288 Holidays Trivia Questions & Answers to Sleigh Your Quiz Night

From glittering New Year’s fireworks to Talk Like a Pirate Day shenanigans, the calendar is packed with celebratory lore.

This jumbo set of 288 holidays trivia questions and answers cruises around the globe—and the galaxy of pop culture—to spice up parties, classrooms, or pub‑quiz prep.

Pick a section, cue the confetti, and play!

Table of Contents

Winter Holidays

Christmas derives its name from what two Old English words? — Christ + Mass
How many candles are on a traditional Hanukkah menorah, including the shamash? — Nine
Kwanzaa’s seven principles are collectively called what in Swahili? — Nguzo Saba
Which country created Boxing Day to reward servants with gifts? — United Kingdom
Iceland’s “Yule Lads” total how many mischief‑making brothers? — Thirteen
What fruit often gilds a Christmas stocking toe in Victorian tradition? — Orange
“Hogmanay” is the New Year festival of which nation? — Scotland
Festivus’ sole decoration is what metal item? — Aluminum pole
In Sweden, St. Lucia wears a crown of candles made from what plant? — Lingonberry branches
Chinese Lunar New Year ends with which lantern‑lit celebration? — Yuanxiao (Lantern Festival)
Orthodox Christmas is commonly celebrated on what Gregorian date? — January 7
“La Befana” rides a broomstick handing sweets to children in which country? — Italy
New Year’s Eve “Auld Lang Syne” was penned by which poet? — Robert Burns
Norway’s julebukk tradition involves what costumed activity? — Goat‑mask caroling
The Japanese eat what fast‑food staple on December 24? — KFC fried chicken
In Puerto Rico, children fill shoe boxes with what for the Three Kings’ camels? — Grass
Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat in which Low Country? — Netherlands
The “Polar Bear Plunge” jumps into frigid water traditionally on which day? — New Year’s Day
Germany’s pickle‑ornament legend promises good luck to whichever child finds it on what? — The Christmas tree
The term “Yule” originally referred to what celestial event? — Winter solstice
Hogarth’s “Twelfth Night” signals the last of how many days of Christmas? — Twelve
Ukrainian Christmas trees sometimes hide ornaments shaped like what insect? — Spider
New Year’s in Spain mandates eating how many grapes at midnight? — Twelve
In Québec, what syrupy treat is poured on snow during winter carnivals? — Maple taffy

Spring Holidays

Easter is named after a Saxon dawn goddess called? — Ēostre/Ostara
Color‑splashed Hindu festival Holi is nicknamed the “Festival of ___.” — Colors
Persian New Year “Nowruz” literally means what? — New day
Songkran marks the Thai New Year with city‑wide battles of what element? — Water
Jewish Passover meal is called a ___? — Seder
Which planet is honored on April 22 each year? — Earth
Japanese “Golden Week” crams together how many national holidays? — Four major ones
Good Friday commemorates which Christian event? — Crucifixion of Jesus
The U.S. cherry‑blossom festival thanks which country for its trees? — Japan
Lent lasts how many days, not counting Sundays? — Forty
“May the 4th” celebrates which film saga? — Star Wars
The Hindu spring harvest festival Baisakhi is most significant to which other faith? — Sikhism
Shamrocks flood streets worldwide on March 17 honoring which saint? — Patrick
Ramadan begins with the sighting of which lunar phase? — New crescent moon
Carnaval in Rio ends just before which penitential season? — Lent
Orthodox Easter uses which calendar to set its date? — Julian
Japan’s Children’s Day flies carp‑shaped windsocks called? — Koinobori
Beltane bonfires mark the halfway point between spring equinox and what? — Summer solstice
Mother’s Day founder Anna Jarvis later campaigned to ___ the holiday. — Abolish (commercialized)
Britain’s Pancake Day falls on the Tuesday immediately before ___ Wednesday. — Ash
Vaisakhi processions are called Nagar ___? — Kirtans
Greece’s Clean Monday picnickers fly what to spiritually “air out” Lent? — Kites
Arbor Day encourages planting which living things? — Trees
Holika Dahan bonfires on Holi eve represent the triumph of whom over Holika? — Prahlad (devotion over evil)

