season quite like beloved traditions, festive decorations, and joyful celebrations.
From decorating trees and exchanging gifts to singing carols and enjoying delicious holiday meals, these customs have been passed down through generations and continue to make the season unforgettable.
Exploring the stories behind these traditions is a fun way to appreciate their history and meaning.
This collection of Christmas tradition trivia questions and answers is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, classroom activities, or cozy nights at home.
Whether you’re testing your festive knowledge or learning something new, these questions are sure to add excitement, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Simple Christmas Tradition Trivia Questions and Answers
1. In which country did the tradition of the Christmas tree originate?
A) England
B) Germany
C) France
D) The USA
Answer: B) Germany
Explanation: The Christmas tree tradition dates back to the late Middle Ages in Germany, where evergreen trees were brought indoors and decorated to celebrate the winter solstice.
2. What is traditionally hidden inside a Christmas pudding?
A) A key
B) A button
C) A coin
D) A candy cane
Answer: C) A coin
Explanation: A coin (often silver) is baked into Christmas pudding as a symbol of good luck. Finding it in your slice means wealth and fortune in the coming year.
3. What Christmas decoration is made from a parasitic plant?
A) Holly
B) Ivy
C) Mistletoe
D) Poinsettia
Answer: C) Mistletoe
Explanation: Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on trees. It has long been associated with kissing traditions during Christmas in many English-speaking countries.
4. What do children traditionally leave out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve?
A) Bread and cheese
B) Cookies and milk
C) Fruit and water
D) Juice and cake
Answer: B) Cookies and milk
Explanation: Children leave cookies and milk for Santa as a thank-you for bringing presents. In some countries, carrots are also left for his reindeer.
5. What is traditionally placed on top of a Christmas tree?
A) A candy cane
B) A flower
C) A star or an angel
D) A snowman
Answer: C) A star or an angel
Explanation: A star or an angel is placed on top of the tree to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem or the angel who announced Jesus’s birth.
6. What do people traditionally hang by the fireplace for Santa to fill?
A) Socks
B) Stockings
C) Shoes
D) Bags
Answer: B) Stockings
Explanation: The tradition of hanging stockings comes from the legend of St. Nicholas, who dropped gold coins into stockings hung by the fireplace to dry.
7. In the UK, what is the name of the day after Christmas Day?
A) St. Stephen’s Day
B) Gift Day
C) Boxing Day
D) Second Christmas Day
Answer: C) Boxing Day
Explanation: Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, gets its name from the tradition of giving “Christmas boxes” (gifts) to servants and the less fortunate.
8. What is the traditional Christmas beverage also known as “milk punch”?
A) Hot chocolate
B) Eggnog
C) Apple cider
D) Mulled wine
Answer: B) Eggnog
Explanation: Eggnog is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and often nutmeg or cinnamon. It’s a classic holiday drink enjoyed in many countries.
9. In Japan, what unusual meal has become a popular Christmas tradition?
A) Sushi
B) KFC fried chicken
C) Tempura
D) Ramen
Answer: B) KFC fried chicken
Explanation: This tradition started in 1974 with a highly successful KFC marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas.”
10. What plant is associated with kissing under at Christmas?
A) Holly
B) Poinsettia
C) Ivy
D) Mistletoe
Answer: D) Mistletoe
Explanation: Kissing under the mistletoe is a beloved Christmas tradition in many countries, especially in English-speaking ones.
11. Which country is credited with the tradition of the Christmas pickle?
A) Germany
B) USA
C) Sweden
D) England
Answer: B) USA
Explanation: Despite popular belief, the “Christmas Pickle” tradition (hiding a pickle ornament in the tree for a child to find) is actually an American tradition, not German.
12. What do people traditionally put in Christmas crackers in the UK?
A) A toy, a paper hat, and a joke
B) Candy and a coin
C) A small gift and a letter
D) A chocolate and a puzzle
Answer: A) A toy, a paper hat, and a joke
Explanation: Christmas crackers are pulled at Christmas dinner and contain a paper crown, a small toy or trinket, and a joke (often a bad pun).
