134+ National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Trivia Questions and Answers

Get ready for a hilarious holiday trip down memory lane with these National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation trivia questions and answers!

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Griswold family or watching the classic Christmas movie for the first time, this fun quiz is packed with memorable characters, funny moments, festive traditions, and unforgettable scenes.

Challenge yourself, test your movie knowledge, and see how many questions you can answer correctly!

Introduction to National Lampoon’s Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers

1. Who played the role of Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
A) Bill Murray
B) Chevy Chase
C) Steve Martin
D) Will Ferrell
Answer: B
Explanation: Chevy Chase brought Clark Griswold to life in this 1989 holiday classic. He and Beverly D’Angelo (Ellen) are the only actors to appear in the first three Vacation films.

2. What year was National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation released?
A) 1987
B) 1988
C) 1989
D) 1990
Answer: C
Explanation: The movie hit theaters in 1989. It was one of only two Christmas movies released by major studios that year—the other being Prancer.

3. What did Clark put down a $7,500 deposit for?
A) A Christmas tree
B) An all-inclusive trip
C) A new car
D) A swimming pool
Answer: D
Explanation: Clark was so confident in his Christmas bonus that he put a $7,500 deposit down on a swimming pool. His dreams of a backyard oasis literally went down the drain when he got a Jelly of the Month Club membership instead.

4. What did Clark actually receive as his Christmas bonus?
A) Deluxe bath soap
B) A fruitcake
C) A Jelly of the Month Club membership
D) Cash
Answer: C
Explanation: Instead of the cash bonus he was counting on, Clark received a one-year subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club. As Cousin Eddie so eloquently put it, “That’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year”.

5. How many imported Italian twinkle lights did Clark put on the Griswold house?
A) 10,000
B) 15,000
C) 20,000
D) 25,000
Answer: D
Explanation: Clark famously strung 25,000 lights on his house. He checked every single bulb, and when he finally plugged them in, the entire neighborhood probably wished he hadn’t.

6. What happened when Clark first plugged in the Christmas lights?
A) They worked perfectly
B) He blew the power to the entire block
C) They spelled out “Merry Christmas”
D) They caught fire
Answer: B
Explanation: When Clark triumphantly plugged in his masterpiece, he blew the power to the entire block. The resulting blackout was one of many holiday disasters in the Griswold household.

7. What animal did the Griswolds accidentally bring home inside their Christmas tree?
A) A cat
B) A raccoon
C) A squirrel
D) A bird
Answer: C
Explanation: After cutting down a tree from Todd and Margo’s yard, the Griswolds unknowingly brought home a squirrel that terrorized the house. The squirrel eventually returned in a wrapped gift box at the end of the movie.

8. What is Cousin Eddie’s dog named?
A) Spot
B) Snots
C) Rocky
D) Rex
Answer: B
Explanation: Eddie’s pride and joy is a Rottweiler named Snots. As Eddie proudly introduced him: “And this here’s our pride and joy: Snots!”

9. Why doesn’t Cousin Eddie eat squirrel anymore?
A) It doesn’t have enough meat
B) It’s high in cholesterol
C) It’s too gamey
D) It’s too hard to cook
Answer: B
Explanation: When offered squirrel, Eddie explains he doesn’t eat it anymore because “it’s high in cholesterol”. Because apparently that was the only thing stopping him.

10. What did Aunt Bethany wrap up as a Christmas present by mistake?
A) A squirrel
B) A ferret
C) Her cat
D) A fruitcake
Answer: C
Explanation: The elderly and confused Aunt Bethany accidentally wrapped her cat as a Christmas gift. The cat survived, though it was probably traumatized.

11. What did Aunt Bethany recite instead of saying grace at Christmas dinner?
A) The ABCs
B) “America the Beautiful”
C) The Pledge of Allegiance
D) The National Anthem
Answer: C
Explanation: When asked to say grace, Aunt Bethany launched into the Pledge of Allegiance instead of a prayer. She was confused, to say the least.

