Christmas food trivia is a fun way to test knowledge and celebrate holiday traditions. This guide provides 184 questions and answers about festive foods, drinks, and customs from around the world. Use these for holiday parties, family gatherings, or classroom activities.

Christmas Food Trivia Overview

Christmas food traditions vary widely across cultures, but certain dishes and ingredients are closely associated with the holiday season in many parts of the world. This trivia collection covers classic Christmas foods like turkey, pudding, and candy canes, as well as lesser-known regional specialties. The questions range from easy to challenging, making them suitable for both children and adults.

The attached PDF contains the full set of 184 trivia questions and answers, organized into several categories. Continue reading to download it.

General Christmas Food Trivia

What is roasting on an open fire in Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song’?
Chestnuts
On which day is Christmas pudding traditionally made?
Sunday, specifically Stir-Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent
What coin was traditionally placed in the Christmas pudding mixture?
A sixpence
Besides eggs, milk, and sugar, what is the main ingredient in eggnog?
Cream
Which company popularized Santa Claus’ red and white outfit?
Coca-Cola
What is a Croquembouche tree made of?
Profiteroles
What is a turkey crown?
The body of a turkey without the legs and wings
Which spirit is traditionally poured on top of a Christmas pudding and lit?
Brandy
Where did eggnog originate?
England
What fruit is traditionally included in a Christmas stocking?
An orange or clementine

Christmas Desserts and Sweets

In which direction should you stir mincemeat for good luck?
Clockwise
What is the French Christmas dessert Bûche de Noël known as in English?
Yule Log
What is another name for a candy cane?
Peppermint stick
What is figgy pudding?
Christmas Pudding
What are the main ingredients in a traditional Christmas pudding?
Suet, egg, molasses, spices, and dried fruits
Where did the gingerbread house tradition originate?
Germany in the 1800s
What are mince pies made of?
Sweet fruits and sugar
What toxic plant is sometimes used to decorate Christmas cakes?
Holly
Which country is Stollen from?
Germany
What is Denmark’s traditional Christmas candy made from?
Marzipan and almonds
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Iceland?
Laufabrauð (leaf bread)
What is the main flavoring in Pfeffernüsse cookies?
Black pepper
What fruit is traditionally used to make Christmas pudding?
Plums (hence the alternative name ‘plum pudding’)
What is the traditional Italian Christmas cake called?
Panforte
What is the main ingredient in Mexican Christmas buñuelos?
Flour tortillas
What is the traditional Christmas cookie in Austria called?
Vanillekipferl
What is the key ingredient in Scottish Black Bun?
Raisins and currants
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Belgium?
Cougnou (bread shaped like baby Jesus)
What is the main flavor in Finnish Joulutorttu pastries?
Prune jam
What is the traditional Christmas candy in Canada?
Barley candy

Christmas Main Courses and Side Dishes

What are the best potatoes for roasting?
Red potatoes
What can you glaze a ham with?
Brown sugar or maple syrup
What does antipasto mean?
The first course of a traditional Italian meal
What was the traditional Christmas meat before turkey became popular?
Goose
What type of cabbage is particularly popular at Christmas?
Red cabbage
What did Queen Elizabeth I have served after the victory over the Spanish Armada?
Roast goose
What is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve in Southern Italy?
Seafood
What is the traditional Norwegian Christmas dish made from?
Sheep’s head
What is the main dish in a traditional Reveillon dinner in Brazil?
Roast turkey
What is the traditional Christmas main course in Malta?
Imbuljuta tal-Qastan (chestnut and cocoa soup)
What is the main ingredient in the Greek Christmas dish Christopsomo?
Bread
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in Slovakia called?
Kapustnica (cabbage soup)
What is the main protein in a traditional Venezuelan Christmas dinner?
Hallacas (a type of tamale)
What is the traditional Christmas main course in Ethiopia?
Doro wat (spicy chicken stew)
What is the main ingredient in the Polish Christmas Eve dish Kutia?
Wheat berries
What is the traditional Christmas main course in Jamaica?
Gungo peas and rice
What is the main protein in a traditional Finnish Christmas dinner?
Ham
What is the traditional Christmas Eve soup in Ukraine called?
Borscht