13. Which Scandinavian country has the tradition of the Yule Goat made of straw?
A) Norway
B) Denmark
C) Sweden
D) Finland
Answer: C) Sweden
Explanation: In Sweden, straw Yule Goats (called “Julbock”) are a common Christmas decoration, with the most famous one erected annually in the town of Gävle.
14. What is the traditional Italian Christmas dessert made with candied fruits?
A) Stollen
B) Panettone
C) Mince pie
D) Pavlova
Answer: B) Panettone
Explanation: Panettone is a sweet bread loaf filled with candied fruits and raisins. It originated in Milan and is a beloved Italian Christmas dessert.
15. In which country did the tradition of Christmas crackers begin?
A) USA
B) Germany
C) France
D) England
Answer: D) England
Explanation: Christmas crackers were invented in the Victorian era by London sweet maker Tom Smith around 1845-1850.
16. What is the name of the traditional Christmas Eve meal in Poland?
A) Las Posadas
B) Julebord
C) Wigilia
D) Ceia de Natal
Answer: C) Wigilia
Explanation: Wigilia is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Poland, consisting of 12 meatless dishes to represent the 12 apostles.
17. In which country do children leave shoes out for St. Nicholas on December 5th?
A) Germany
B) The Netherlands
C) France
D) Sweden
Answer: B) The Netherlands
Explanation: In the Netherlands, children leave shoes out on December 5th for Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) to fill with small gifts and treats.
18. What does the word “Noel” mean?
A) Joy
B) Peace
C) Love
D) Christmas
Answer: D) Christmas
Explanation: “Noel” comes from the French word for Christmas and is often used in Christmas carols and greetings.
19. What color are the berries on a mistletoe plant?
A) Red
B) Blue
C) White
D) Green
Answer: C) White
Explanation: Mistletoe berries are white or pale in color, which makes them easy to spot against the green leaves in winter.
20. In Venezuela, what unusual mode of transport is used to attend early Christmas Mass?
A) Bicycles
B) Roller skates
C) Horses
D) Skateboards
Answer: B) Roller skates
Explanation: In Caracas, Venezuela, it’s a tradition for people to roller skate to early morning Christmas Mass. Some streets are even closed to traffic for safety!
Related: 125+ White Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers
Easy Christmas Tradition Trivia for Holiday Fun
1. What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree? A) Star or Angel B) Candy cane C) Bell D) Snowflake Answer: A) Star or Angel Explanation: The star represents Bethlehem, while the angel symbolizes the nativity story.
2. What do children hang by the fireplace for Santa? A) Hats B) Stockings C) Gloves D) Scarves Answer: B) Stockings Explanation: Stockings are filled with small gifts and treats.
3. What snack is usually left out for Santa? A) Cake B) Cookies and milk C) Fruit D) Candy Answer: B) Cookies and milk Explanation: A tradition in many countries to thank Santa for his visit.
4. What plant do people kiss under at Christmas? A) Holly B) Mistletoe C) Pine D) Ivy Answer: B) Mistletoe Explanation: Mistletoe is linked to love and good luck.
5. What month is Christmas celebrated? A) November B) December C) January D) February Answer: B) December Explanation: Christmas Day is December 25.
6. What do carolers traditionally do? A) Bake cookies B) Sing songs C) Decorate trees D) Wrap gifts Answer: B) Sing songs Explanation: Caroling spreads festive cheer through music.
7. What is the traditional drink of Christmas in the U.S.? A) Hot chocolate B) Eggnog C) Mulled wine D) Apple cider Answer: B) Eggnog Explanation: Eggnog is a creamy holiday drink enjoyed at Christmas.
8. What do people traditionally exchange at Christmas? A) Cards B) Gifts C) Flowers D) Coins Answer: B) Gifts Explanation: Gift‑giving symbolizes love and generosity.
9. What is the traditional color combination of Christmas? A) Blue and white B) Red and green C) Gold and silver D) Purple and yellow Answer: B) Red and green Explanation: Red symbolizes sacrifice, green represents eternal life.
