Dive into our frosty collection of winter trivia and test your knowledge about everything from snowflakes and hibernation to holiday traditions and winter sports around the world!
1. Which European city was the McCallister family's destination when they accidentally left their son Kevin at home?
Paris
In the 1990 film Home Alone, the McCallister family was heading to Paris, France for their Christmas vacation when they accidentally left Kevin behind.
2. According to the classic film It's a Wonderful Life, what celestial event occurs when a bell chimes?
An angel gets its wings
This iconic line is spoken by Zuzu Bailey in the 1946 film, stating that every time a bell rings, an angel earns their wings.
3. What is stated as the number one rule in the elven code according to the movie Elf?
Treat every day like Christmas
In the 2003 film Elf, this is established as the first and most important rule that all elves must follow.
4. Which character serves as the primary antagonist in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Oogie Boogie
Oogie Boogie is the main villain in the 1993 stop-motion animated film, portrayed as a boogeyman made of bugs beneath a burlap sack.
5. Which holiday film has earned the most money at the box office in history?
Home Alone
Home Alone holds the record as the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time, earning over $285 million domestically.
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Learn more!6. What was the name of the misfit elf who befriends Rudolph in the classic stop-motion special?
Hermey
Hermey is the elf who wants to be a dentist rather than make toys in the 1964 television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
7. Which traditional Christmas hymn concludes the animated special A Charlie Brown Christmas?
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Peanuts gang performs this classic carol at the end of the 1965 television special after decorating Charlie Brown's small Christmas tree.
8. What did Dr. Seuss name the loyal canine companion of the Grinch?
Max
Max is the Grinch's faithful dog who helps him steal Christmas from Whoville, complete with a fake reindeer antler tied to his head.
9. Which Hollywood star performed multiple characters in the animated film The Polar Express?
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks performed six different roles in the 2004 film through motion capture technology, including the Conductor and Santa Claus.
10. In which country did the festive drink eggnog originate?
England
Eggnog originated in medieval Britain, where it was initially a drink for the wealthy due to the expensive ingredients used.
11. What traditional action should take place when two people meet under mistletoe?
Kiss
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe originated in ancient Norse mythology and became a popular Christmas custom in Victorian England.
12. Which European nation is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition?
Germany
The tradition of decorating trees during Christmas originated in 16th century Germany, later spreading to other countries.
13. What popular Christmas candy was originally designed to represent a shepherd's crook?
Candy cane
The candy cane was created in the shape of a shepherd's staff, symbolizing the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.
14. What snacks are traditionally left out for Santa's midnight visit?
Milk and cookies
The tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa became popular in America during the Great Depression as a way to teach children to share.
15. Which historical figure inspired the modern legend of Santa Claus?
The Christian bishop St. Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his generous gifts to the poor, particularly in Myra, modern-day Turkey.
16. In Austrian folklore, what demonic creature punishes misbehaving children during Christmas season?
Krampus
Krampus is a horned creature from Alpine folklore who punishes bad children during the Christmas season, acting as a counterpart to St. Nicholas.
17. Which famous Christmas ballet made its debut in Russia's St. Petersburg in 1892?
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker ballet, composed by Tchaikovsky, premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892.
18. In which French town were the first Winter Olympics held?
Chamonix, France
The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France in 1924, establishing the tradition of the Winter Olympic Games.
19. What is the name of Alaska's famous long-distance sled dog race?
The Iditarod
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance race from Anchorage to Nome, covering approximately 1,000 miles.
20. What common household item was used to make Frosty the Snowman's nose?
A button
In the classic Christmas song and animated special, Frosty the Snowman's nose was made from a simple button.
21. What color modifies 'Christmas' in Elvis Presley's famous holiday song?
Blue Christmas
Elvis Presley's 1957 holiday song 'Blue Christmas' has become a classic, expressing sadness about spending Christmas without a loved one.
22. Which beloved Christmas carol was originally composed as a Thanksgiving song?
Jingle Bells
James Lord Pierpont originally wrote 'Jingle Bells' for Thanksgiving in 1857, but it later became associated with Christmas.
23. What is the astronomical term for the day with the least amount of daylight?
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year.
24. What is the medical term for an irrational fear of snow?
Chionophobia
Chionophobia comes from the Greek words 'chion' meaning snow and 'phobos' meaning fear.
25. How many symmetrical sides does a typical snowflake crystal have?
six sides
Due to the molecular structure of water and how it freezes, snowflakes naturally form with six symmetrical sides.
26. In which year did Times Square host its first New Year's Eve ball drop?
1907
The first New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square occurred in 1907, replacing the previous tradition of fireworks.
27. Which Roman deity is the month of January named after?
Janus, the god of doors and gates
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doorways and transitions, who is depicted with two faces looking to the past and future.
28. Which American fast-food chain has become a Christmas tradition in Japan?
KFC
Due to a successful marketing campaign in 1974, eating KFC for Christmas has become a popular tradition in Japan.