Christmas Drinks and Beverages

What is Bombardino, the Italian Christmas drink, made of?
Brandy and Advocaat
Which spirit was traditionally used to make Posset, the original eggnog?
Sherry
What is the traditional Christmas beverage also called “milk punch”?
Eggnog
In “The Christmas Song,” who does the narrator see kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe?
Mommy
What was the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising?
Coca-Cola
What is the traditional Christmas drink in Puerto Rico?
Coquito
What is the main ingredient in the British Christmas drink Wassail?
Mulled cider
What is the traditional Christmas drink in Germany called?
Glühwein
What is the main flavoring in Mexican Christmas Ponche?
Fruits and cinnamon
What is the traditional Christmas drink in Sweden?
Glögg
What is the main ingredient in the Jamaican Christmas drink Sorrel?
Hibiscus flowers
What is the traditional Christmas drink in Poland called?
Kompot
What is the main flavoring in Austrian Christmas punch?
Rum
What is the traditional Christmas drink in the Netherlands?
Advocaat
What is the main ingredient in the Filipino Christmas drink Tsokolate?
Cocoa

Christmas Food Traditions Around the World

In which country has KFC become a traditional Christmas dinner?
Japan
What should you not refuse during the 12 days of Christmas to avoid bad luck?
Mince pies
What is Denmark’s traditional Christmas candy made from?
Marzipan and almonds
What is the traditional Norwegian Christmas dish made from?
Sheep’s head
What is Germany’s traditional Christmas bread?
Stollen
In which country is Jansson’s Temptation a traditional Christmas dish?
Sweden
What is the traditional Christmas breakfast in Germany?
Stollen and coffee
In which country is Feast of the Seven Fishes celebrated on Christmas Eve?
Italy
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Greece?
Melomakarona (honey cookies)
In which country is Julbord a traditional Christmas meal?
Sweden
What is the traditional Christmas Eve meal in Lithuania called?
Kūčios
In which country is Risalamande a traditional Christmas dessert?
Denmark
What is the traditional Christmas bread in the Czech Republic?
Vánočka
In which country is Smalahove a traditional Christmas dish?
Norway
What is the traditional Christmas Eve soup in Hungary called?
Halászlé (fisherman’s soup)

Christmas Food in Popular Culture

In the movie ‘A Christmas Story’, what is Ralphie’s little brother’s name?
Randy
Which Christmas song contains the lyric “Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way?”
“Rocking Around The Christmas Tree”
In the movie ‘Elf’, what was the first rule of “The Code of Elves”?
Treat every day like Christmas
Where did the word and idea “Christmukkah” come from?
The TV show ‘The O.C.’
In ‘A Christmas Carol’, what was the first name of Scrooge?
Ebenezer

Christmas Food History and Trivia

What was mince pie once known as in Great Britain?
Mutton pie
In 1983, what chocolatey drink contained the decoded message from Little Orphan Annie?
Ovaltine
Where should the Christmas pickle be hidden according to holiday tradition?
On the Christmas tree itself
From which country did cinnamon sticks originate?
Sri Lanka
What is a lesser-known word for cranberries?
Marsh Whorts
In which century did turkey become popular as a Christmas meal in England?
16th century
What year was the first Christmas pudding recipe published?
1845
Who invented the Christmas cracker?
Tom Smith, a London confectioner
In which decade did Coca-Cola first use Santa Claus in its advertising?
1930s
What year was the first commercial Christmas card sent?
1843
Who wrote the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” which popularized leaving cookies for Santa?
Clement Clarke Moore
In which century did the tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace begin?
19th century
What year was the first electric Christmas tree lights patented?
1882
Who invented the candy cane?
Unknown, but it first appeared in Germany in the 17th century
In which year did Starbucks introduce the Peppermint Mocha as a holiday drink?
2002

True or False Christmas Food Trivia

True or False: Clark Griswold’s favorite holiday dinner in “Christmas Vacation” is pasta.
True. It’s spaghetti and meatballs.
True or False: In the 16th century, goose was the most commonly served Christmas dinner.
True
True or False: In the UK, 5 million Christmas puddings are sold each year.
False. It’s actually 25 million!
True or False: Early New Englanders gave carrot cookies as holiday gifts.
True
True or False: The Duke of Northumberland had five swans served for Christmas dinner in 1512.
True
True or False: Candy canes were originally straight.
True
True or False: Fruitcake can last for over 25 years.
True
True or False: The tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa started in America.
True
True or False: Gingerbread houses were inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel”.
True

