December Trivia
December is one of the most magical months of the year. It’s filled with holiday traditions, festive celebrations, winter weather, delicious treats, famous historical events, and plenty of fascinating facts you may have never heard before.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, planning a family game night, entertaining students in the classroom, or looking for an icebreaker for your holiday gathering, these December trivia questions are guaranteed to get everyone thinking, and maybe even learning something new!
From Christmas traditions and winter science to famous birthdays, history, and holiday foods, there’s something here for kids, teens, and adults.
See how many you can answer before peeking at the answers!
Fun Questions and Answers for Family, Friends & Holiday Parties
December History Trivia
December has been the setting for some of history’s most memorable events. Test your knowledge with these interesting questions.
1. Why is December called the tenth month even though it’s now the twelfth month?
Answer: It comes from the Latin word decem, meaning “ten.” In the ancient Roman calendar, March was the first month of the year.
2. Which brothers made the world’s first successful powered airplane flight in December 1903?
Answer: Orville and Wilbur Wright.
3. Which famous harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941?
Answer: Pearl Harbor.
4. Which country officially dissolved on December 26, 1991?
Answer: The Soviet Union.
5. Which famous explorer reached the Americas on his first voyage in December 1492?
Answer: Christopher Columbus.
6. Which U.S. state became the 50th state in a December ceremony in 1959?
Answer: Hawaii.
7. Which famous composer premiered the ballet The Nutcracker in December 1892?
Answer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
8. Which world-famous Christmas ballet first premiered in Russia in December 1892?
Answer: The Nutcracker.
9. Which famous author of A Christmas Carol was born in December?
Answer: Charles Dickens.
10. Which international organization was officially established in December 1945 to promote global peace and cooperation?
Answer: The United Nations.
Christmas Trivia
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world. See how much you know about one of the world’s biggest holidays.
11. Which country is credited with starting the tradition of decorating Christmas trees?
Answer: Germany.
12. Which popular Christmas drink is traditionally made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar and spices?
Answer: Eggnog.
13. What plant is traditionally hung in doorways during Christmas for people to kiss beneath?
Answer: Mistletoe.
14. Which reindeer is famous for having a glowing red nose?
Answer: Rudolph.
15. What was the first artificial Christmas tree commonly made from?
Answer: Dyed goose feathers.
16. Which Christmas song was the first song ever broadcast from space?
Answer: “Jingle Bells.”
17. Which candy became shaped like a shepherd’s crook to symbolize Christmas?
Answer: The candy cane.
18. Which country traditionally hides a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree for children to find?
Answer: The tradition is commonly associated with Germany, although its true origins are debated.
19. Which European city is famous for its centuries-old Christmas markets that attract millions of visitors each December?
Answer: Nuremberg, Germany.
20. Which Christmas movie features a boy accidentally left home while his family goes on vacation?
Answer: Home Alone.
December Food Trivia
December is packed with delicious treats and festive meals. These questions celebrate some holiday favorites.
21. Which spice gives gingerbread its signature warm flavor?
Answer: Ginger.
22. Which dried fruit is commonly found in traditional Christmas fruitcake?
Answer: Raisins.
23. Which Christmas cookie is traditionally shaped like little people?
Answer: Gingerbread men.
24. Which holiday dessert is often set on fire before serving?
Answer: Christmas pudding.
25. Which fruit was once considered a luxurious Christmas stocking gift?
Answer: Oranges.
26. Which Christmas candy is striped red and white?
Answer: Candy canes.
27. Which spice blend often flavors mulled wine?
Answer: Cinnamon, cloves, star anise and nutmeg.
28. Which Christmas dessert traditionally hides a small coin or charm inside for good luck?
Answer: Christmas pudding.
29. Which festive dessert is shaped like a log?
Answer: Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël).
30. Which Christmas beverage is made by heating red wine with spices and citrus fruits?
Answer: Mulled wine.
Winter Nature Trivia
In the Northern Hemisphere, December marks the beginning of winter. Here’s some fascinating seasonal trivia.
31. What is the shortest day of the year called?
Answer: The Winter Solstice.
32. Around what date does the Winter Solstice usually occur?
Answer: December 21 or 22.
33. Snowflakes are almost always made up of how many sides?
Answer: Six.
34. Which animal’s fur turns white during winter to help it blend into snowy surroundings?
Answer: The Arctic hare.
35. Which famous constellation is easy to spot in the December night sky?
Answer: Orion.
Famous December Birthdays
Many influential people were born during December.
36. Which famous scientist developed the three laws of motion and was born on December 25, 1642 (Old Style calendar)?
Answer: Sir Isaac Newton.
37. Which legendary animator was born on December 5, 1901?
Answer: Walt Disney.
38. Which award-winning singer behind hits like “Love Story,” “Blank Space,” and “Shake It Off” was born on December 13, 1989?
Answer: Taylor Swift.
39. Which famous author created The Chronicles of Narnia and was born on November 29, sharing a birthday season with the holidays?
Answer: C.S. Lewis. (Bonus fact: Although not born in December, his books are often associated with winter.)
40. Which actress known for playing Princess Leia was born on December 21, 1956?
Answer: Carrie Fisher.
Weird December Trivia
December is filled with unusual celebrations beyond Christmas.
41. Which holiday celebrates ugly sweaters?
Answer: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
42. Which sweet holiday is celebrated on December 12 in the U.S.?
Answer: National Gingerbread House Day.
43. What celebration takes place on December 26 in many Commonwealth countries?
Answer: Boxing Day.
44. Which December holiday celebrates kindness through anonymous gift giving in some countries?
Answer: St. Nicholas Day.
45. Which Jewish holiday sometimes falls in December and is known as the Festival of Lights?
Answer: Hanukkah.
Science & Space Trivia
December offers plenty of fascinating astronomical events and scientific facts.
46. Which annual meteor shower reaches its peak during December?
Answer: The Geminids.
47. Which constellation gives the Geminid meteor shower its name?
Answer: Gemini.
48. Which planet is often one of the brightest objects visible in the December evening sky?
Answer: Venus (depending on the year).
49. Why does the Northern Hemisphere experience winter in December?
Answer: Because Earth’s axis tilts away from the Sun.
50. What makes every snowflake unique?
Answer: Tiny differences in temperature and humidity as each crystal forms.
December Fun Facts
- December gets its name from the Latin word decem, meaning ten.
- The Wright brothers completed the first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903.
- The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Candy canes were originally plain white before the familiar red stripes were added.
- The Geminid meteor shower is considered one of the brightest meteor showers of the year.
- The world’s largest Christmas stocking measured over 168 feet (51 meters) long.
- NORAD has tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve journey every year since 1955 after a child accidentally called a military hotline looking for Santa.
- Boxing Day is celebrated in many countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Many European Christmas markets date back hundreds of years.
- The tradition of sending Christmas cards became popular in Victorian England during the 1840s.
December is full of fascinating stories, traditions, scientific discoveries, and festive celebrations that make it one of the most interesting months of the year. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, planning classroom activities, gathering around the dinner table, or simply challenging your family to a holiday quiz, these December trivia questions are sure to create plenty of fun conversations and surprising “I didn’t know that!” moments.
If you enjoyed these questions, be sure to explore more seasonal trivia here, including Christmas trivia, winter trivia, New Year’s trivia, holiday games, and activities that bring family and friends together all year long.