29. On what date is National Eggnog Day celebrated?
December 24th
National Eggnog Day is celebrated on Christmas Eve, when this traditional holiday beverage is commonly enjoyed.
30. Which Asian metropolis holds the distinction of hosting both Summer and Winter Olympic Games?
Beijing
Beijing made Olympic history by hosting both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the first city to host both versions of the games.
31. Which Scandinavian nation leads the all-time Winter Olympics medal count?
Norway
Norway has dominated the Winter Olympics throughout history, accumulating more medals than any other nation in Winter Games history.
32. Which speed skating legend holds the record for most Winter Olympic medals won by an American athlete?
Apolo Anton Ohno
Apolo Anton Ohno won eight Olympic medals (two gold, two silver, four bronze) in short track speed skating, making him the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian.
33. What unique winter sport involves teams of players sweeping the ice with specialized brooms?
Curling
Curling is a precision sport where players slide stones across ice while teammates sweep the surface to influence the stone's trajectory.
34. Which NHL franchise has captured the most Stanley Cup championships in history?
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cup championships, more than any other team in NHL history.
35. Which Italian cities will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?
Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, marking the first time two cities will officially co-host the Winter Games.
36. Which European country is credited with inventing the communal melted cheese dish known as fondue?
Switzerland
Fondue originated in Switzerland as a way for Swiss villagers to make use of aged cheese and bread during winter months.
37. Which U.S. state recorded the lowest temperature ever in the continental United States at -70°F?
Montana
Montana set the record for the coldest temperature in the continental U.S., reaching -70°F at Rogers Pass in 1954.
38. Which ancient monument in England draws crowds during the winter solstice?
Stonehenge
Stonehenge attracts visitors during the winter solstice as the sun aligns perfectly with the ancient stone structures.
39. Which Nordic country is home to the world-famous Icehotel?
Sweden
Sweden's Icehotel, located in Jukkasjärvi, is rebuilt each winter using ice from the Torne River.
40. During which months do residents of the southern hemisphere experience their winter season?
June to September
Due to Earth's axial tilt, seasons in the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, making their winter occur during the northern summer months.
41. In which fictional medieval fantasy series is Winterfell the ancestral home of House Stark?
Game of Thrones
Winterfell serves as the seat of House Stark in George R.R. Martin's 'Game of Thrones' series, located in the North of Westeros.
42. What winter sport combines marksmanship with Nordic skiing?
Biathlon
Biathlon is a Winter Olympic sport that requires athletes to compete in cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
43. How long do grizzly bears typically remain in hibernation during winter?
5-7 months
Grizzly bears enter a deep sleep called hibernation for 5-7 months during winter to conserve energy when food is scarce.
44. Which linguistic family does the word 'winter' originate from?
Germanic
The word 'winter' has its roots in the Germanic language family, derived from Proto-Germanic 'wintruz'.
45. Which famous London park transforms into a seasonal 'Winter Wonderland' attraction?
Hyde Park
Hyde Park in London hosts an annual Winter Wonderland featuring festive attractions, rides, and markets during the winter season.
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Try out azigy!46. In which decade was the first snowmobile invented and built?
1930s
The first snowmobile was developed in the 1930s, revolutionizing winter transportation in snowy regions.
47. Which country consistently records the highest annual snowfall in the 21st century?
Japan
Japan receives the most snowfall of any country in the 21st century, particularly in its mountainous regions.
48. Which Russian city houses the historic Winter Palace?
Saint Petersburg
The Winter Palace, former residence of Russian emperors and now part of the Hermitage Museum, is located in Saint Petersburg.
49. What is the primary de-icing material used on winter roads?
Salt
Road salt is the most commonly used material for de-icing roads as it lowers the freezing point of water and helps melt ice.
50. What is the medically correct first aid response if you suspect frostbite?
Don't rub anything on the frostbitten area
Rubbing frostbitten areas with snow or anything else can cause further tissue damage and should never be done.
51. What percentage of solar radiation does fresh snow reflect back into space?
87 percent
Fresh snow has an extremely high albedo (reflectivity), sending 87% of incoming sunlight back into space.
52. What is the literal meaning of the ancient Germanic word 'wintar' from which we get the word 'winter'?
Time of water
The modern English word 'winter' derives from the Germanic word 'wintar', which literally meant 'time of water'.
53. Which hemisphere experiences more severe winters due to its geographical features?
The Northern Hemisphere
The Northern Hemisphere experiences colder winters due to its larger land masses and more extreme temperature variations.
54. What is the average falling speed of snowflakes?
3 to 4 miles per hour
Snowflakes typically fall at a gentle pace of 3 to 4 miles per hour due to their light weight and surface area.
55. What is the record for the largest documented snowflake diameter?
Fifteen inches
The largest recorded snowflake was fifteen inches wide, observed in Fort Keogh, Montana in 1887.