Harrah's Iig Winter Holiday Trivia Challenge
Test your Winter Holiday Trivia smarts! Lots of FUN prizes to be won!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The real St. Nicholas was born in what modern-day country?
- A.
Israel
- B.
Pakistan
- C.
Iraq
- D.
Turkey
Correct Answer
D. TurkeyExplanation
The real St. Nicholas was born in modern-day Turkey. St. Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Myra, was a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century in the region that is now Turkey. He was known for his generosity and gift-giving, which eventually led to the legend of Santa Claus. His birthplace, Patara, is located in present-day Turkey, making Turkey the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created as a promotion for what department store?
- A.
J.C. Penney
- B.
Montgomery Ward
- C.
Macy's
- D.
Nordstrom
Correct Answer
B. Montgomery WardExplanation
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created as a promotion for Montgomery Ward.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In the 1965 special "A Charlie Brown Christmas", who builds a gray snowman?
- A.
Charlie Brown
- B.
Linus
- C.
Pigpen
- D.
Snoopy
Correct Answer
C. PigpenExplanation
In the 1965 special "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Pigpen builds a gray snowman. This is evident from the scenes in the special where Pigpen is shown rolling a ball of snow and shaping it into a snowman. Pigpen's character is known for being messy and dirty, so it is fitting that his snowman would be gray in color.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In "The Twelve Days of Christmas", there are how many drummers drumming?
- A.
Six
- B.
Eight
- C.
Ten
- D.
Twelve
Correct Answer
D. TwelveExplanation
In the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," the final verse states that there are twelve drummers drumming. This is the correct answer because each verse of the song adds a new gift, and on the twelfth day, the gift is twelve drummers drumming. Therefore, the total number of drummers drumming in the song is twelve.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Eggnog was first consumed in what U.S. city?
- A.
Jamestown, Virginia
- B.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
- C.
Boston, Massachusetts
- D.
New York, New York
Correct Answer
A. Jamestown, VirginiaExplanation
Jamestown, Virginia is the correct answer because it was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, established in 1607. As a result, it is believed to be the place where eggnog was first consumed in the United States. The settlers likely brought the traditional English drink with them and adapted it to the available ingredients in the new colony.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which holiday is known as the Festival of Lights?
- A.
Christmas
- B.
Winter solstice
- C.
St. Lucia Day
- D.
Hanukkah
Correct Answer
D. HanukkahExplanation
Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights because it is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the ancient temple in Jerusalem. During this holiday, Jewish families light a special candle holder called a menorah, adding one candle each night, until all eight candles are lit. The lighting of the candles symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, and is a central part of the Hanukkah celebration.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In what year was Kwanzaa founded?
- A.
1965
- B.
1966
- C.
1975
- D.
1976
Correct Answer
B. 1966Explanation
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What year were electric tree lights introduced as an alternative to candles?
- A.
1880
- B.
1881
- C.
1882
- D.
1883
Correct Answer
C. 1882Explanation
In 1882, electric tree lights were introduced as an alternative to candles. This innovation allowed people to safely light up their Christmas trees without the risk of fire hazards. The use of electric lights became popular quickly due to their convenience and safety compared to traditional candles.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who wrote the Nutcracker?
- A.
E.T.A. Hoffman
- B.
J.R.R. Tolkein
- C.
Maurice Sendak
- D.
A.A. Milne
Correct Answer
A. E.T.A. HoffmanExplanation
E.T.A. Hoffman is the correct answer because he is the author of the original story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," which was published in 1816. This story later served as the inspiration for the famous ballet "The Nutcracker," composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.Rate this question:
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- 10.
According to Dutch tradition, how does Sinterklaas deliver gifts?
- A.
He delivers by horse-drawn carriage.
- B.
He rides in a sleigh and flies to all the houses.
- C.
He sends out a UPS truck on Christmas Eve.
- D.
He travels by ship on December 6th.
Correct Answer
D. He travels by ship on December 6th.Explanation
According to Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas delivers gifts by traveling on a ship on December 6th. This tradition is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas, who was a bishop and known for his generosity. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is celebrated on December 5th and 6th, and on the evening of December 5th, Sinterklaas arrives in a harbor town on a steamboat or ship. He is then welcomed with a festive parade and proceeds to deliver gifts to children across the country. This tradition is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and is eagerly anticipated by children and adults alike.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which reindeer is NOT mentioned in the poem "The Night Before Christmas"?
- A.
Cupid
- B.
Rudolph
- C.
Vixen
- D.
Blitzen
Correct Answer
B. RudolphExplanation
In the poem "The Night Before Christmas," Rudolph is not mentioned. The poem was written in 1823 and Rudolph was not introduced as a character until 1939 in a separate story. Therefore, Rudolph is not included in the original poem.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Jewish new year, a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year, was on September 30 of the Gregorian calendar in the year 2000. It is called:
- A.
Rosh Hashanah
- B.
Yom Kippur
- C.
Christmas
- D.
Shabbat
- E.
Chanukah
Correct Answer
A. Rosh HashanahExplanation
Rosh Hashanah is the correct answer because it is the Jewish new year, a time for reflection and making resolutions for the upcoming year. It typically falls in September or October, and in the year 2000, it was observed on September 30 according to the Gregorian calendar. Yom Kippur is another important Jewish holiday, but it is a day of atonement and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah. Christmas, Shabbat, and Chanukah are not associated with the Jewish new year.Rate this question:
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- 13.
There are two cities named Santa Claus in the United States
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because there are indeed two cities named Santa Claus in the United States. One is located in Indiana and the other in Georgia. Both cities have embraced the Christmas spirit and have unique attractions related to Santa Claus, such as theme parks and museums.Rate this question:
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- 14.
New Year's Day has always been celebrated on January 1st.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because New Year's Day has not always been celebrated on January 1st. In ancient times, different civilizations celebrated the new year on different dates, such as the spring equinox or the winter solstice. The adoption of January 1st as the start of the new year is a relatively modern convention that was standardized in the Gregorian calendar in 1582.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What symbol is the oldest traditional symbol of the New Year in the western world?
- A.
Fireworks
- B.
Champagne
- C.
Puppy
- D.
Baby
- E.
Poinsettias
Correct Answer
D. BabyExplanation
The baby is the oldest traditional symbol of the New Year in the western world. This symbol represents the birth of a new year and the hope and potential that comes with it. It is often associated with the idea of rebirth and starting fresh. The tradition of using a baby as a symbol of the New Year can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which song is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year?
- A.
Silent Night
- B.
Now the Day is Over
- C.
Jingle Bell Rock
- D.
Auld Lang Syne
- E.
Ce Leis
Correct Answer
D. Auld Lang SyneExplanation
"Auld Lang Syne" is the correct answer because it is a traditional Scottish song that is commonly sung at the stroke of midnight to welcome the new year in many English-speaking countries. The song is associated with bidding farewell to the old year and embracing the new one. It has become a symbol of unity and nostalgia, and its lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the importance of friendship and memories.Rate this question:
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- 17.
"Jingle Bells" was originally written for Christmas.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
"Jingle Bells" was originally written for Christmas. This is true because "Jingle Bells" is a popular Christmas song that was composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. It is commonly associated with the holiday season and is often sung and played during Christmas celebrations. The lyrics and melody of the song capture the joyful and festive spirit of Christmas, making it a beloved holiday tune.Rate this question:
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Aug 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Dec 10, 2008Quiz Created by
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