Christmas Food Trivia Questions For the Holiday Dinner Table

Christmas is all about family, friends, and presents. But perhaps even more important are the delicious foods and warming drinks. Whether you like to follow tradition and go full turkey or you like to experiment with new recipes and ingredients, we have a few fun and useful facts for you. Use this Christmas food trivia to prepare your dishes and quiz your loved ones around the table.

Christmas food quiz questions about turkey

Turkey is the epitome of Christmas foods, but how did this tradition begin, and how should you choose a good bird to be smothered in spices and put into the oven on Christmas Day?

1. How much turkey does each person eat on average for Christmas dinner?

The rule of thumb that rarely fails is 1.5lbs per person. If you want leftovers for some sandwiches or wraps throughout the following week, then go for 2lbs per person. The bigger the crowd, the bigger the bird! 

2. How did the tradition of eating turkey at Christmas begin?

The infamous English King Henry VIII decided to make turkey a staple dish of the festive season. So a royal decree it was! The tradition goes back to the sixteenth century. 

Christmas trivia on eggnog

Eggnog is a traditional Christmas drink that warms the body and soul. But what are some common facts that we should know about this holiday fare?

3. What is eggnog made of?

This sweet drink is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. Or you can purchase Eggnog already made!

4. Where and when did eggnog originate?

Eggnog is derived from posset, a hot and milky drink from medieval Britain. In the 13th century, monks added eggs and figs to posset, and eggnog was born.

5. Is eggnog good for more than just drinking?

Yes, you can use eggnog as you would use any wet agent in a cake or cookie recipe. An easy eggnog loaf will be the perfect breakfast for Christmas morning.

Quiz questions about international Christmas food traditions

Christmas celebrations are a great way to take a peek into the cultural and culinary traditions of different countries. 

6. What is in a traditional “Christmas pudding?”

This English dessert contains suet, egg, molasses, spices, and dried fruits. Christmas pudding is set on fire with brandy immediately before being served.

7. Where and why did the gingerbread house tradition start?

The tradition of baking, decorating, and devouring sweet gingerbread houses has its origins in 1800s Germany. This tradition became popular after the tale of Hansel and Gretel was published in 1812. 

8. Where is the traditional Christmas meal, Lechón, found?

The Phillipines have made this dish, a spit-roasted suckling pig, a traditional part of the holiday feast. However, Lechón can also be found in other countries like Puerto Rico and Colombia.

9. What are mince pies made of? 

Mince pies are a sweet pastry popular in places like Great Britain and Australia. They are made with sweet fruits and sugar.

10. What is a panettone?

The panettone is a fluffy, towering Italian soft bread that is consumed during the holidays. It is speckled with almonds, raisins, and other dry foods.

11. What fast food restaurant is popular at Christmas in Japan?

Strange though it may seem, KFC is a hotspot in Japan on Christmas Eve and Christmas. It’s a tradition that’s been popular in the country since the mid-1980s.

Quiz questions about holiday drinks

Food is great, but it is even better when paired with a good holiday drink. 

12. What goes into mulled wine?

Mulled or spiced wine is warm wine boiled with spices. It provides a warm and wintery taste and is usually consumed outdoors in cold. Choose a nice Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha and throw in orange rounds and whole spices. The required spices include cinnamon, star anise, and clove. 

13. What are the origins of the classic Christmas liquor Baileys Irish Cream?

Baileys Irish Cream was launched in 1974 as the first Irish cream in the market. It is made with Irish whisky, cocoa, and cream.

14. How do you make a Christmas martini?

A Christmas martini is made by adding a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice and a branch of fresh rosemary. 

Christmas side dish food trivia

Not everything has to do with turkey and ham, there are other dishes that will go perfect with the rest of your Christmas spread. 

15. What are the best potatoes to roast?

Red potatoes have thick and tasty skin, so they are perfect to get a crispy outside and soft, creamy inside. 

16. What is a Bûche de Noël? 

You might have seen this name in a cakes shop. It is a French cake with soft biscuit and chocolate shaped like the yule log that families used to burn at the start of Christmas. 

17. What can you glaze a ham with?

You can glaze your ham with brown sugar, barbecue sauce, or maple syrup. These options will give a sweet punch that contrasts with the saltiness in the ham. 

18. What does antipasto mean? 

It’s the hors d’oeuvre or first course of a traditional Italian meal. Antipasto may include cold cuts, vegetables, cheese, and bread.

What is the most important thing about Christmas food? 

This is kind of a trick question, as what matters is not the food itself but who you share it with. Use Instacart’s fast delivery to get all the ingredients you need without leaving the house.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Turkey ()

Mayfield Dairy Farms Eggnog (32 oz)

Create a Treat Gingerbread House Kit (2.2 lb)

Sweet Italy Panettone (32 oz)

Big Smooth Zinfandel Lodi (750 ml)

Ocean Spray Unsweetened Pure Cranberry Juice (32 fl oz)

Red Potatoes (Bag) (5 lb bag)

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