Want an entertaining and easy game for your holiday gathering? These 101 Christmas movie trivia questions will boost your guests’ Christmas spirit!
How Do you Know When the Christmas Season Officially Starts?
Move over, youth Spider-man costume. Costco has Christmas trees for sale in September. Does the Christmas season begin when Costco and Hobby Lobby start selling decorations? How about when your local radio station begins rotating Christmas music 24/7?
I’m tempted to say the Christmas season begins with the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. However, that begins October 22, 2021, just in time for your Halloween party! Although I sound sarcastic, I love the Hallmark Christmas movies.[1]
Christmas Movie Trivia Questions
It’s fair to say there is overlap between the various seasons of the holiday seasons. We can begin the Christmas season with the broadcast of Christmas movies and still enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving to the fullest. If you’ve completed your Halloween duties, feel free to enjoy some October Christmas movies.
To help you enjoy your holiday season to the fullest, I’ve made this list of Christmas movie trivia questions to help you focus on the movies. Feel free to print this list and test your loved ones’ Christmas movie knowledge during your Christmas party. Who doesn’t love holiday trivia games?
You can hand these out as a surprise Yuletime gathering game or give your friends a heads up about which movies this list of Christmas movie trivia questions includes.
I’m not going to jingle your bells, though.
As much as I adore Lacey Chabert and Alicia Witt, I’ll stick to the Christmas classics for this Christmas movie trivia quiz. Let the season begin when you quiz your loved ones with these Christmas trivia questions.
Guess the Christmas Movie!
Before we get to the trivia for each movie, I want to mix you up a bit. I’ll ask questions and offer quotes, and you try to guess which movie the quote or question mentions. These may not all be Christmas classics, but they’re an excellent way for me to include a few of my favorite Christmas movies!
In what classic Christmas movie does a boy’s mom make him wash his mouth out with soap for saying, “fudge?”
A Christmas Story.
What Christmas movie has Santa defending himself in court as to whether or not he’s really Santa?
Miracle on 34th Street.
What 2004 Christmas movie was the first all-digital capture film?
The Polar Express.
As of October 2021, what is the highest-grossing box office Christmas film of all time?
The Grinch. That’s the 2018 version starring Benedict Cumberbatch. It surpassed Home Alone, which had held that position for years. [2]
What Christmas movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad as dads trying to find a sell-out toy for their sons?
Jingle All the Way.
What 2011 animated movie depicted the story of Santa’s two sons vying for the position of Santa Claus?
Arthur Christmas.
What 1988 film starring Bill Murray is a modern(ish) retelling of the Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol? (The title is also rather punny.)
Scrooged.
What 2003 Christmas movie sequel (part 3 to be exact) features Martin Short as the villain?
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.
Which movie tells the story of a couple who offend their neighbors by planning to take a Caribbean Cruise for Christmas?
Christmas With the Kranks.
Which Christmas movie has the line, “Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more?”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
9 Christmas Movie Trivia Questions From A Christmas Story
What is the famous reason Ralphie couldn’t have a bb gun in A Christmas Story?
“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”
In what store did Ralphie see this desired gift?
Higbee’s Department Store.
What is the name of Ralphie’s little brother in A Christmas Story?
Randy.
In A Christmas Story, what does Ralphie call his dad?
The Old Man.
What is the “Major Award” that Ralphie’s dad wins?
He won a table lamp shaped like a woman’s leg wearing fishnet stockings.
What state is the setting of A Christmas Story?
Indiana.
Peter Billingsley, the actor who played Ralphie in A Christmas Story, played in another Christmas movie 20 years later. What movie was that?
Elf
In A Christmas Story, what was the name of the neighbors whose dog ate the Christmas turkey?
Bumpus.
What does Ralphie’s aunt get him for Christmas in A Christmas Story?
A pink bunny suit.
11 Christmas Movie Trivia Questions From It’s A Wonderful Life
Confession time! I have never seen It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s one of the best-known and most-quoted Christmas movies of all time, so I’m definitely including it. I’ll watch it this year and maybe add a few questions for 2022.
What date (the year will suffice) was It’s a Wonderful Life released?
January 7, 1947.
(I included this question for two reasons. Firstly, this classic Christmas movie came out after the holidays. It wasn’t even released in time for Christmas. Secondly, I saw a blog post that listed the release date as 1997. That post probably meant the following trivia question.)
What was the name of the 1997 television movie that was a gender-reversed version of It’s a Wonderful Life?
It Happened One Christmas.
Who played the main character George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life?
Jimmy Stewart
What is the name of the fictional town in which It’s a Wonderful Life is set?
Bedford Falls.
What real-life town does the fictional setting of It’s a Wonderful Life closely resemble?
Seneca Falls, NY.
What did George Baily promise to give Mary in It’s a Wonderful Life?
The moon.
In It’s A Wonderful Life, what happens each time a bell rings?
An angel got its wings.
In the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, what is the name of George Bailey’s guardian angel?
Clarence Odbody.
What is the name of the villain in It’s A Wonderful Life?
Mr. Potter
What two songs do the cast sing at the end of It’s A Wonderful Life?