10. What do children often build in snowy weather at Christmas? A) Igloo B) Snowman C) Snow fort D) Snow angel Answer: B) Snowman Explanation: Snowmen are a fun winter tradition.
11. What is the name of the famous Christmas ballet? A) Swan Lake B) The Nutcracker C) Sleeping Beauty D) Giselle Answer: B) The Nutcracker Explanation: Tchaikovsky’s ballet is performed worldwide during Christmas.
12. What do people traditionally eat for Christmas dinner in England? A) Roast beef B) Turkey C) Ham D) Goose Answer: B) Turkey Explanation: Turkey became the centerpiece of English Christmas dinners.
13. What do people light during Advent? A) Lanterns B) Candles C) Fireworks D) Torches Answer: B) Candles Explanation: Advent candles mark the weeks leading up to Christmas.
14. What do people decorate their homes with at Christmas? A) Balloons B) Lights C) Flags D) Posters Answer: B) Lights Explanation: Christmas lights brighten homes and symbolize joy.
15. What is the name of the red‑nosed reindeer? A) Dasher B) Rudolph C) Comet D) Vixen Answer: B) Rudolph Explanation: Rudolph guides Santa’s sleigh with his glowing nose.
16. What do people traditionally bake at Christmas? A) Bread B) Cookies C) Muffins D) Donuts Answer: B) Cookies Explanation: Christmas cookies are decorated and shared with family.
17. What is the holiday celebrated on December 26 in the UK? A) Boxing Day B) Epiphany C) New Year’s Eve D) St. Nicholas Day Answer: A) Boxing Day Explanation: Traditionally, servants and tradespeople received gifts in boxes.
18. What do people sing at Christmas? A) Hymns B) Carols C) Anthems D) Chants Answer: B) Carols Explanation: Christmas carols are festive songs sung during the season.
19. What do children often write before Christmas? A) Letters to Santa B) Poems C) Stories D) Cards to elves Answer: A) Letters to Santa Explanation: Children list their wishes in letters to Santa Claus.
20. What is the meaning of the star on top of the Christmas tree? A) Wealth B) Bethlehem Star C) Peace D) Guidance Answer: B) Bethlehem Star Explanation: It symbolizes the star that guided the Wise Men to Jesus.
Related: 145+ Christmas Around the World Trivia Questions and Answers
Christmas Tradition Quiz Questions and Answers PDF
1. In which country do people traditionally hide a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree?
A) Germany
B) United States
C) France
D) Sweden
Answer: B) United States
Explanation: The “Christmas pickle” tradition is mostly American (and a bit mysterious). Whoever finds the pickle on Christmas morning gets an extra gift… or just bragging rights.
2. What do people in Japan traditionally eat on Christmas Day?
A) Sushi
B) KFC fried chicken
C) Ramen
D) Sashimi
Answer: B) KFC fried chicken
Explanation: Thanks to a brilliant 1970s marketing campaign, eating KFC on Christmas has become a huge tradition in Japan. People even pre-order their buckets weeks in advance!
3. In Norway, what do people hide their brooms from on Christmas Eve?
A) Santa
B) Witches and evil spirits
C) The Krampus
D) Hungry reindeer
Answer: B) Witches and evil spirits
Explanation: Norwegian folklore says witches and mischievous spirits come out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride. So people hide them!
4. What do some people in Venezuela do on Christmas Eve that involves roller skates?
A) Race to the store
B) Go to Christmas mass on roller skates
C) Deliver gifts while skating
D) Perform ice-skating shows
Answer: B) Go to Christmas mass on roller skates
Explanation: In Caracas, it’s common for people to roller-skate to early morning Christmas mass. Some streets are even closed for the skaters!
5. In Catalonia (Spain), what is the name of the Christmas character that looks like a log and poops presents?
A) Caga Tió
B) Krampus
C) Befana
D) Joulupukki
Answer: A) Caga Tió
Explanation: Caga Tió (the “Pooping Log”) is a smiling log that children feed and care for. On Christmas, they beat it with sticks while singing so it “poops” out presents. Yes… really.
