Do you love Santa but feel lost in conversations about him? It’s tough when you can’t join in the holiday cheer because you don’t know enough Santa trivia.
But what if you could impress your friends and family with a sleigh-load of fascinating Santa facts? Get ready to become a Santa expert with our ultimate list of 127+ Santa Claus trivia tidbits!
From his origins to his modern-day adventures, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn about Santa’s reindeer, his favorite treats, and so much more.
No more feeling left out during holiday gatherings – you’ll be the one leading the conversation with your newfound Santa knowledge.
So put on your Santa hat and let’s dive into the jolly world of Santa Claus trivia!
Best Santa Claus Trivia Questions & Answers
1. Who is the patron saint of children that inspired the modern-day Santa Claus?
A: Saint Nicholas of Myra.
2. In what century did the legend of Santa Claus first emerge?
A: The 4th century CE.
3. What country did the gift-giving tradition of Saint Nicholas originate from?
A: Greece.
4. Which historical figure is said to have inspired the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition?
A: Saint Nicholas of Myra.
5. What was the name of the Dutch settlers’ colony in present-day New York where the Sinterklaas tradition was brought?
A: New Amsterdam.
6. Which famous author wrote the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “The Night Before Christmas”)?
A: Clement Clarke Moore.
7. In what year was the iconic red suit of Santa Claus first introduced by Coca-Cola?
A: 1931.
8. Which illustrator is credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus in his red suit?
A: Haddon Sundblom.
9. What was the original color of Santa Claus’ suit before it became predominantly red?
A: Green.
10. In what year did the Coca-Cola Company start using Santa Claus in their advertisements?
A: 1933.
11. Which Germanic god is said to have influenced the legend of Santa Claus?
A: Odin.
12. What is the name of the ancient Norse festival that is believed to have influenced Christmas traditions?
A: Yule.
13. Which Saint is celebrated on December 6th and is associated with the origins of Santa Claus?
A: Saint Nicholas.
14. In what country is Saint Nicholas known as Sinterklaas?
A: The Netherlands.
15. What is the name of the 1823 poem that helped popularize the modern image of Santa Claus?
A: “A Visit from St. Nicholas” or “The Night Before Christmas.”
16. Who wrote the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
A: Clement Clarke Moore.
17. In what year did the first department store Santa Claus appear?
A: 1890, at the James Edgar & Co. department store in Brockton, Massachusetts.
18. What famous Christmas carol featuring Santa Claus was written by James Lord Pierpont?
A: “Jingle Bells.”
19. In what year was the Christmas carol “Jingle Bells” written?
A: 1857.
20. What is the name of the popular Christmas song written by Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots?
A: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
21. In what year was the song “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” first performed?
A: 1934.
22. What famous artist’s illustrations helped shape the modern image of Santa Claus in the late 19th century?
A: Thomas Nast.
23. According to the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” what is Santa Claus’ nickname?
A: Saint Nick.
24. In the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” how many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh?
A: Eight.
25. What are the names of Santa’s original eight reindeer, as mentioned in the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”?
A: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.
26. Which famous reindeer was added to Santa’s team in the 20th century?
A: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
27. In what year was the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer created?
A: 1939.
28. Who created the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
A: Robert L. May.
29. According to the legend, what is Santa Claus’ wife’s name?
A: Mrs. Claus.
30. What is the traditional snack left out for Santa on Christmas Eve in the United States?
A: Milk and cookies.
31. Where is Santa Claus’ workshop traditionally located?
A: The North Pole.
32. According to popular belief, how does Santa Claus enter homes on Christmas Eve?
A: Through the chimney.
33. What is the traditional Christmas Eve activity associated with Santa Claus?
A: Hanging stockings by the fireplace.
34. What is the traditional color of Santa Claus’ belt?
A: Black.
35. According to the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” what is Santa Claus described as smoking?
A: A pipe.
36. What is the traditional Christmas plant associated with Santa Claus?
A: Holly.
37. What is the traditional Christmas color scheme associated with Santa Claus?
A: Red and white.
38. According to legend, what is the purpose of Santa Claus’ naughty and nice list?
A: To determine which children deserve presents on Christmas.
39. What is the traditional mode of transportation for Santa Claus?
A: A sleigh pulled by reindeer.
40. What is the name of the popular Christmas song that mentions Santa Claus and his reindeer?
A: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
41. What is the traditional Christmas treat associated with Santa Claus?
A: Candy canes.
42. According to the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” what sound do Santa’s reindeer make on the roof?
A: The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
43. What is the name of the Christmas carol that mentions Santa Claus filling stockings?
A: “The Night Before Christmas Song” or “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
44. According to the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” what does Santa Claus carry on his back?
A: A bundle of toys.
45. What is the name of the traditional Italian gift-giver similar to Santa Claus?
A: Babbo Natale.
46. In which country is Santa Claus known as Père Noël?
A: France.