Summer Holidays

Midsummer celebrations often leap over what symbolically purifying element? — Fire
The U.S. Independence Day occurred in which year? — 1776
France’s Bastille Day commemorates the storming of a fortress‑prison in what city? — Paris
Canada Day was formerly named Dominion Day until which decade? — 1980s (1982)
Tanabata in Japan reunites two lovers across what celestial feature? — The Milky Way
International Friendship Day originated on which continent? — South America
Eid al‑Adha honors the willingness of which patriarch to sacrifice his son? — Abraham/Ibrahim
Hawaii’s King Kamehameha Day features garlands draped over what monumental body part? — His statue’s arms
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan with races powered by what? — Paddles/drums
Nelson Mandela International Day urges 67 minutes of service—symbolizing what? — His 67 years of public service
Peru’s Inti Raymi salutes which Incan deity? — Sun god Inti
Obon lanterns guide ancestral spirits back across what medium? — Water/river/sea
There are how many Olympic rings displayed on World Olympic Day? — Five
In Sweden, crayfish parties called kräftskiva traditionally happen in which month? — August
U.S. Flag Day honors the 1777 adoption of what design element? — Stars & Stripes
“Juneteenth” blends June with which date? — Nineteenth
Father’s Day in most countries is observed on which day of the week? — Sunday
South Korea’s Memorial Day moment of silence is exactly at what hour? — 10 a.m.
Wimbledon’s “Middle Sunday” has historically been a day of what? — Rest/no matches
International Beer Day toasts the first Friday of which summer month? — August
The U.S. National Ice Cream Day was proclaimed by which president in 1984? — Ronald Reagan
Citizens don white attire and red scarves for Spain’s running of the bulls in which city? — Pamplona
On July 12, Orangemen’s Day parades are most prominent in which UK region? — Northern Ireland
The “Dog Days” of summer are named after which bright star’s heliacal rising? — Sirius

Autumn Holidays

Jack‑o’-lanterns were originally carved from what root vegetable? — Turnips
Thanksgiving in Canada falls on which weekday? — Second Monday of October
Diwali lamps are called ___? — Diyas
Oktoberfest pours its first keg with the cry “O’zapft is!” meaning? — “It’s tapped!”
Mexico’s Día de Muertos coincides with which two Catholic feast days? — All Saints & All Souls
Veterans Day in the U.S. marks the armistice ending which war? — World War I
Guy Fawkes Night remembers a failed plot to blow up which building? — Houses of Parliament
Mid‑Autumn Festival treats are round pastries called? — Mooncakes
Rosh Hashanah is announced by blowing which instrument? — Shofar
Chrysanthemum Day in Japan is nicknamed the “Festival of ___.” — Happiness
Sukkot huts commemorate Israelites wandering for how many years? — Forty
U.S. Labor Day signals the unofficial end of what fashion item’s season? — White clothing
Mawlid celebrates whose birthday? — Prophet Muhammad
Scotland’s Samhain fire festival is celebrated on which date? — October 31
All Hallows’ Eve is better known as ___? — Halloween
Oktoberfest actually begins in which month? — September
U.S. Columbus Day is renamed Indigenous Peoples’ Day in how many states (approx.)? — About 20+
The Jewish Day of Atonement is called? — Yom Kippur
Moon‑viewing parties in Japan are known as? — Tsukimi
The Great Pumpkin lore hails from which comic strip? — Peanuts
U.S. Election Day is the Tuesday following the first Monday in which month? — November
The Swahili phrase “Matunda ya Kwanza” (Kwanzaa) means first ___? — Fruits
Fireworks Night’s warning rhyme begins “Remember, remember the ___ of November.” — Fifth
Central Europe’s St. Martin’s Day feast traditionally serves what bird? — Goose

