Megan Moran

Christmas around the world quiz

Take a festive trip around the globe, from Iceland's mischievous Yule Lads to Ethiopia's January celebrations. These 20 questions explore the gift-bringers, foods, markets and customs that make Christmas traditions so varied. How many can you answer?

A free quiz from Megan Moran, author of The Ultimate Christmas Quiz Book.

Paper-cut illustration of a globe tied with ribbon among festive decorations
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  1. Question 1 of 20Gift-bringersEasy

    Finland's Christmas gift-bringer is called Joulupukki. What does the name literally mean?

  2. Question 2 of 20Gift-bringersMedium

    In the Netherlands, families traditionally exchange Sinterklaas presents on which evening?

  3. Question 3 of 20Festive foodsEasy

    Which corn-dough parcels, steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, are a favorite Christmas Eve food in Mexico?

  4. Question 4 of 20CustomsMedium

    St. Lucia's Day, marked with candlelit processions led by a girl dressed as Lucia, is celebrated in Sweden on which date?

  5. Question 5 of 20FolkloreHard

    In Icelandic folklore, the giant Yule Cat is said to eat anyone who has not received what before Christmas?

  6. Question 6 of 20FolkloreEasy

    Krampus, a horned figure who traditionally accompanies St. Nicholas and frightens naughty children, comes from the folklore of which region?

  7. Question 7 of 20CustomsMedium

    Mexico's Las Posadas, which reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, is traditionally held over how many nights?

  8. Question 8 of 20CustomsMedium

    Iceland's Jólabókaflóð, or "Christmas Book Flood," refers to the tradition of doing what?

  9. Question 9 of 20Festive foodsHard

    In Provence, how many desserts are traditionally served after the Christmas Eve supper?

  10. Question 10 of 20Festive foodsEasy

    For Sinterklaas, Dutch children traditionally receive a chocolate letter. Which letter is it usually?

  11. Question 11 of 20CustomsMedium

    In Poland, the Christmas Eve supper (Wigilia) traditionally begins when what is spotted?

  12. Question 12 of 20DecorationsMedium

    What is the traditional star-shaped Christmas lantern of the Philippines called?

  13. Question 13 of 20MarketsHard

    Which German city hosts the Striezelmarkt, first recorded in 1434 and one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world?

  14. Question 14 of 20Gift-bringersEasy

    What name is traditionally used for Santa Claus in Brazil?

  15. Question 15 of 20Gift-bringersMedium

    In Russian tradition, Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") is accompanied by his granddaughter. What is she called?

  16. Question 16 of 20CustomsHard

    In Catalonia, what do children traditionally beat with sticks while singing, so that it "produces" sweets and small treats?

  17. Question 17 of 20Festive foodsMedium

    Which fish is the traditional centerpiece of the Christmas Eve dinner in the Czech Republic?

  18. Question 18 of 20Seasons and datesEasy

    In Spain, children traditionally receive presents from the Three Kings on which date?

  19. Question 19 of 20Seasons and datesMedium

    Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas, known as Genna, on which date?

  20. Question 20 of 20DecorationsHard

    The poinsettia, native to Mexico, is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett. Who was he?

Answer all 20 to see your score.

Want more? The Ultimate Christmas Quiz Book has over 500 questions like these, ready for your next quiz night.

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Show all the answers
  1. Finland's Christmas gift-bringer is called Joulupukki. What does the name literally mean? Yule Goat
  2. In the Netherlands, families traditionally exchange Sinterklaas presents on which evening? December 5
  3. Which corn-dough parcels, steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, are a favorite Christmas Eve food in Mexico? Tamales
  4. St. Lucia's Day, marked with candlelit processions led by a girl dressed as Lucia, is celebrated in Sweden on which date? December 13
  5. In Icelandic folklore, the giant Yule Cat is said to eat anyone who has not received what before Christmas? New clothes
  6. Krampus, a horned figure who traditionally accompanies St. Nicholas and frightens naughty children, comes from the folklore of which region? The Alps
  7. Mexico's Las Posadas, which reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, is traditionally held over how many nights? Nine
  8. Iceland's Jólabókaflóð, or "Christmas Book Flood," refers to the tradition of doing what? Giving books as gifts on Christmas Eve
  9. In Provence, how many desserts are traditionally served after the Christmas Eve supper? Thirteen
  10. For Sinterklaas, Dutch children traditionally receive a chocolate letter. Which letter is it usually? The first letter of their name
  11. In Poland, the Christmas Eve supper (Wigilia) traditionally begins when what is spotted? The first star in the evening sky
  12. What is the traditional star-shaped Christmas lantern of the Philippines called? Parol
  13. Which German city hosts the Striezelmarkt, first recorded in 1434 and one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world? Dresden
  14. What name is traditionally used for Santa Claus in Brazil? Papai Noel
  15. In Russian tradition, Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost") is accompanied by his granddaughter. What is she called? Snegurochka
  16. In Catalonia, what do children traditionally beat with sticks while singing, so that it "produces" sweets and small treats? A wooden log with a painted face
  17. Which fish is the traditional centerpiece of the Christmas Eve dinner in the Czech Republic? Carp
  18. In Spain, children traditionally receive presents from the Three Kings on which date? January 6
  19. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas, known as Genna, on which date? January 7
  20. The poinsettia, native to Mexico, is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett. Who was he? The first US minister to Mexico
Paper-cut illustration of a snowy street with a red post box, a robin and terraced houses

Christmas in Britain

20 questionsMixed
Paper-cut illustration of a vintage film camera and clapperboard by a snowy small-town street

Classic Christmas films

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Paper-cut illustration of a cosy sofa, popcorn and a TV showing a snowy scene

Modern Christmas films

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Paper-cut illustration of lanterns and open songbooks in front of a snowy village church

Christmas carols

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Paper-cut illustration of vinyl records, a gold disc and a vintage microphone

Christmas songs and No. 1s

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Paper-cut illustration of a plate of roast potatoes, sprouts, pigs in blankets and gravy

Christmas dinner

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