6. What do people in the Czech Republic traditionally throw out of the window for good luck at Christmas?
A) Coins
B) A shoe
C) An apple
D) A potato
Answer: B) A shoe
Explanation: Unmarried women throw a shoe over their shoulder. If the toe points toward the door, they’ll get married within the year. No pressure!
7. In Iceland, what is the Christmas tradition involving books?
A) Writing letters to Santa
B) The “Christmas Book Flood” (Jólabókaflóð)
C) Burning old books
D) Reading only one book all December
Answer: B) The “Christmas Book Flood” (Jólabókaflóð)
Explanation: Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading while drinking hot chocolate. It’s basically the coziest tradition on Earth.
8. What do some people in Estonia do to predict the future on Christmas?
A) Read tea leaves
B) Drop molten lead into cold water
C) Look at the clouds
D) Count the baubles on the tree
Answer: B) Drop molten lead into cold water
Explanation: They melt lead (or more commonly tin nowadays) and drop it into cold water. The shape it forms supposedly predicts the coming year.
9. In the Philippines, what is the longest Christmas season in the world officially called?
A) The Ber Months
B) Christmas Forever
C) The Long December
D) Endless Noel
Answer: A) The Ber Months
Explanation: Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as early as September (the “-ber” months: September, October, November, December). It’s a four-month Christmas party.
10. What do people in Poland traditionally place on the Christmas Eve table for an unexpected guest?
A) An extra plate
B) A pair of shoes
C) A candle
D) A bottle of vodka
Answer: A) An extra plate
Explanation: An empty place setting is left at the table for a stranger or for the spirit of a loved one who has passed away.
11. In Germany, what is the scary companion of St. Nicholas who punishes naughty children?
A) Krampus
B) Belsnickel
C) Knecht Ruprecht
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Germany and nearby regions have several terrifying sidekicks who deal with naughty kids so Santa doesn’t have to.
12. What do children in the UK leave out for Father Christmas?
A) Cookies and milk
B) Mince pies and sherry
C) Carrots for the reindeer
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Explanation: British children traditionally leave mince pies and a glass of sherry (or brandy) for Father Christmas, plus carrots for the reindeer.
13. In Ukraine, what do people traditionally decorate their Christmas trees with?
A) Tinsel
B) Spider webs (and spiders)
C) Apples
D) Candles only
Answer: B) Spider webs (and spiders)
Explanation: According to Ukrainian legend, a poor family found their tree covered in spider webs that turned to silver and gold overnight. Artificial spider webs are still used as decorations.
14. What is the Finnish tradition of going to the sauna on Christmas Eve called?
A) Christmas Steam
B) The Christmas Sauna
C) Hot Noel
D) Just “sauna” (because Finns go year-round)
Answer: B) The Christmas Sauna
Explanation: Many Finnish families take a sauna on Christmas Eve to cleanse themselves before the holiday celebrations begin.
15. In Italy, who delivers gifts on January 6th instead of Santa?
A) La Befana
B) Babbo Natale
C) The Three Kings
D) Both A and C
Answer: D) Both A and C
Explanation: La Befana (a friendly witch) and the Three Kings both bring gifts on Epiphany (January 6).
16. What do people in South Africa sometimes braai (barbecue) for Christmas dinner?
A) Turkey
B) Seafood
C) Anything they want (including sausages and steak)
D) Only vegetables
Answer: C) Anything they want (including sausages and steak)
Explanation: Because Christmas falls in summer in the Southern Hemisphere, many South Africans prefer a braai over a hot roast dinner.
17. In Newfoundland, Canada, what do some people do on Christmas that involves dressing up?
A) Mummering
B) Caroling in costumes
C) Both A and B
D) Nothing unusual
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Mummering involves dressing in wild costumes and visiting neighbors’ houses for food, drink, and music while trying not to be recognized.
18. What do children in Mexico break open during Christmas celebrations?
A) A piñata
B) A gingerbread house
C) A chocolate egg
D) A coconut
Answer: A) A piñata
Explanation: The traditional Christmas piñata has seven points (representing the seven deadly sins) and is filled with candy and treats.