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Auld Lang Syne.”
In It’s A Wonderful Life, what movie is playing at the theater?
The Bells of St. Mary’s.
10 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Trivia Questions
With all due respect (cos I do respect) to Jim Carrey and Benedict Cumberbatch, I’m sticking with the original Grinch. My daughter loves the Jim Carrey version. I usually sleep through it. On purpose.
Where does the Grinch live?
Mt. Crumpit.
What is the Grinch’s dog’s name?
Max.
What does the book (and movie) How the Grinch Stole Christmas say about the Grinch’s heart?
“His heart was two sizes too small.”
Other than that, what are the two other possible reasons why the Grinch hated Christmas?
“He had shoes that were too tight.
His head wasn’t screwed on right.”
The song says that Grinch is as cuddly as what?
“You’re as cuddly as a cactus, you’re as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch!”
What three words best describe the Grinch in the Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
“Stink, stank, stunk.”
Thurl Ravenscroft, the actor who sings “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” also voiced what famous breakfast cereal character?
Tony, the Tiger. (He performed voice work for several Disneyland attractions, including the Haunted Mansion and the Enchanted Tiki Room.)
When the Grinch raided Whoville, what were the first things to go?
“‘These stockings,’ he grinned, ‘are the first things to go!'”
What color was the Grinch in the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas book?
Black and white with a little pink and red.
What was Chuck Jones, director of the 1966 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, inspiration for the Grinch’s green color?
That green was the color of a rental car he had in Washington D.C.
10 Miracle of 34th Street Trivia Questions
Confession time again! I’ve seen Miracle on 34th Street, but when I was a young tyke. I remember it, but not that well. I’ll be sure to watch it again in 2021.
What is the real-life department store featured in Miracle on 34th Street?
Macy’s.
Who is on trial in Miracle on 34th Street?
Kris Kringle.
In Miracle on 34th Street, what does Susan Walker tell Santa that she wants for Christmas?
A house.
Who plays the little girl Susan Walker in the original Miracle on 34th Street?
Natalie Wood. For some reason, IMDB lists Mara Wilson as the role. Mara Wilson was in the 1994 remake.
In Miracle on 34th Street, why was the first parade Santa fired?
He was drinking.
What happened to Doris Walker’s husband in Miracle on 34th Street?
They were divorced when Susan was a baby.
According to his employment card, where did Kris Kringle live?
Brooks’ Memorial Home for the Aged.
In Miracle on 34th Street, what is Fred Gailey’s occupation?
He’s a lawyer.
What other department store was Macy’s biggest rival in Miracle on 34th Street?
Gimbels.
In Miracle on 34th Street, how many votes does Charlie Halloran tell the judge he’ll get in the next election if he says there is no Santa Claus?
He’ll get two votes: the judge’s and the district attorney’s votes.
7 White Christmas Trivia Questions
Here’s another one I haven’t seen. I know it’s one of the classics, but it’s so old. I promise to try to watch it for the 2021 Christmas season.
What day (or year) was White Christmas released?
October 14, 1954.
When did Bing Crosby first perform the song “White Christmas?”
He first performed the song in the movie Holiday Inn, released on September 4, 1942.
What song in White Christmas wasn’t originally part of the movie script?
“Sisters.”
What is the club’s name where Phil and Bob first see Judy and Betty in White Christmas?
Novello’s.
What actor instead of Danny Kaye was initially in mind to play Phil Davis in White Christmas?
Fred Astaire.
When filming White Christmas, how many years older than Rosemary Clooney was Bing Crosby?
Bing Crosby was 25 years older.
White Christmas was the first movie filmed in a new format at the time. What is the name of that format?
VistaVision (not to be confused with WandaVision).
7 The Polar Express Trivia
I would have more time for watching It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas if I didn’t watch The Polar Express multiple times every year. It’s one of my favorites.
How many different roles does Tom Hanks voice in The Polar Express?
Seven. The Hero Boy, The Conductor, the hobo ghost, the hobo’s Ebenezer Scrooge puppet, Santa Claus, the hero boy’s father, and the narrator. Many sites have six as the answer, so count them for yourself.[3]
The Polar Express contains Easter eggs for what famous science fiction film?
Back to the Future.
What drink is served to the children in The Polar Express?
Hot chocolate.
What word does the Conductor punch into the Hero Girl’s train ticket in The Polar Express?
“Lead.”
The train ticket floating through the air in The Polar Express is a nod to what other Tom Hanks film?
The floating ticket is a nod to the feather floating similarly in Forest Gump.
What Christmas present did Santa give the Hero Boy in The Polar Express?
A bell.
In The Polar Express, who can hear the bell ring?
Those who believe in Santa Claus.
9 Home Alone Trivia Questions
I never really got into this one, and I have no idea why it ranks so highly. I plan to watch it again in 2021 and give it another chance.
Where was Kevin’s family going for a Christmas vacation in Home Alone?
Paris.
Why did Kevin’s family oversleep in Home Alone?
Their alarm clocks were reset.
In Home Alone, how old is Keven when he’s left alone at home?