National Days Around the World

Australia Day marks the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet in which bay? — Sydney Cove
Norway’s Constitution Day is on May 17 and nicknamed “Syttende ___.” — Mai
Switzerland’s National Day fireworks light up which mountain’s silhouette on commemorative posters? — The Matterhorn
Fiji’s Independence Day is celebrated with rugby sevens and which traditional drink? — Kava
India’s Republic Day parade rolls down which ceremonial boulevard? — Rajpath (Kartavya Path)
Brazil’s Tiradentes Day honors a martyr nicknamed after which body part? — Tooth (Tiradentes = tooth puller)
France’s Fête de la Musique coincides with which solstice? — Summer solstice
Ghana’s Independence Day falls in which month? — March
“Waitangi Day” commemorates a treaty signing in which Pacific nation? — New Zealand
China’s National Day kicks off a seven‑day “Golden ___.” — Week
Mexico’s Grito de Dolores reenactment rings a bell at what midnight hour? — 11 p.m.–midnight of Sept 15‑16
Philippines’ June 12 freedom from which colonial power? — Spain
South Africa’s Freedom Day marks the 1994 election ending what policy? — Apartheid
U.S. Juneteenth celebrates emancipation in which Texas city? — Galveston
Denmark’s Constitution Day doubles as which monarch’s birthday? — No monarch; it’s separate (Trick Q!)
Pakistan and India share an independence year but Pakistan celebrates on which date? — August 14
Italy’s Festa della Repubblica features military jets trailing smoke in which three colors? — Green, white, red
Spain’s National Day coincides with which explorer’s 1492 landfall? — Christopher Columbus
Ireland’s Lá Fhéile Pádraig is globally known as? — St. Patrick’s Day
Russia’s “Day of Russia” in June replaced which Soviet holiday? — Soviet Constitution Day
Saudi National Day commemorates the unification under which king? — King Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud)
Finland’s Flag Day also honors national composer Jean ___? — Sibelius
Turkey’s Children’s Day on April 23 charges parliament seats with what participants? — Kids acting as leaders
Canada’s Flag finally got its maple leaf in which year? — 1965

Religious & Spiritual Festivals

Vesak celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and what third event? — Parinirvana (death)
Pentecost occurs 50 days after which Christian feast? — Easter
Navaratri spans how many nights of goddess worship? — Nine
Tisha B’Av mourns the destruction of which two Jewish Temples? — First & Second
Thaipusam devotees pierce skin with spears honoring which deity? — Murugan
Gion Matsuri parades massive wooden floats in which Japanese city? — Kyoto
Durga Puja’s clay idols are submerged in which element at festival’s end? — Water (river/sea)
The Hajj’s stoning ritual pelts pillars representing whom? — Satan
Shavuot celebrates the giving of what on Mount Sinai? — The Torah
Hindu lights float along the Ganges during Kartik Poornima marking victory of whom? — Lord Shiva
Jain Paryushan culminates in universal forgiveness phrase “Micchami ___.” — Dukkadam
San Fermín’s closing chant promises return in how many days? — 365 (one year)
Sikh Hola Mohalla echoes which Hindu spring festival? — Holi
Orthodox believers dye Easter eggs primarily what color? — Red
Pagans drum at Stonehenge during which quarterly festival? — Summer Solstice/Litha
The Feast of St. Nicholas falls on which December date? — 6th
Jewish Festival of Lights lasts how many nights? — Eight
Islamic Ashura remembers the martyrdom of which Imam? — Husayn ibn Ali
Wiccan wheel splits the year into how many sabbats? — Eight
The Feast of the Transfiguration is symbolized by which luminous fruit in Russia? — Apple
Greek carnival Apokries translates to “farewell to” what food? — Meat
Holodomor Remembrance Day candles are placed on windowsills at which hour? — 4 p.m.
Christian Advent wreaths usually hold how many candles? — Four (plus optional fifth)
Buddhist Kathina robe offering occurs at the close of which retreat season? — Vassa (rainy retreat)

