Trivia games are a fun and interactive way to bring people together during the holiday season — even in remote or virtual settings.
These games can be customized with holiday-themed questions to further engage participants, test holiday knowledge, and create a festive atmosphere.
This makes them ideal for virtual holiday parties since they allow people to connect and bond through friendly competition. Holiday trivia adds excitement and strengthens social connections, no matter the distance.
Book a demo to tailor your next virtual activity to your team’s interests.
If you are planning a holiday trivia segment for your next online party, we have gathered 15 different categories and sample questions under each one.
1) Christmas Traditions
The Christmas traditions category celebrates the diverse Christmas customs and practices from around the world.
This category highlights cultural differences while fostering a deeper appreciation for how people celebrate the holiday season globally. It can also spark interesting conversations and memories about personal traditions.
Below are five examples of questions you can ask under this category.
- In which country is it common to eat KFC for Christmas dinner? Japan
- What is the traditional Christmas pudding in the UK made from? Dried fruits, suet, and spices
- Which U.S. state holds the world record for the largest gingerbread house? Texas
- What is the significance of the Yule log in European Christmas celebrations? The Yule log symbolizes warmth and light during the winter solstice. It was traditionally burned to bring good fortune for the coming year.
- What do people in Spain traditionally eat at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good luck? 12 grapes
2) Christmas Movies
The Christmas movies category is a fun and nostalgic addition to any holiday trivia game, bringing a festive and cinematic touch to the experience.
It taps into the holiday spirit through beloved films that have become big parts of many families’ Christmas traditions. This category allows participants to reminisce about classic favorites and discover new movies they may not have seen.
Below are five sample questions with their answers.
- Which 1946 film features an angel named Clarence? It’s a Wonderful Life
- In Home Alone, where is the McCallister family traveling to when they leave Kevin behind? Paris
- Who played Buddy the Elf in the movie Elf? Will Ferrell
- In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas? A bell from Santa’s sleigh
- Which actor played Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol? Michael Caine
3) Holiday Music
The holiday music category is a dynamic addition to any trivia game, tapping into the timeless songs that define the festive season.
Including this category adds energy and nostalgia since holiday music often brings strong memories and emotions to mind. It lets participants remember old favorites and bond over shared musical experiences.
Below are some sample questions under this category.
- Which Christmas song begins with “You better watch out, you better not cry”? Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
- Who sang the 1994 holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You”? Mariah Carey
- In the song “Jingle Bells,” what vehicle is mentioned? One-horse open sleigh
- Which band recorded “Last Christmas”? Wham!
- What song contains the lyrics “Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy soul”? Frosty the Snowman
4) Santa Claus
The Santa Claus category is an entertaining addition to any holiday trivia game that focuses on the iconic figure beloved by both children and adults worldwide.
Including this category brings a nostalgic kind of joy, as participants recall childhood memories and timeless tales about Santa. It dives into various facts, legends, and myths surrounding Santa.
Below are five examples of questions you can ask about Santa.
- What is Santa Claus known as in France? Père Noël
- Which U.S. state has a town called North Pole? Alaska
- In which century did the legend of Santa Claus originate? 4th century
- What are the names of Santa’s eight reindeer mentioned in “The Night Before Christmas”? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen
- What beverage is traditionally left out for Santa on Christmas Eve? Milk
5) Christmas History
The Christmas history category is an interesting and educational addition to any holiday trivia game.
It includes trivia about the origins, evolution, and historical significance of Christmas traditions.
It also gives participants a chance to learn about how Christmas was traditionally celebrated across different times and cultures.
This category encourages thoughtful discussion and offers facts that may surprise players, making it both fun and enriching.
Below are five examples of questions under this category.
- What Roman festival is believed to have influenced the timing of Christmas? Saturnalia
- In what year was Christmas declared a federal holiday in the U.S.? 1870
- Which English monarch first popularized the Christmas tree in Britain? Queen Victoria
- Who is credited with writing “A Christmas Carol”? Charles Dickens
- In what year was the first Christmas card sent? 1843
Interested in trying out virtual trivia questions this holiday season? Book a demo to learn more about how our virtual holiday trivia games work!
6) Holiday Foods
The holiday foods category celebrates diverse culinary traditions by focusing on festive dishes and treats enjoyed around the world during the season.
Adding this category can spark conversations about favorite holiday meals, and even inspire new recipe ideas.
It can bring people together to share memories of traditional family dishes and explore unique foods from other cultures.
Below are five example questions with their answers.
