The winter holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and share memories of celebrations past. Whether you remember watching classic movies when they first premiered, lighting the menorah with family, or singing along to timeless carols on the radio, each decade brought its own special traditions and moments.
This holiday trivia offers a great winter activity for seniors that celebrates the magic of the season through different eras. This is perfect Christmas trivia for seniors or for families looking to test their knowledge together. These questions will spark conversations and bring smiles as you reminisce about past holidays. Discover fascinating holiday fun facts as you journey through the decades!
Holiday Celebrations Through the Decades: Trivia Questions
Think you know everything there is to know about the holidays? See how many of these questions you can answer correctly.
1. In the 1946 classic film “The Bishop’s Wife,” which Hollywood star played an angel who comes to Earth during the holidays?
- James Stewart
- Cary Grant
- Gregory Peck
- Clark Gable
2. What popular winter holiday television special, featuring a character with a shiny red nose, first aired in 1964?
- Frosty the Snowman
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- The Little Drummer Boy
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
3. Which crooner recorded “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) in 1946?
- Frank Sinatra
- Dean Martin
- Nat King Cole
- Perry Como
4. In what decade did the tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony begin?
- 1920s
- 1930s
- 1940s
- 1950s
5. What 1959 animated television special featured the story of Hanukkah’s miracle of the oil?
- The Festival of Lights
- A Hanukkah Tale
- The Animated Haggadah
- Lamp Unto My Feet (featuring Hanukkah special)
6. Which winter holiday song became a surprise hit in 1958 when David Seville and the Chipmunks released their version?
- Santa Baby
- The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
- All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
7. What 1966 television special brought the story of Kwanzaa’s seven principles to American audiences for the first time?
- Actually, Kwanzaa wasn’t created until 1966, so there were no TV specials about it in the 1960s
- Soul Train Holiday Special
- The First Kwanzaa
- Seven Candles
8. In what year did the U.S. Postal Service issue its first secular winter holiday stamp featuring a wreath and candles?
- 1962
- 1964
- 1966
- 1968
9. Which tradition of lighting a giant menorah in public spaces began in Philadelphia in 1974?
- The Festival of Lights Celebration
- The National Menorah Project
- The first public Hanukkah lighting
- Hanukkah at Independence Hall
10. What 1970 television special introduced the characters Heat Miser and Snow Miser to celebrate the winter season?
- Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
- The Year Without a Santa Claus
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
- Jack Frost
Celebrate the Season With Cherished Memories
The winter holidays are about more than just traditions—they’re about the memories we create and share across generations. Whether these questions brought back fond recollections of gathering around the television set for special holiday programs, lighting candles with family, or singing favorite songs together, we hope this Christmas trivia for seniors added a touch of joy to your day.
At The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, activities like this holiday trivia bring our community together, create new memories, and honor the past. Share your score with family and friends, and enjoy the warmth of the season!
Answer Key:
- B) Cary Grant
- B) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- C) Nat King Cole
- B) 1930s
- D) Lamp Unto My Feet (featuring Hanukkah special)
- B) The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
- A) Actually, Kwanzaa wasn’t created until 1966
- B) 1964
- C) The first public Hanukkah lighting
- B) The Year Without a Santa Claus