Eight years old.
What name do the two robbers in Home Alone call themselves?
The Wet Bandits.
What actor in Home Alone improvised all of his lines?
John Candy.
In Home Alone, what food does Kevin order to be delivered?
Cheese Pizza.
What famous line does Kevin have the television tell the delivery driver in Home Alone?
“Keep the change, your filthy animal.”
In Home Alone, what is the name of the fictional movie Kevin is watching and uses to interact with the delivery driver?
Angels With Filthy Souls.
What is the name of the next-door neighbor in Home Alone?
Old Man Marley.
10 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Trivia
Although Christmas Vacation is one of my favorite Christmas movies, I haven’t watched it in several years. I told the family that we’re not going to miss it in 2021.
In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what is Ellen’s nickname for Clark?
Sparky.
What does Mr. Shirley (Clark Griswold’s boss) call Clark in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
He calls Clark “Greaseball” instead of Griswold.
As the Griswold’s are putting up their Christmas tree in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what Christmas classic can be seen in the background?
It’s a Wonderful Life.
In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, how many lights does Clark Griswold use to light their house?
25,000.
What is the name of cousin Eddie’s dog in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
Snots.
What rock band is on Audrey Griswold’s wall in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
Guns ‘n Roses.
In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what did Clark Griswold want to do with his Christmas bonus?
He wanted to build a swimming pool.
Instead of money, what did Clark Griswold get for his Christmas bonus in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
A one-year membership In the “Jelly of the Month Club.” (This prompted a movie line that I like to use all the time: “Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”)
What does Aunt Bethany say for the prayer when Clark asks her to say Grace in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
The Pledge of Allegiance.
On what day does National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation end?
Christmas Eve.
10 Elf Trivia Questions
If Elf isn’t my favorite Christmas movie, it’s in my top 5. I wanted to have 9 or 10 questions for each movie. When I add more movies and more questions next year, I’ll add a lot more trivia questions from Elf.
In the movie Elf, what is the first rule of The Code of Elves?
“Treat every day like Christmas.”
What animal says to Buddy Elf, “Bye, Buddy. Hope you find your dad,” in the movie Elf?
A Narwhal.
What does Buddy Elf tell the Hobbs are the four main food groups in the movie Elf?
Candy, candy corn, candy canes, and syrup.
What flavor Pop-Tarts does Buddy Elf use for his breakfast spaghetti in Elf?
Chocolate Fudge.
In the movie Elf, what movie are the designs for Santa’s workshop and the elves’ costumes based on?
The 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Most of Elf’s North Pole animals are also based on this movie.
What name is on the Gimbel’s store manager’s nametag in the movie Elf?
Wanda. Wanda Sykes was originally cast to play the store manager but had to back out. Faizon Love insisted on wearing the nametag made for Wanda.
In the movie Elf, how old is Buddy Elf’s Pappa when Pappa finally becomes Master Tinker?
490.
With what does Buddy Elf try to surprise Jovie on their first date in the movie Elf?
The World’s Greatest Cup of Coffee.
In the movie Elf, what is the name of the children’s book ghostwriter portrayed by Peter Dinklage?
Miles Finch.
What songs does the character Jovie, played by Zooey Deschanel, sing in the movie Elf?
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Auld Lang Syne.”
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
– The Code of Elves
8 Various Christmas Movie Trivia Questions
These are great questions from movies from which I didn’t have a lot of trivia questions. As I watch movies this year, I’ll come up work more questions for some of these. I’ll definitely add more questions for Arthur Chrismas and maybe Diehard!
What Christmas song plays at the end of the movie Die Hard?
Vaughn Monroe’s version of “Let It Snow, Snow, Let it Snow, Let It Snow.”
In A Charlie Brown Christmas, what song does Lucy ask Schroeder to play?
“Jingle Bells.”
In The Muppet Christmas Carol, what non-muppet actor plays Ebenezer Scrooge?
Sir Michael Caine.
In Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, who joined Rudolph on his adventure after he left the North Pole?
Yukon Cornelius and Hermey the Misfit Elf.
What was the original title for the song “The Little Drummer Boy?”
“Carol of the Drum.”
In The Nightmare Before Christmas, what’s the name of the main villain?
Oogie Boogie.
What is the name of the character Tim Allen plays in The Santa Clause?
Scott Calvin.
What is the name of the hard-to-find, sell-out action figure in Jingle All The Way?
Turbo Man.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Christmas movie trivia game. I’d like to leave you with one more holiday wish:
“Merry Christmas, you filthy animal!”
– Home Alone 2
Question: What are your favorite Christmas movies?
Related Posts:
- [1] Think Hallmark Christmas movies aren’t that good? Check out these reasons to enjoy Hallmark movies (and get a few laughs while you listen).
- These trivia questions is part of a bigger guide to help you get the most out of the holidays. As wonderful as holidays are, we tend to allow unwanted stress to find its way in. Here is How to Have the Perfect Holidays in 2021!
- Want to enjoy engaging fun for the whole family? Test your knowledge with these 99 Christmas trivia questions (and answers) for kids of ALL ages!