Food & Drink Holidays

Pi Day is celebrated on what date due to matching digits of π? — March 14
U.S. National Donut Day began as a fundraiser during which war? — World War I
Oktoberfest beer must be brewed within city limits of which city? — Munich
National Taco Day is cheekily placed on which Spanish word’s date? — “Cuatro” (October 4)
World Chocolate Day honors the supposed 1550 introduction of cacao to which continent? — Europe
International Coffee Day perks up which transition date between September & October? — October 1
In Italy, November 17 is Day of the National what golden fried snack? — Croquette
National Popcorn Day in the U.S. pops in which chilly month? — January
Global Champagne Day toasts on the fourth Friday of which month? — October
World Pasta Day spirals into carb heaven on October ___? — 25
National Cheeseburger Day grills up in September on what teen date? — 18th
British “Pudding Day” honors which plum‑laden steamed dessert set aflame? — Christmas pudding
National Ice Cream Sundae Day is coolly on July ___? — 7
World Vegetarian Day sprouts at the start of which month? — October
National Pretzel Day twists into which spring month? — April
International Sushi Day rolls every June ___? — 18
National Peanut Butter Day sticks to which winter date? — January 24
U.S. National Wine Day uncorks on May ___? — 25
British “Egg Week” ends with the “Eggs Factor” cook‑off on what weekday? — Friday
National French Fry Day has notably jumped between July 13 and what prime July date? — 12
“Stir‑up Sunday” reminds clergy & cooks to mix pudding five weeks before what holiday? — Christmas
World Whisky Day lands on the third Saturday of which month? — May
National Bagel Day originally shared a date with what heart‑filled February holiday? — Valentine’s Day (moved to Jan 15)
International Bacon Day sizzles on the Saturday before U.S. Labor Day—true or false? — True

Pop Culture & Fictional Holidays

“Back to the Future Day” celebrates Doc & Marty’s arrival in what future date? — October 21, 2015
Rex Manning Day immortalizes which 1995 record‑store film? — Empire Records
Futurama’s robot Santa terrorizes Earth on which replacement holiday? — Xmas
Harry Potter’s birthday—July 31—is also author J.K. Rowling’s; what age does Harry turn in book one? — 11
Groundhog Day has which famous prognosticator rodent? — Punxsutawney Phil
Star Trek fans toast “First Contact Day” on April 5, matching Zefram Cochrane’s 2063 rendezvous with whom? — Vulcans
Alien Day (4/26) references exomoon LV‑426 from which 1979 film? — Alien
Batman Day usually falls on the third Saturday of which month? — September
“Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day” invites cosplay on December ___? — 8
Festivus grievances are aired around a dinner of what economical meat? — Meatloaf
Mean Girls Day hinges on Aaron asking Cady what date it is—answer? — October 3
“The Purge” film franchise sets its annual lawless night to begin at what hour? — 7 p.m.
Tolkien fans honor “Hobbit Day” on which shared birthday? — September 22
“Talk Like a Pirate Day” swashbuckles each September ___? — 19
Life Day is celebrated by Wookiees in what infamous 1978 TV special? — Star Wars Holiday Special
Pay homage to the Hitchhiker’s Guide by carrying a towel on which May date? — May 25
“Pi Approximation Day” balances pi as 22/7 on what European date format? — 22 July
Stranger Things Day unlocks the Upside Down on November ___? — 6
Tabletop RPG fans roll dice for “D&D Day” annually on Gary Gygax’s birthday: July ___? — 27
Pokémon Day electrifies February 27, marking the 1996 release in which country? — Japan
Whovians watch for phone boxes on TARDIS Day, which sportingly lands the date “10/___.” — 23
Anime fans celebrate Goku Day on May 9 because “Go‑Ku” sounds like numbers in which language? — Japanese (5 = go, 9 = ku)
Matrix Day 2/2 honors Neo’s computer shrine number translating to binary for what numeral? — 2
The Simpsons predicted a “Whacking Day” snake‑beating festival on May ___? — 10