12. What song did Aunt Bethany start singing during the prayer?
A) “Jingle Bells”
B) “Silent Night”
C) “The Star-Spangled Banner”
D) “O Christmas Tree”
Answer: C
Explanation: After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Aunt Bethany segued into “The Star-Spangled Banner”. It’s not exactly a Christmas classic, but it’s a classic moment nonetheless.

13. What was wrong with the turkey the Griswolds had for Christmas dinner?
A) It was still frozen
B) It was severely overcooked
C) It was undercooked
D) It was missing
Answer: B
Explanation: The turkey was so overcooked that it was “very crunchy”. When carved, the dried-out bird literally collapsed and broke the dining room table.

14. What kind of mug was Clark drinking from when he talked to his boss?
A) A Christmas tree mug
B) A moose mug
C) A Tasmanian Devil mug
D) A Bugs Bunny mug
Answer: C
Explanation: Clark was drinking from a tacky Tasmanian Devil mug during his phone call with his boss. It perfectly matched the overall aesthetic of his office.

15. What animal were the eggnog glasses shaped as?
A) A reindeer
B) A moose
C) A Santa
D) A snowman
Answer: B
Explanation: Clark and Cousin Eddie drank their eggnog from moose-shaped glasses. It’s a small detail that fans of the movie never forget.

16. What did the police officer say he would beat Clark’s boss with?
A) A nightstick
B) A rubber hose
C) A baseball bat
D) A Christmas tree branch
Answer: B
Explanation: After hearing that Frank Shirley gave Jelly of the Month instead of cash bonuses, the officer said: “That’s pretty low, mister. If I had a rubber hose I would beat you!”

17. What did Clark do for a living?
A) He was a lawyer
B) He was an architect
C) He was a food additive designer
D) He was a teacher
Answer: C
Explanation: Clark invented a non-nutritive cereal varnish that preserves crispiness. Yes, that’s actually his job—and he was counting on his bonus to build a pool.

18. The movie is based on a short story by which writer?
A) Chevy Chase
B) Randy Quaid
C) John Hughes
D) Jeremiah Chechik
Answer: C
Explanation: The film is based on John Hughes’ short story “Christmas ’59,” which was published in National Lampoon magazine in December 1980. There’s even a secret reference—when Clark finds a home movie reel in the attic, it’s labeled “Xmas ’59”.

19. What was the last spoken line of the film?
A) “And to all a good night”
B) “I did it”
C) “Merry Christmas”
D) “The End”
Answer: B
Explanation: The final words of the movie are Clark proudly saying “I did it” as he and Ellen look at the glowing star on the Christmas tree. After all the chaos, he finally got something right.

20. What is the most dangerous activity associated with Christmas Vacation, according to the movie?
A) Putting up 25,000 Christmas lights
B) Cutting down a tree with a chainsaw
C) Cousin Eddie emptying his RV sewage
D) Trying to carve the dry turkey
Answer: A
Explanation: Clark nearly electrocutes himself, staples his sleeve to the house, and blows the power to the entire neighborhood trying to get those 25,000 lights to work. It’s a miracle the house didn’t burn down—though the tree did.

Easy National Lampoon Christmas Trivia Questions

1. Who plays the eternally optimistic (and increasingly stressed) Clark Griswold?
A) Steve Martin
B) Chevy Chase
C) Bill Murray
D) Robin Williams

Answer: B) Chevy Chase
Explanation: Chevy Chase returns as Clark W. Griswold, the man determined to give his family the perfect old-fashioned family Christmas… no matter how badly it goes.

2. What does Clark receive instead of his expected Christmas bonus?
A) A new car
B) A one-year membership in the Jelly of the Month Club
C) Extra vacation days
D) A big raise

Answer: B) A one-year membership in the Jelly of the Month Club
Explanation: Clark’s epic rant about his cheap boss is triggered when he opens the envelope and finds a jelly-of-the-month membership instead of the cash he was counting on for a swimming pool.

3. What is the name of Cousin Eddie’s dog?
A) Sparky
B) Snots
C) Max
D) Buddy

Answer: B) Snots
Explanation: Eddie proudly explains that the dog has a sinus condition. The name is both disgusting and perfect for the character.