Multiple Choice Christmas Food Trivia

Which of these is not an eggnog ingredient?
A. Eggs
B. Cloves
C. Milk
D. Butter
Answer: D. Butter
What is roasted in “The Christmas Song”?
A. Duck
B. Goose
C. Turkey
D. Chestnuts
Answer: D. Chestnuts
Which of these is a traditional French Christmas dessert?
A. Figgy pudding
B. Apple tarts
C. Buche de Noelle
D. Panettone
Answer: C. Buche de Noelle
Eggnog originated from Anglia, England, but what was it initially?
A. A breakfast drink
B. Baby food
C. A cooking ingredient
D. A type of soup
Answer: A. A breakfast drink
In 1910, Robert Falcon Scott left a fruitcake behind in what unexpected part of the world?
A. The Sahara Desert
B. The Amazon Rainforest
C. Antarctica
D. The Himalayas
Answer: C. Antarctica
Which fruit is traditionally used to make a Christingle?
A. Apple
B. Orange
C. Pear
D. Banana
Answer: B. Orange
What is the main ingredient in a traditional Yule log cake?
A. Vanilla
B. Strawberry
C. Chocolate
D. Lemon
Answer: C. Chocolate
Which spice is not typically used in gingerbread?
A. Cinnamon
B. Ginger
C. Nutmeg
D. Cumin
Answer: D. Cumin
What is the traditional meat for Christmas dinner in Japan?
A. Turkey
B. Ham
C. Chicken
D. Beef
Answer: C. Chicken (from KFC)
Which country originated the tradition of hiding a coin in Christmas pudding?
A. England
B. France
C. Germany
D. Italy
Answer: A. England