Holiday Symbols & Traditions

How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh before Rudolph joins? — Eight
The moniker “Easter bunny” originated in which European country? — Germany
Cinco de Mayo revelers smash piñatas filled with ___? — Candy/prizes
Poppies worn on Remembrance Day reference which WWI poem? — “In Flanders Fields”
Hanukkah’s dreidel sides spell an acronym meaning “A great miracle happened ___.” — There
On Burns Night, what dish is ceremonially piped into dinner? — Haggis
Firecrackers on Lunar New Year were believed to scare off which monster? — Nian
Lovers attach padlocks to Rome’s Milvian Bridge on which romantic holiday? — Valentine’s Day
The Christmas tradition of kissing under mistletoe hails from which Norse goddess’s myth? — Frigg
At Passover, children hunt a hidden piece of matzah called the ___? — Afikoman
Folding 1,000 paper cranes for weddings symbolizes what wish? — Good luck/long life
Holi participants shout “Bura na mano, ___.” — Holi hai!
The spinning top in Hanukkah games is called a ___? — Dreidel
Canadian Thanksgiving tables feature what scarlet‑stemmed berry sauce? — Cranberry
St. Patrick allegedly used what plant to teach the Holy Trinity? — Shamrock
Japan’s Setsubun bean‑throwing chant says “Oni wa soto, ___ wa uchi.” — Fuku (Fortune in!)
Halloween trick‑or‑treating descends from medieval British “souling” for what baked good? — Soul cakes
Kwanzaa kinara holds candles in what three colors? — Red, black, green
Lunar New Year red envelopes contain money called ___ bao. — Hong
Crackers pulled at British Christmas dinner contain a paper crown, joke, and what snap‑making component? — Gunpowder strip
German Oktoberfest toasts “Zicke‑zacke, hoi‑hoi‑hoi!” after chanting what glass‑clinking word? — Prost
The Easter egg‑rolling race on the White House lawn began under which U.S. president? — Rutherford B. Hayes
Advent calendars debuted in which country famous for its Christmas markets? — Germany
Vasilopita New Year’s cake hides what lucky object? — Coin

Holiday Numbers, Dates & Timekeeping

The Twelve Days of Christmas run from December 25 to January ___? — ⅚ (Epiphany Eve)
Ramadan is the ___th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. — Ninth
Leap Day birthdays officially party every how many years? — Four
U.S. presidential inaugurations moved from March 4 to January 20 after which amendment? — 20th
China’s Lunar New Year cycles through how many zodiac animals? — Twelve
Jewish calendar adds a leap month seven times in a ___‑year cycle. — 19
Advent can start as early as November ___? — 27
Diwali date slides because it follows which lunar phase in Kartik? — New moon
“Ends‑in‑8” years signal which Jewish sabbatical produce law? — Shmita
ISO‑8601 sets Monday as the first day of the week—true or false? — True
Groundhog Day’s location Punxsutawney lies in which U.S. state time zone? — Eastern (Pennsylvania)
Russians celebrate “Old New Year” according to which older calendar? — Julian
The 4‑4‑4 rhythm of Chinese tomb‑sweeping festival Qingming refers to which date? — April 4 (approx.)
Lent’s 40 days echo Jesus’ desert fast lasting how many nights? — Forty
The Gregorian calendar was adopted by Britain in which year, skipping 11 days? — 1752
Japan’s Reiwa era began on May 1, 2019, following which emperor’s abdication? — Emperor Akihito
Unix time counts seconds since which exact date? — January 1, 1970 (UTC)
World Time Zones reference the Prime Meridian running through which observatory? — Greenwich
Daylight Saving “Spring Forward” moves clocks ahead one hour—what time is skipped? — 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Jewish festival Tu B’Shevat literally means the 15th of which month? — Shevat
Traditional Japanese New Year decorations are removed on January ___? — 7
The Ethiopian calendar is roughly how many years behind Gregorian? — Seven to eight
ISO Week 1 always contains which month’s first Thursday? — January
“45‑15‑2” is shorthand for U.S. federal holidays: 45 weekdays, 15 Saturdays, 2 Sundays—true or false? — False (myth)