4. Who plays the unforgettable Cousin Eddie?
A) John Candy
B) Randy Quaid
C) Dan Aykroyd
D) John Belushi

Answer: B) Randy Quaid
Explanation: Randy Quaid’s performance as the well-meaning but completely inappropriate Cousin Eddie is one of the most iconic parts of the movie.

5. What happens when Clark finally gets all the Christmas lights to work?
A) They immediately burn out
B) The entire neighborhood blackout occurs
C) They shine so brightly they temporarily blind everyone
D) Nothing special

Answer: B) The entire neighborhood blackout occurs
Explanation: After struggling for ages, Clark flips the switch and the house lights up spectacularly… just as the power grid for the whole area fails.

6. What animal causes chaos inside the Griswold house during Christmas dinner preparations?
A) A raccoon
B) A squirrel
C) A cat
D) Both a squirrel and a cat

Answer: D) Both a squirrel and a cat
Explanation: A squirrel gets into the Christmas tree, the cat goes after it, and pure holiday mayhem ensues.

7. What does Aunt Bethany accidentally recite when asked to say grace?
A) The Lord’s Prayer
B) The Pledge of Allegiance
C) A Christmas carol
D) The alphabet

Answer: B) The Pledge of Allegiance
Explanation: In one of the movie’s funniest moments, the sweet but confused Aunt Bethany launches into the Pledge of Allegiance instead of a prayer.

8. Who played the Griswolds’ snobby neighbor Margo?
A) Julia Louis-Dreyfus
B) Jane Curtin
C) Gilda Radner
D) Laraine Newman

Answer: A) Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Explanation: Future Seinfeld and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus appears as the uptight yuppie neighbor who is constantly horrified by the Griswolds.

9. What does Clark plan to buy with his Christmas bonus?
A) A new car
B) A swimming pool
C) A bigger house
D) A boat

Answer: B) A swimming pool
Explanation: Clark is counting on the bonus to put in a pool so the family can finally have the backyard paradise he’s always dreamed of.

10. What is the name of the song written specifically for the movie and performed by Mavis Staples?
A) Holiday Road
B) Christmas Vacation
C) Jingle Bell Rock
D) Winter Wonderland

Answer: B) Christmas Vacation
Explanation: Unlike the other Vacation films that used “Holiday Road,” this movie got its own original theme song performed by Mavis Staples.

11. What does Cousin Eddie do that particularly shocks Clark when he first arrives?
A) He brings a live turkey
B) He empties his RV’s sewage into a storm drain
C) He starts singing carols
D) He asks for money immediately

Answer: B) He empties his RV’s sewage into a storm drain
Explanation: Eddie casually dumps the contents of his RV’s holding tank while explaining the process in far too much detail.

12. Which future Big Bang Theory star plays young Rusty Griswold?
A) Jim Parsons
B) Johnny Galecki
C) Kunal Nayyar
D) Simon Helberg

Answer: B) Johnny Galecki
Explanation: Johnny Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter) plays Rusty in this installment. The kids were recast in every Vacation movie.

13. What does Clark shout when the squirrel appears?
A) “Cat!”
B) “Squirrel!”
C) “Run!”
D) “Not again!”

Answer: B) “Squirrel!”
Explanation: The simple, panicked cry of “Squirrel!” has become one of the most quoted lines from the entire film.

14. Who directed National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
A) John Hughes
B) Jeremiah S. Chechik
C) Harold Ramis
D) Chris Columbus

Answer: B) Jeremiah S. Chechik
Explanation: John Hughes wrote the screenplay (based on his own short story), but Jeremiah S. Chechik directed the movie. Chris Columbus was originally attached but left the project.

15. What does Clark do after finally snapping over the Christmas lights?
A) He goes to bed
B) He attacks the plastic lawn decorations
C) He calls the electric company
D) He starts singing

Answer: B) He attacks the plastic lawn decorations
Explanation: In a legendary meltdown, Clark starts kicking and punching the plastic Santa and reindeer. Chevy Chase actually broke his pinky finger during the scene.