47. What is the name of the traditional Japanese gift-bringer similar to Santa Claus?
A: Hoteiosho.
48. In which country is Santa Claus known as Papai Noel?
A: Brazil.
49. What is the name of the traditional Russian gift-giver similar to Santa Claus?
A: Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost).
50. In which country is Santa Claus known as Joulupukki?
A: Finland.
51. What is the name of the traditional Swedish gift-giver similar to Santa Claus?
A: Jultomten.
52. In which country is Santa Claus known as Christkind?
A: Germany.
53. What is the name of the traditional Norwegian gift-bringer similar to Santa Claus?
A: Julenissen.
54. In which country is Santa Claus known as Saint Basil?
A: Greece.
55. What is the name of the traditional Spanish gift-givers similar to Santa Claus?
A: Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings).
56. In which country is Santa Claus known as Święty Mikołaj?
A: Poland.
57. What is the name of the traditional Icelandic gift-giving figures similar to Santa Claus?
A: The 13 Yule Lads.
58. In which country is Santa Claus known as Noel Baba?
A: Turkey.
59. What is the name of the traditional Danish gift-bringer similar to Santa Claus?
A: Julemanden.
60. In which country is Santa Claus known as Agios Vasilis?
A: Cyprus.
61. What is the name of the traditional Belgian gift-giver similar to Santa Claus?
A: Saint Nicholas (Sint-Niklaas or Saint-Nicolas).
62. In which country is Santa Claus known as Kris Kringle?
A: Canada.
63. What is the name of the traditional Czech gift-giver similar to Santa Claus?
A: Ježíšek (Little Jesus).
64. In which country is Santa Claus known as Mikulás?
A: Hungary.
65. What is the name of the traditional Slovakian gift-giver similar to Santa Claus?
A: Svätý Mikuláš (Saint Nicholas).
66. In which country is Santa Claus known as Pai Natal?
A: Portugal.
67. What famous soft drink company helped popularize the modern red-and-white image of Santa Claus?
A: Coca-Cola.
68. Who played Santa Claus in the 1947 classic film “Miracle on 34th Street”?
A: Edmund Gwenn.
69. In the movie “Elf,” what is the name of the department store where Buddy the Elf works?
A: Gimbels.
70. What is the name of Tim Allen’s character in the movie “The Santa Clause”?
A: Scott Calvin.
71. In the movie “The Polar Express,” what does the conductor punch into the tickets of the children?
A: The word “believe.”
72. What is the name of the animated reindeer who guides Santa’s sleigh in the 1998 movie “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie”?
A: Zoey.
73. In the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” what does the Grinch steal from the Whos?
A: All their Christmas presents and decorations.
74. What is the name of the little girl who befriends the Grinch in the 2000 movie adaptation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”?
A: Cindy Lou Who.
75. In the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” what is the name of the character who attempts to take over Christmas?
A: Jack Skellington.
76. What is the name of the 1996 horror comedy film featuring a murderous Santa Claus?
A: “Santa Claws.”
77. In the animated TV special “Frosty the Snowman,” what does Santa Claus give Frosty to keep him from melting?
A: A magic silk hat.
78. What is the name of the villainous toy tycoon in the 2011 animated movie “Arthur Christmas”?
A: Steven Claus.
79. In the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” where does the child see Mommy kissing Santa Claus?
A: Underneath the mistletoe.
80. According to the song “Santa Baby,” what does the singer want Santa Claus to bring her?
A: A sable, a convertible, and a yacht.
81. In the movie “Bad Santa,” who plays the title character?
A: Billy Bob Thornton.
82. What is the name of the animated movie featuring Santa Claus and his brother Fred Claus?
A: “Fred Claus.”
83. In the animated TV special “The Year Without a Santa Claus,” what is the name of the character who sings the song “Blue Christmas”?
A: Snow Miser.
84. What is the name of the 1996 comedy film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a father trying to find a Turbo-Man action figure for his son?
A: “Jingle All the Way.”
85. In the movie “The Santa Clause 2,” who plays Santa Claus’ wife, Carol?
A: Elizabeth Mitchell.
86. What is the name of the animated TV special featuring a mailman named S.D. Kluger telling the story of Santa Claus?
A: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
87. In the movie “Elf,” what is Buddy the Elf’s favorite food?
A: Candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.
88. What is the name of the 2002 romantic comedy film featuring a department store Santa Claus who falls in love with a divorced mother?
A: “Mr. St. Nick.”
89. What is the name of the popular website where children can track Santa Claus’ progress on Christmas Eve?
A: NORAD Tracks Santa.
90. What is the name of the US military organization that tracks Santa Claus’ journey on Christmas Eve?
A: North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
91. In what year did NORAD start tracking Santa Claus’ journey on Christmas Eve?
A: 1955.
92. What is the name of the popular mall in Torrance, California, known for its elaborate Santa Claus photo setups?
A: Del Amo Fashion Center.