- What type of pie is traditionally left out for Santa in the UK? Mince pies
- Which fruit is often found in stockings on Christmas morning? Orange
- What is the main ingredient in eggnog? Eggs
- Which country is known for eating tamales at Christmas? Mexico
- What Italian cake is a popular Christmas dessert? Panettone
7) Winter Holidays Around the World
This category is culturally enriching since it focuses on diverse celebrations across the globe.
With this category, participants can learn about winter festivals beyond Christmas, fostering an appreciation for the different ways people celebrate during the season.
Participants can expand their knowledge of global customs, sparking curiosity and conversation about holiday traditions they may not be familiar with.
Below are example questions for this category.
- What Jewish holiday is known as the Festival of Lights? Hanukkah
- Which country celebrates the holiday of St. Lucia on December 13? Sweden
- In which African-American holiday are the principles of unity and self-determination celebrated? Kwanzaa
- What is the name of the traditional Hindu festival celebrated during the winter season? Diwali
- Which Asian country celebrates the Lunar New Year in January or February? China
8) New Year’s Traditions
The New Year’s Traditions category focuses on how cultures worldwide celebrate the start of a new year. It allows your players to explore unique customs, superstitions, and rituals associated with New Year’s Eve and Day.
Whether it is about foods for good luck or midnight rituals, this category improves the game’s diversity and learning factor.
Below are five sample questions.
- In which country do people eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck? Spain
- Which city is famous for dropping a ball at midnight on New Year’s Eve? New York City
- What color underwear is worn for good luck in Brazil? Red
- What is Scotland’s New Year celebration called? Hogmanay
- Which country smashes plates on New Year’s Eve for good fortune? Denmark
9) Holiday Decorations
The Holiday Decorations category is about the various decorations that bring warmth and cheer to the season. It celebrates the traditions and creative ways people adorn their homes, streets, and cities during the holidays.
From Christmas trees to lights and ornaments, this category lets participants explore the history, symbolism, and unique styles of decorations used across cultures.
It also sparks memories and conversations about personal decorating traditions, making it a perfect fit for virtual holiday trivia.
Below are sample questions with their answers.
- What type of plant is traditionally hung in doorways for Christmas kisses? Mistletoe
- What color are the berries on a holly plant? Red
- Which country popularized the use of Christmas trees? Germany
- What decoration is placed at the top of a Christmas tree in many households? Star or angel
- In which country did the tradition of paper lanterns for the holidays originate? China
10) Holiday Characters
The holiday characters category focuses on beloved figures that make the season magical. From Santa Claus to Frosty the Snowman, holiday characters embody the joy and wonder of the festive season, making this category entertaining and nostalgic.
This category lets participants talk about the stories, origins, and quirks of their favorite holiday icons. It also lets them explore the cultural significance and folklore behind these characters.
Below are five examples of questions for this category.
- What is the name of the red-nosed reindeer who guides Santa’s sleigh? Rudolph
- Who is the green character who tries to steal Christmas? The Grinch
- Which holiday character was brought to life by a magic hat? Frosty the Snowman
- What is Santa’s wife’s name? Mrs. Claus
- Who visits homes on Christmas Eve to fill stockings with treats? Santa Claus
11) Christmas Literature
The Christmas literature category is about the timeless stories, poems, and books that capture the magic of Christmas. This allows participants to explore classic Christmas tales and characters.
From “A Christmas Carol” to “The Nutcracker,” these stories can offer nostalgia and educate players about iconic festive works. It is perfect for book lovers and can spark conversations about favorite holiday reads.
Below are example questions with their answers.
- Who wrote A Christmas Carol? Charles Dickens
- In The Nutcracker, what is the name of the main character? Clara
- What is Scrooge’s first name? Ebenezer
- Who created the character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Robert L. May
- Which poem begins with “’Twas the night before Christmas”? A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
12) Holiday Shopping
The holiday shopping category captures the excitement and hustle of the gift-giving season. This category’s questions will highlight facts and trivia about the commercial side of the holidays.
From Black Friday deals to popular gift items, this category discusses modern holiday traditions. It also sparks conversations about shopping habits, sales, and favorite purchases.
Below are example questions with their answers.
- What day is known as the biggest shopping day in the U.S. following Thanksgiving? Black Friday
- Which company is known for its holiday cups every year? Starbucks
- Which toy was the must-have item in 1996? Tickle Me Elmo
- What does “Cyber Monday” refer to? Online shopping deals after Black Friday
- Which department store is famous for its Christmas window displays in New York City? Macy’s
Interested in trying out virtual trivia questions this holiday season? Book a demo to learn more about how our virtual holiday trivia games work!
13) Christmas Technology
The Christmas technology category discusses how technology shapes the festive season.