16. What is the name of Ellen’s father in the movie?
A) Art Smith
B) Lewis
C) Frank
D) Bob

Answer: A) Art Smith
Explanation: E.G. Marshall plays Art Smith, Ellen’s quiet, long-suffering father who mostly observes the chaos around him.

17. What does Clark’s mother keep offering him throughout the movie?
A) Advice about work
B) Food and gentle encouragement
C) Money
D) A ride home

Answer: B) Food and gentle encouragement
Explanation: Nora Griswold (Diane Ladd) is the classic doting mother who thinks her son can do no wrong and constantly tries to feed him.

18. What famous rant includes Clark calling his boss 23 different insulting names?
A) The dinner table speech
B) The Christmas bonus meltdown
C) The tree-cutting speech
D) The neighbor argument

Answer: B) The Christmas bonus meltdown
Explanation: When Clark realizes he’s getting jelly instead of a bonus, he unleashes a long, creative string of insults describing his boss. Many of the words were written on cards for the cast.

19. What does Rusty say near the end of the movie that references the original Vacation film?
A) “I’m bored”
B) “I told you we should have gone to Hawaii!”
C) “This is the best Christmas ever”
D) “Can we open presents now?”

Answer: B) “I told you we should have gone to Hawaii!”
Explanation: It’s a nice callback to the first movie, where the family originally planned a trip to California but ended up at Walley World.

20. What is the overall message of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, despite all the disasters?
A) Christmas is better when everything is perfect
B) Family chaos, love, and a little disaster are what make the holidays memorable
C) Never invite relatives
D) Always check the lights first

Answer: B) Family chaos, love, and a little disaster are what make the holidays memorable
Explanation: Even though almost everything goes wrong, Clark still manages to create a Christmas the family will never forget — for better and for worse.

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Challenging National Lampoon Christmas Trivia Questions for Fans

1. Question: What is the name of Clark Griswold’s boss in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
Answer: Mr. Shirley

2. Question: What gift does Clark hope to receive from his boss as a Christmas bonus?
Answer: A swimming pool

3. Question: What type of tree do the Griswolds bring home for Christmas?
Answer: A gigantic real spruce tree

4. Question: What is the name of Clark’s cousin who arrives in a recreational vehicle?
Answer: Cousin Eddie

5. Question: What does Cousin Eddie famously do in his RV in the movie?
Answer: Empties the septic tank

6. Question: Which Griswold family member gets frightened by a squirrel in the attic?
Answer: Audrey Griswold

7. Question: How does Clark try to turn on the massive Christmas lights for the first time?
Answer: Using a long extension cord, but it blows a fuse

8. Question: What is the nickname given to Clark’s boss when he refuses to give a Christmas bonus?
Answer: Mr. Shirley (no real nickname, but fans often joke)

9. Question: Which song plays during the movie when Clark is decorating the house?
Answer: “Mele Kalikimaka” (or various classic Christmas songs)

10. Question: How does Clark accidentally damage the Christmas turkey?
Answer: Overcooking it in the oven

11. Question: What does Clark give to his boss as a holiday gift?
Answer: A fruitcake

12. Question: Which Griswold relative brings a cat in a box?
Answer: Extended family members

13. Question: What is the Griswold family’s street address in the movie?
Answer: 2040 W. Oak Street (Chicago)

14. Question: Which actor plays Cousin Eddie?
Answer: Randy Quaid

15. Question: What phrase does Cousin Eddie famously say while emptying the RV?
Answer: “Merry Christmas! Shitter was full!”

16. Question: What happens to the Griswolds’ electrical system when they turn on the Christmas lights?
Answer: It blows a fuse, causing a temporary blackout

17. Question: What does Clark use to untangle thousands of Christmas lights?
Answer: His own hands (and a lot of patience)

18. Question: Which Griswold family member accidentally sprays seltzer on the cat?
Answer: Audrey Griswold

19. Question: How does Clark react when he finds out his Christmas bonus is a “Jelly of the Month Club” membership?
Answer: He faints in disbelief

20. Question: What ultimately happens to the Griswold family’s Christmas despite all the chaos?
Answer: They celebrate together happily, showing family triumph over disaster