93. What is the name of the famous hotel in New York City known for its luxurious Santa Claus experiences?
A: The Plaza Hotel.
94. What is the name of the charity organization that hosts an annual Santa Claus parade in Toronto, Canada?
A: The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids Foundation).
95. In what city is the world’s largest Santa Claus parade held annually?
A: Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
96. What is the name of the theme park in Santa Claus, Indiana, that features holiday-themed rides and attractions?
A: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.
97. What is the name of the virtual experience that allows children to video chat with Santa Claus?
A: Santa HQ.
98. What is the name of the popular Christmas market in Chicago that features a Santa Claus house?
A: Christkindlmarket Chicago.
99. What is the name of the annual event in Las Vegas where participants dress up as Santa Claus for a pub crawl?
A: Las Vegas Great Santa Run.
100. What is the name of the mall in Edmonton, Canada, that holds an annual Santa Claus parade?
A: West Edmonton Mall.
101. What is the name of the charity event in London, UK, where participants dress up as Santa Claus for a run?
A: London Santa Run.
102. What is the name of the beachfront hotel in Santa Monica, California, known for its unique Santa Claus photo opportunities?
A: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
103. What is the name of the annual Santa Claus convention held in Branson, Missouri?
A: Discover Santa.
104. What is the name of the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, Finland, that attracts tourists from around the world?
A: Santa Claus Village.
105. What is the name of the amusement park in Santa Claus, Arizona, that features Christmas-themed attractions?
A: Santa’s Land.
106. What is the name of the popular Santa Claus parade held annually in Peoria, Illinois?
A: Santa Claus Parade.
107. What is the name of the annual Santa Claus convention held in Tampa, Florida?
A: Santa Celebration.
108. What is the name of the charity event in Sydney, Australia, where participants dress up as Santa Claus for a run?
A: Sydney Santa Spectacular.
109. What is the name of the Santa Claus village in Mora, Sweden, that features a Santa Claus post office?
A: Tomteland (Santa’s Land).
110. What is the name of the annual Santa Claus parade held in Auckland, New Zealand?
A: Farmers Santa Parade.
111.True or False: Santa Claus is based on a real historical figure.
A: True.
112.In the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” Santa Claus is described as having a nose like a…
A: Cherry.
113.Fill in the blank: “He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of _____.
A: Jelly.
114.Which of these is NOT one of Santa’s reindeer?
A: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Blitzen, Cupid, Rudolf, Donner, Comet, Vixen, and Blaze
115.True or False: Santa Claus always travels by sleigh.
A: False. In some countries, Santa Claus is said to travel by various means, such as a horse, a donkey, or even a helicopter.
116.According to the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” what does Santa Claus have in his mouth when he appears?
A: A pipe.
117.Fill in the blank: “You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I’m telling you why: _____ _____ is coming to town.
A: Santa Claus.
118.Which of these countries does NOT have a Santa Claus-like figure?
A: Japan, Brazil, Australia, Saudi Arabia
119. True or False: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by the Coca-Cola Company.
A: False. Rudolph was created by Robert L. May for the Montgomery Ward department store.
120.In the movie “Elf,” what is the first rule of the Code of Elves?
A: Treat every day like Christmas.
121. Fill in the blank: “Have a holly, jolly _____; it’s the best time of the year.
A: Christmas.
122. In the song “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” what does Santa Claus do when you’re sleeping?
A: He knows when you’re awake.
123.True or False: Santa Claus has a pilot’s license.
A: True, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
124. What does Santa Claus traditionally leave in the stockings of naughty children?
A: Coal.
125.Fill in the blank: “_____ the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la.
A: Deck.
126. In the movie “The Polar Express,” what happens to the bells from Santa’s sleigh as the children grow older?
A: They stop hearing the bells.
127. True or False: Santa Claus has a degree in toy-making from the University of the North Pole.
A: False. This is not a part of the traditional Santa Claus legend.
128.According to the song “The Christmas Song,” what do children hope to find in their stockings on Christmas morning?
A: Toys.
129.Fill in the blank: “I’m dreaming of a _____ Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.
A: White.
130.In the movie “The Santa Clause,” what happens to Scott Calvin when he puts on Santa’s suit?
A: He becomes Santa Claus.
131.True or False: Santa Claus has a magic key that can open any door.
A: True, according to some Christmas stories.
Conclusion
Santa Claus, the beloved gift-giver, has a rich history and countless traditions that have evolved over time.
From his early origins as Saint Nicholas to his modern-day depiction in popular culture, Santa continues to attract the hearts of children and adults alike.
So, what will you do with this newfound knowledge? Share it with friends and family during the holiday season, or perhaps challenge them to a friendly game of Santa Claus trivia?
No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember that the spirit of Santa Claus lives on through the joy, generosity, and love we share with one another.
Keep the magic alive, and happy holidays!