This can include topics like online shopping and virtual celebrations to show the different ways Christmas is celebrated in the digital age.
It explores tech that make holiday preparations more connected — like smart home decorations or holiday apps.
Below are sample questions for this category.
- What is the most popular day for online shopping during the holiday season? Cyber Monday
- Which company’s virtual assistant can help set holiday reminders and play festive music? Amazon Alexa
- What technology allows people to create animated holiday e-cards? GIFs
- Which company introduced the first-ever Christmas TV commercial? Coca-Cola
- What’s the name of the app that tracks Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve? NORAD Santa Tracker
14) Holiday Drinks
The holiday drinks category celebrates traditional beverages enjoyed around the world during the season. It taps into the cultural and culinary aspects of the holidays — whether it is sipping hot cocoa by the fire or toasting with a glass of eggnog.
This category can spark memories of holiday gatherings and favorite seasonal drinks, making it perfect for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Below are five example questions with their answers.
- What is the traditional alcoholic ingredient in eggnog? Rum
- Which warm beverage is often served with marshmallows or whipped cream during the holidays? Hot chocolate
- What German holiday drink is made with mulled wine? Glühwein
- Which holiday drink is known for its frothy texture and nutmeg garnish? Eggnog
- What Scandinavian winter drink is made with spices and red wine? Glogg
15) Christmas in Pop Culture
The Christmas in pop culture category spotlights how Christmas is celebrated in movies, TV shows, music, and beyond. This adds a modern twist to the trivia experience by exploring memorable holiday-themed moments in pop culture.
From classic holiday films to viral Christmas songs, this category taps into the festive spirit through the lens of entertainment. It is a great way to test players’ knowledge of the Christmas references they have grown up with or encountered in the media.
Below are five sample questions for this category.
- What Christmas song by Mariah Carey is a modern holiday hit? All I Want for Christmas Is You
- In Home Alone, what is Kevin’s last name? McCallister
- Which pop star starred in the 2003 film Elf? Zooey Deschanel
- What color is the Grinch? Green
- Which movie features the line “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings”? It’s a Wonderful Life
Benefits of Hosting a Virtual Holiday Trivia Game
Hosting a virtual holiday trivia game is a fun and interactive way to celebrate during the festive season.
- Brings People Together Remotely: Virtual holiday trivia games allow friends, family, or coworkers to connect and celebrate festivities regardless of physical distance. It is a fun way to bridge gaps and share holiday joy virtually.
- Fosters Team Building: In a work environment, holiday trivia encourages teamwork, collaboration, and friendly competition, boosting morale and strengthening bonds among remote teams.
- Engages Participants: Trivia games offer an interactive experience and keeps participants actively involved and entertained. This makes them perfect for maintaining focus during online events.
- Customizable and Thematic: Questions can be tailored to specific holiday themes or company culture, making the experience personalized and relevant to the audience.
- Inclusive for All Ages: With varied categories like holiday traditions, movies, and songs, trivia games can engage participants of all ages, creating an inclusive environment for families or diverse teams.
- Cost-Effective Entertainment: Hosting a virtual trivia game is an affordable way to create memorable holiday experiences without the logistical challenges of in-person events.
How to Create Engaging Holiday-Themed Trivia Questions
To create engaging holiday-themed trivia questions you can follow the tips below.
- Balance Difficulty Levels: This lets you cater to a wide audience. Mix easier questions with more challenging ones to keep participants interested. This will also allow everyone to contribute.
- Keep Questions Relevant to the Audience: Doing this makes the quiz more appealing and engaging to your audience. Consider factors like their background, whether it is a family gathering, work team, or mixed group.
- Include Various Holiday Themes: Make the game diverse and fun by including different themes like movies, songs, traditions, and food. It might even be good to incorporate fun facts or lesser-known traditions from around the world to keep the quiz interesting.
- Keep the Tone Light and Festive: You can do this by adding playful or humorous questions that spark conversation. Multimedia elements like holiday-themed images or music clips can make the trivia more interactive.
Key Takeaways on 15 Types of Virtual Holiday Trivia Questions For Your Online Party
Virtual holiday trivia games offer a fun, interactive way to bring people together during the festive season regardless of physical distance. On top of that, these games are easy to organize, customizable, and engaging for participants of all ages.
Incorporate themes like holiday traditions, movies, music, and more, trivia games to create an atmosphere of friendly competition and festivity.
They are perfect for virtual gatherings since they allow everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit while learning something new.
Interested in trying out virtual trivia questions this holiday season? Book a demo to learn more about how our virtual holiday trivia games work!