19. In Switzerland, what do some children receive if they’ve been naughty?
A) Coal
B) A stick
C) A visit from Schmutzli
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Explanation: Schmutzli is the dark, scary companion of Samichlaus who carries a sack and a switch for naughty children.
20. What do people in Greenland traditionally eat as a Christmas delicacy?
A) Fermented seabirds
B) Reindeer
C) Whale skin
D) All of the above are options
Answer: D) All of the above are options
Explanation: Traditional Greenlandic Christmas food can include mattak (whale skin and blubber), reindeer, and even fermented seabirds known as kiviaq. Not for the faint of heart!
Beginner-Friendly Christmas Tradition Trivia with Answers
1. Question: Who delivers presents to children on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Santa Claus
2. Question: What plant is traditionally hung above doors for people to kiss under?
Answer: Mistletoe
3. Question: What type of tree is usually decorated for Christmas?
Answer: Fir
4. Question: What treat do children often leave for Santa on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Cookies
5. Question: Which reindeer has a bright red nose?
Answer: Rudolph
6. Question: On which date is Christmas celebrated in most countries?
Answer: December 25th
7. Question: What is usually placed at the top of a Christmas tree?
Answer: A star or an angel
8. Question: What sweet, spiced cookies are popular during Christmas?
Answer: Gingerbread cookies
9. Question: Which holiday plant has red and green leaves and is used for decoration?
Answer: Poinsettia
10. Question: Where do people often place gifts during Christmas?
Answer: Under the Christmas tree
11. Question: What drink made of milk, sugar, and eggs is popular at Christmas?
Answer: Eggnog
12. Question: What do children hang by the fireplace for Santa to fill?
Answer: Stockings
13. Question: Which song begins with “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way”?
Answer: “Jingle Bells”
14. Question: What type of decoration is draped around the Christmas tree to make it shiny?
Answer: Tinsel or lights
15. Question: Which story features a green character trying to steal Christmas?
Answer: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
16. Question: What fruit is sometimes placed inside Christmas stockings?
Answer: Orange or tangerine
17. Question: Which song mentions “a partridge in a pear tree”?
Answer: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
18. Question: Which country popularized the modern image of Santa Claus in a red suit?
Answer: United States
19. Question: What is the German word for Christmas tree?
Answer: Tannenbaum
20. Question: What Christmas decoration is made from evergreen branches and hung on doors or walls?
Answer: Wreath
Printable Christmas Tradition Quiz for All Ages
1. Question: Who delivers presents to children on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Santa Claus
2. Question: What plant is traditionally hung above doors for people to kiss under?
Answer: Mistletoe
3. Question: What type of tree is commonly decorated for Christmas?
Answer: Fir
4. Question: What treat is often left out for Santa on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Cookies
5. Question: Which reindeer has a bright red nose?
Answer: Rudolph
6. Question: On which date do most countries celebrate Christmas?
Answer: December 25th
7. Question: What is usually placed at the top of a Christmas tree?
Answer: Star or angel
8. Question: What sweet, spiced cookies are popular during Christmas?
Answer: Gingerbread cookies
9. Question: Which holiday plant has red and green leaves and is used for decoration?
Answer: Poinsettia
10. Question: Where are gifts traditionally placed during Christmas?
Answer: Under the Christmas tree
11. Question: Which traditional drink is made from milk, sugar, and eggs?
Answer: Eggnog
12. Question: What do children hang by the fireplace for Santa to fill?
Answer: Stockings
13. Question: Which Christmas song begins with “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way”?
Answer: “Jingle Bells”