Christmas food trivia questions and answers

Additional Christmas Food Trivia

What is the traditional Christmas bread of Italy called?
Panettone
In which country is it traditional to eat KFC for Christmas dinner?
Japan
What is the name of the traditional Christmas Eve feast in Poland?
Wigilia
What fruit is traditionally used to make a Christmas wreath in Germany?
Apples
What is the main ingredient in a traditional Christmas pudding?
Dried fruits
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Australia?
Pavlova
In Greece, what is traditionally baked inside a Christmas bread called Christopsomo?
A coin
What is the traditional Christmas breakfast in Sweden?
Rice pudding
What is the name of the traditional Christmas cookie in the Netherlands?
Speculaas
What is the main ingredient in a traditional Scottish Clootie Dumpling?
Suet
What is the traditional Christmas dinner in Greenland?
Mattak (whale skin with blubber)
What is the name of the traditional Christmas bread in the Czech Republic?
Vánočka
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Finnish Christmas dish, Lanttulaatikko?
Rutabaga
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Lithuania called?
Kūčios
What is the name of the traditional Christmas cake in Portugal?
Bolo Rei
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Norwegian Christmas dish, Lutefisk?
Dried whitefish
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in France called?
Bûche de Noël
What is the name of the traditional Christmas bread in Russia?
Kulich
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Mexican Christmas dish, Bacalao?
Salt cod
What is the traditional Christmas Eve soup in Slovakia called?
Kapustnica
What is the name of the traditional Christmas cookie in Germany?
Lebkuchen
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Greek Christmas dish, Avgolemono?
Chicken
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in New Zealand called?
Pavlova
What is the name of the traditional Christmas bread in Armenia?
Gata
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dish, Pasteles?
Green bananas
What is the traditional Christmas Eve fish dish in Italy called?
Feast of the Seven Fishes
What is the name of the traditional Christmas cookie in Norway?
Krumkake
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Filipino Christmas dish, Bibingka?
Rice flour
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in England called?
Christmas pudding
What is the name of the traditional Christmas bread in Bulgaria?
Koledna pitka
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Hungarian Christmas dish, Halászlé?
Fish
What is the traditional Christmas Eve soup in Poland called?
Barszcz
What is the name of the traditional Christmas cookie in Sweden?
Pepparkakor
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Peruvian Christmas dish, Panettone?
Dried fruits
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Spain called?
Turrón
What is the name of the traditional Christmas bread in Greece?
Christopsomo
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Brazilian Christmas dish, Rabanada?
Bread
What is the traditional Christmas Eve fish dish in Poland called?
Carp
What is the name of the traditional Christmas cookie in Denmark?
Pebernødder
What is the main ingredient in the traditional Irish Christmas dish, Spiced Beef?
Beef brisket
What is the name of the traditional Christmas bread in Greece?
Christopsomo
What is the main ingredient in Italian Struffoli?
Fried dough balls
What is the traditional Christmas Eve fish in Poland?
Carp
What is the main flavoring in German Lebkuchen?
Honey and spices
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Australia and New Zealand?
Pavlova
What is the main ingredient in Scottish Clootie Dumpling?
Dried fruits and spices
What is the traditional Christmas breakfast in Finland?
Rice porridge
What is the main ingredient in Mexican Rosca de Reyes?
Sweet bread dough
What is the traditional Christmas drink in Chile?
Cola de Mono
What is the main ingredient in Norwegian Lefse?
Potatoes
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in the Philippines?
Noche Buena
What is the main ingredient in French Galette des Rois?
Puff pastry
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Portugal?
Bolo Rei
What is the main ingredient in Russian Olivier Salad?
Potatoes and mayonnaise
What is the traditional Christmas breakfast in the Netherlands?
Kerststol (Christmas stollen)
What is the main ingredient in Spanish Turrón?
Almonds
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in Estonia?
Verivorst (blood sausage)
What is the main ingredient in Irish Spiced Beef?
Corned beef
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Argentina?
Pan Dulce
What is the main ingredient in Swiss Zimtsterne?
Cinnamon and almonds
What is the traditional Christmas Eve soup in Romania?
Ciorbă de perisoare
What is the main ingredient in Danish Aebleskiver?
Apples
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Peru?
Panettone
What is the main ingredient in Turkish Boza?
Fermented millet
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in Croatia?
Bakalar (dried cod)
What is the main ingredient in Belgian Cougnou?
Sweet bread
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Colombia?
Natilla
What is the main ingredient in Austrian Vanillekipferl?
Ground almonds or walnuts
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in Latvia?
Gray peas with bacon
What is the main ingredient in Lebanese Meghli?
Rice flour and spices
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Cuba?
Buñuelos
What is the main ingredient in Finnish Joulutorttu?
Puff pastry and prune jam
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in Bulgaria?
Koledna pitka (Christmas bread)
What is the main ingredient in South African Malva Pudding?
Apricot jam
What is the traditional Christmas breakfast in France?
Pain au chocolat and hot chocolate
What is the main ingredient in Greek Kourabiedes?
Almonds and powdered sugar
What is the traditional Christmas Eve dish in Lithuania?
Kūčiukai (small sweet pastries)
What is the main ingredient in Ecuadorian Pristiños?
Fried dough with syrup
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in Hungary?
Beigli (poppy seed and walnut rolls)
What is the main ingredient in Icelandic Laufabrauð?
Thin, crisp bread dough

Download PDF File

Using the Christmas Food Trivia PDF

The attached PDF provides a printable version of all 184 trivia questions and answers. This format allows for easy use in various settings:

Print the entire set for a comprehensive trivia game.
Select specific categories or difficulty levels for targeted quizzes.
Use as a reference for creating custom trivia games or educational materials.
Share digitally for virtual holiday gatherings or online trivia events.

The PDF format ensures that the trivia questions are readily available and easy to distribute, making it a valuable resource for holiday entertainment and education.

Using the Christmas Food Trivia

This Christmas trivia set can be used in many ways:

As a printable quiz for holiday parties
For family game nights during the festive season
In classrooms for educational holiday activities
To spark conversations about food traditions
As content for blogs or social media posts

The variety of question types and difficulty levels allows you to customize the trivia for your specific audience and purpose.

Benefits of Christmas Food Trivia

Incorporating Christmas food trivia into holiday activities offers several benefits:

Educational value: Participants learn about food traditions from different cultures.
Conversation starter: Trivia questions can spark discussions about family traditions and memories.
Intergenerational appeal: Questions range from simple to challenging, engaging all age groups.
Cultural awareness: Exploring global Christmas foods promotes understanding of diverse traditions.
Holiday entertainment: Provides a fun, festive activity for gatherings and parties.