Quirky & Obscure Holidays

Data Privacy Day encrypts awareness every January ___? — 28
World Emoji Day is celebrated on which calendar‑emoji date? — July 17
International Left‑Handers Day encourages southpaws each August ___? — 13
National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day pops on the last Monday of which month? — January
Global Handwashing Day scrubs up on October ___? — 15
World Beard Day showcases facial hair on the first Saturday of which month? — September
Talk Like Yoda Day this is, on May ___ should you speak backward? — 21
International Cat Day lands in the dog days of which month? — August (8)
No Pants Subway Ride began in which U.S. city? — New York
National Underwear Day ironically asks people to wear underwear ___ clothing. — Over
World Sleep Day lies on the Friday before which vernal week? — Spring equinox
“Single’s Day” 11/11 shopping spree started in which country? — China
Global Recycling Day bins ignorance every March ___? — 18
National High Five Day slaps palms on the third Thursday of what month? — April
International Talk Like Shakespeare Day doth fall on his birth—April ___? — 23
World Juggling Day tosses fun on the Saturday closest to June ___? — 15
International Day of Mathematics equals which pi‑centric date? — 3/14
National Nothing Day encourages doing zilch on January ___? — 16
World Naked Gardening Day prunes inhibitions on the first Saturday of ____? — May
“Pretzel Sunday” in Luxembourg sweetens the fourth Sunday of what 40‑day season? — Lent
International Observe the Moon Night orbits on a Saturday in which lunar phase? — First quarter
World Kindness Day hugs humanity each November ___? — 13
National Pet Rock Day skims across which month’s first Sunday? — September
World Toilet Day flushes stigma on November ___? — 19

Lightning Potpourri

Which holiday song was the first broadcast from space in 1965? — “Jingle Bells”
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debuted in 1924 with which live animals? — Zoo animals
France’s April Fools’ tradition involves taping what fishy object to backs? — Paper fish
Easter Island was so named because it was first spotted on which Sunday? — Easter Sunday (1722)
The “Bermuda Triangle” myth first appeared in print in which month known for spookiness? — October (1964 magazine)
Iceland’s “Beer Day” celebrates the end of a 74‑year prohibition on March ___? — 1
The Times Square “ball” originally weighed how many pounds? — 700
In Germany, children search gardens for Easter eggs laid by which animal instead of rabbits? — Fox
The Philippines holds the world’s longest Christmas season starting which “Ber” month? — September
Swiss towns burn a snowman effigy called a Böögg to predict the length of what? — Summer
Carnival masks in Venice were once outlawed for leading to too many surprise what? — Marriages/pregnancies (scandals)
Which U.S. state sells more fireworks than any other due to lenient laws? — Missouri
The Golden Snitch of Quidditch echoes which real‑world Christmas sport using birds? — Medieval “snap‑dragon” with raisins (trick Q)
Denmark smashes plates on friends’ doorsteps for luck on which night? — New Year’s Eve
In Spain, April Fools’ equivalent “Día de los Santos Inocentes” actually occurs in which month? — December (28)
Mexico’s Night of the Radishes carves artwork from what spicy root? — Radish
Colombians eat 12 what acidic green fruits at midnight on New Year’s? — Grapes (they’re grapes too!)
“Boxers’ Day” in some Caribbean islands celebrates what sport instead of gift boxes? — Boxing
In New Zealand, kiwis ring bells at dawn every June 21 to welcome what? — Matariki (Māori New Year)
Catalonia’s April 23 book‑and‑rose exchange also honors which fictional dragon slayer? — St. George
Finland’s “National Sleepy Head Day” tosses the last‑to‑wake into what body of water? — Sea/lake
On Dutch King’s Day, revelers wear what bright color? — Orange
Mardi Gras translates from French to what lively two‑word phrase? — Fat Tuesday
Auld Lang Syne roughly means what nostalgic sentiment? — “Old long ago” / “Times gone by”

Conclusion

From solstice bonfires to towel‑wielding sci‑fi fandoms, the world’s festivals prove we never miss a chance to party.

Keep this trove of 288 holiday trivia questions handy to liven up quizzes, road trips, or office icebreakers. May your answers be merry, your spirit bright, and your scoreboard ever ascending!

Ellie

Ellie Ewert is the founder and author of RandomTrivia.co, blending her passion for research with years of experience in content creation to deliver accurate, engaging, and well-sourced trivia. Dedicated to providing readers with trustworthy and entertaining facts, she applies meticulous fact-checking and SEO expertise to ensure every article meets the highest standards. Read more about our high standards in our Editorial Guidelines.