14. Question: What decoration is draped around the Christmas tree to make it shiny?
Answer: Tinsel or lights
15. Question: Which story features a green character trying to steal Christmas?
Answer: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
16. Question: What fruit is sometimes placed inside Christmas stockings?
Answer: Orange or tangerine
17. Question: Which Christmas song mentions “a partridge in a pear tree”?
Answer: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
18. Question: Which country popularized the modern image of Santa Claus in a red suit?
Answer: United States
19. Question: What is the German word for Christmas tree?
Answer: Tannenbaum
20. Question: Which Christmas decoration is made from evergreen branches and hung on doors or walls?
Answer: Wreath
Quick Christmas Tradition Trivia and Answers for Parties
1. Question: Who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Santa Claus
2. Question: What plant is hung above doors for people to kiss under?
Answer: Mistletoe
3. Question: What type of tree is commonly decorated for Christmas?
Answer: Fir
4. Question: What treat is often left out for Santa?
Answer: Cookies
5. Question: Which reindeer has a bright red nose?
Answer: Rudolph
6. Question: On which date is Christmas celebrated in most countries?
Answer: December 25th
7. Question: What is placed at the top of a Christmas tree?
Answer: Star or angel
8. Question: Which sweet, spiced cookies are popular during Christmas?
Answer: Gingerbread cookies
9. Question: Which plant with red and green leaves is often used as decoration?
Answer: Poinsettia
10. Question: Where are gifts traditionally placed?
Answer: Under the Christmas tree
11. Question: Which holiday drink is made from milk, sugar, and eggs?
Answer: Eggnog
12. Question: What do children hang by the fireplace for Santa to fill?
Answer: Stockings
13. Question: Which Christmas song starts with “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way”?
Answer: “Jingle Bells”
14. Question: What decoration is draped around Christmas trees to make them shiny?
Answer: Tinsel or lights
15. Question: Which story features a green character who tries to steal Christmas?
Answer: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
16. Question: What fruit is sometimes placed inside Christmas stockings?
Answer: Orange or tangerine
17. Question: Which song mentions “a partridge in a pear tree”?
Answer: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
18. Question: Which country popularized Santa Claus in a red suit?
Answer: United States
19. Question: What is the German word for Christmas tree?
Answer: Tannenbaum
20. Question: Which decoration is made from evergreen branches and hung on doors?
Answer: Wreath
Holiday Tradition Trivia Questions and Answers PDF Download
1. Question: Who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve?
Answer: Santa Claus
2. Question: What plant is traditionally hung above doors for people to kiss under?
Answer: Mistletoe
3. Question: What type of tree is usually decorated for Christmas?
Answer: Fir
4. Question: What sweet treat is commonly left for Santa Claus?
Answer: Cookies
5. Question: Which reindeer has a bright red nose?
Answer: Rudolph
6. Question: On which date is Christmas celebrated in most countries?
Answer: December 25th
7. Question: What is usually placed at the top of a Christmas tree?
Answer: Star or angel
8. Question: Which festive drink is made from milk, sugar, and eggs?
Answer: Eggnog
9. Question: In which country did the tradition of sending Christmas cards begin?
Answer: England
10. Question: What decoration is commonly draped around Christmas trees?
Answer: Tinsel or lights
11. Question: Which Christmas song starts with “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way”?
Answer: “Jingle Bells”
12. Question: Which story features a green character who tries to steal Christmas?
Answer: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
13. Question: What holiday plant has red and green leaves and is often used for decoration?
Answer: Poinsettia
14. Question: Where are gifts traditionally placed during Christmas?
Answer: Under the Christmas tree
15. Question: What fruit is sometimes placed inside Christmas stockings?
Answer: Orange or tangerine
16. Question: What type of cookies are shaped like people and decorated for Christmas?
Answer: Gingerbread cookies
17. Question: Which Christmas song mentions “a partridge in a pear tree”?
Answer: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
18. Question: Which country popularized Santa Claus in a red suit?
Answer: United States
19. Question: What is the German word for Christmas tree?
Answer: Tannenbaum
20. Question: Which decoration is made from evergreen branches and hung on doors or walls?
Answer: Wreath
Final Thoughts
Holiday traditions remind us of the importance of family, generosity, and creating lasting memories with the people we love.
Learning the history behind these customs makes every celebration even more meaningful.
We hope these Christmas tradition trivia questions and answers brought fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition to your holiday celebrations.
Share this festive quiz with friends and family, enjoy the challenge together, and make this holiday season even more memorable.