Fun Facts About National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

1. Question: In what year was National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation released?
Answer: 1989

2. Question: Which actor performed many of his own stunts as Clark Griswold?
Answer: Chevy Chase

3. Question: The iconic leg lamp in the movie is a replica of what?
Answer: The “Major Award”

4. Question: Which character became so popular he returned in Vegas Vacation?
Answer: Cousin Eddie

5. Question: Where was the movie filmed?
Answer: California

6. Question: How tall was the Griswold family Christmas tree used in the movie?
Answer: 60 feet

7. Question: Why were the cat and squirrel scenes difficult to film?
Answer: Animals are unpredictable on set

8. Question: What did Chevy Chase threaten to do to secure the role of Clark Griswold?
Answer: Quit other projects

9. Question: Which famous line by Cousin Eddie was mostly improvised?
Answer: “Shitter was full!”

10. Question: What was the movie’s budget?
Answer: $25 million

11. Question: Where is the exterior of the Griswold house located?
Answer: Burbank, California

12. Question: Approximately how many Christmas light bulbs were used to decorate the Griswold house?
Answer: Over 25,000 bulbs

13. Question: Who directed National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
Answer: Jeremiah S. Chechik

14. Question: Who was the role of Cousin Eddie written for?
Answer: Randy Quaid

15. Question: What caused many chaotic scenes during filming?
Answer: Dog and cat scenes requiring multiple takes

16. Question: Which lines in the movie were largely improvised?
Answer: Clark’s exasperated yelling at his family

17. Question: What was Clark Griswold’s disappointing Christmas bonus?
Answer: A Jelly of the Month Club membership

18. Question: Who performed the movie’s theme song?
Answer: Bobby Helms

19. Question: What was the movie originally intended as in relation to the Vacation series?
Answer: A stand-alone sequel

20. Question: How is the movie regarded today among holiday films?
Answer: One of the top 10 holiday movies of all time

Top Characters from National Lampoon’s Christmas for Trivia

1. Question: Who is the main character trying to create the perfect family Christmas?
Answer: Clark Griswold

2. Question: What is the name of Clark’s wife?
Answer: Ellen Griswold

3. Question: Which actor plays Clark Griswold?
Answer: Chevy Chase

4. Question: Who is Clark’s cousin that shows up uninvited in an RV?
Answer: Cousin Eddie

5. Question: Who plays Cousin Eddie?
Answer: Randy Quaid

6. Question: Who is the youngest child of the Griswold family in the movie?
Answer: Audrey Griswold

7. Question: Who is Clark and Ellen’s son in the movie?
Answer: Rusty Griswold

8. Question: Who is Clark’s boss that gives him a disappointing Christmas bonus?
Answer: Mr. Shirley

9. Question: Which Griswold relative is known for the famous leg lamp?
Answer: Clark Griswold (as the recipient)

10. Question: Who is the elderly aunt who gets trapped in the attic by a squirrel?
Answer: Aunt Bethany

11. Question: Who is the elderly uncle who attends the Griswold family Christmas?
Answer: Uncle Lewis

12. Question: Which character delivers the infamous line, “Shitter was full”?
Answer: Cousin Eddie

13. Question: Who is the Griswold family dog?
Answer: Snots (or Cat: The family cat is also featured; some scenes have both)

14. Question: Who decorates the house with thousands of Christmas lights?
Answer: Clark Griswold

15. Question: Which character is known for their quirky holiday attire, including a Santa hat?
Answer: Cousin Eddie

16. Question: Who is the Griswold family’s nosy neighbor who often comments on their antics?
Answer: Todd Chester (neighbor)

17. Question: Which Griswold child gets scared by the Christmas tree squirrel?
Answer: Audrey Griswold

18. Question: Who is Clark’s father-in-law in the movie?
Answer: Not explicitly named in the main movie; extended family appears

19. Question: Who accidentally causes chaos with the Griswold house lights?
Answer: Clark Griswold

20. Question: Which character is central to both comedic mishaps and heartwarming family moments?
Answer: Clark Griswold

Interactive National Lampoon Christmas Quiz for Family & Friends