There’s a magical moment during every Christmas gathering. The feast has been devoured, the initial excitement of presents has settled, and a comfortable, happy lull descends. It’s the perfect time to bring everyone together from know-it-all uncles to tech-savvy teens and wise grandparents for an activity that bridges generations: a classic pub quiz.

A quiz is more than just a game; it’s a conversation starter, a memory-maker, and a stage for friendly rivalries to shine. While a challenging current affairs pub quiz is fantastic for testing your weekly knowledge, a Christmas quiz is all about shared nostalgia and festive cheer.

Forget scrolling through your phones in separate corners. This year, crown yourself the family Quizmaster. We’ve prepared the ultimate Christmas quiz for you four rounds of festive fun, complete with a picture round and all the answers at the end. Let the games begin!

How to Host

1. Read the Rules: Announce to the family that it’s quiz time! Divide them into teams (or let them play individually).
2. No Cheating: Declare a strict “no phones” rule. The only search engine allowed is the one in their heads.
3. Read the Questions: Read out the questions for one round at a time. Repeat each question twice.
4. Mark the Answers: After each round, teams can either swap papers for marking or you can collect them. Announce the scores as you go to build excitement.
5. Have Fun! Remember, you’re the host. Be energetic, crack jokes, and make it a fun event for everyone.

The Quiz: 20 Festive Questions

Round 1: Christmas Traditions & History

This round will test how well you know the stories behind the festivities.

1. The character of Santa Claus is based on which real-life Christian saint known for his generosity?
2. Which country is credited with starting the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree in their homes?
3. Which British monarch delivered the first-ever Royal Christmas Message to the Empire in 1932?
4. Traditionally, what is the round shape of a Christmas mince pie supposed to represent?
5. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is also the feast day of which Christian saint?

Round 2: Festive Films & Music

Time to see who has been paying attention during all those Christmas movie marathons.

1. In the classic 1990 film Home Alone, what is the first name of the main character played by Macaulay Culkin?
2. Which actor played the Grinch in the 2000 live-action film How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
3. According to the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what gift was given on the tenth day?
4. In The Muppet Christmas Carol, which acclaimed British actor plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge?
5. What is the best-selling Christmas single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide?

Round 3: All About Food & Drink

A round for the foodies in the family.

1. The German Christmas cake known as “Stollen” traditionally contains a log of what sweet almond paste?
2. “Glühwein” in Germany and “Glögg” in Nordic countries are festive versions of what type of warm alcoholic drink?
3. What egg-based liqueur is the key ingredient in a classic Snowball cocktail?
4. A traditional “three-bird roast” typically consists of a chicken inside a duck, which is then placed inside what larger bird?
5. The ancient tradition of “wassailing” involves singing to the trees in an orchard to ensure a good harvest of what fruit?

Round 4: The Christmas Picture Round

For this round, you would show a picture of each item and ask the teams to identify it.

1. What is the name of this famously spherical, orange-flavoured chocolate, often smashed open on a table?
2. What is the common name for this popular Christmas houseplant, known for its red and green foliage?
3. In the film It’s a Wonderful Life, what is the name of George Bailey’s guardian angel?
4. What is the name of this festive table decoration that you pull apart with a “crack” to reveal a small gift, a paper hat, and a joke?
5. This famous Christmas tree stands in which iconic New York City location?

Conclusion

And there you have it, a quiz designed to bring a little extra sparkle to your Christmas celebrations. The final scores matter less than the moments created: the shared laughter, the friendly debates, and the collective groan when a simple answer just won’t come to mind. These are the small, joyful interactions that build the fondest holiday memories.

Being the Quizmaster is a wonderful gift to give your family. It’s the gift of a shared experience, of fun, and of connection. We hope this quiz helps make your Christmas gathering even more special. From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I make the quiz fair for all age groups?

The key is balance. Include some questions that only the kids might know (like from a recent Disney movie) and some that only the older generation will remember. The picture round is also great for all ages. For very young children, consider letting them team up with an adult.

2. What are some good ideas for prizes?

Prizes should be fun, not expensive. The winning team could get first pick of the dessert, a small trophy that gets passed around each year, or simply the “bragging rights” of being the family champions. A fun “booby prize” for the last-place team, like having to do the washing up, is also a great tradition.

3. How do I handle potential cheating with smartphones?

Announce a fun, firm “no phones” rule at the start. You can have a designated “phone basket” where everyone deposits their device. Make it part of the game’s charm. The goal is a light-hearted atmosphere where people want to play fair.

4. How long will this 20-question quiz take to play?

For a 20-question quiz broken into four rounds, plan for about 45-60 minutes. This includes time for reading the questions, team discussions, and marking the answers. It’s the perfect length to fit in after dinner without the game dragging on.

5. Can I add my own questions to the quiz?

Absolutely! The best quizzes have a personal touch. Add a round with questions about your own family’s history and inside jokes. It’s often the most memorable and hilarious part of the entire quiz.