Holiday Movies & TV
This 2000 film starring a Canadian actor features a green character who tries to steal December 25th.
What is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"? (Jim Carrey)
Many Canadian families play this gift exchange game where presents can be "stolen" from other participants.
What is White Elephant (or Dirty Santa, or Yankee Swap)?
"I am a miracle that lasted eight days, though I should have burned for only one. I am remembered but never seen again. What am I?"
What is the oil (from the Hanukkah miracle)?
The first Canadian postage stamp featuring Christmas was issued in this year: 1898, 1928, or 1964.
What is 1898?
This 2011 original song by a Canadian crooner features a duet with Thalia and has both English and Spanish verses.
What is "Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad" by Michael Bublé and Thalia?
Toronto doubled for Indiana in this 1983 classic film about a boy and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun.
What is "A Christmas Story"?
This traditional card game involves building houses and is popular during Lunar New Year celebrations.
what is Mahjong?
"I am the ninth, but I am not counted among the eight. I serve the others but never stand alone. I am the shamash. What am I?"
What is the helper candle (on the menorah)?
This department store's annual Christmas parade has been a Toronto tradition since 1905.
What is Eaton's (now the Toronto Santa Claus Parade)?
This 1984 charity single featured Canadian Bryan Adams alongside Sting and Phil Collins.
What is "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid?
This 1946 film about an angel named Clarence airs repeatedly on Canadian TV each December.
What is "It's a Wonderful Life"?
German-Canadian communities celebrate this December 6th feast day when children receive treats in their shoes.
What is St. Nicholas Day (or Nikolaustag)?
"I am sung at midnight on December 31st, yet I am about old acquaintance. Robert Burns wrote my words, but I am older still. What am I?"
What is "Auld Lang Syne"?
In 1917, this Halifax disaster occurred on December 6th, leading to Boston's annual Christmas tree gift.
What is the Halifax Explosion?
Sarah McLachlan's haunting 2006 version of this 16th-century English carol asks "What child is this, who laid to rest?"
What is "What Child Is This?" by Sarah McLachlan?
Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds starred in this 2022 musical adaptation of a classic tale featuring ghosts of past, present, and future.
What is "Spirited"?
This annual fundraiser collects food and money for food banks across Canada each December.
What is the CBC Food Bank Drive (or Sounds of the Season)?
"I am three colors of Pan-Africanism: the people, the struggle, and the land. I hold seven flames for seven days. Dr. Karenga created my purpose. What am I?"
What is the kinara?
In 1870, this newly formed province celebrated its first Christmas as part of Canada after joining Confederation.
What is Manitoba?
This 1988 song by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl takes place in an NYPD drunk tank on Christmas Eve.
What is "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl?
This animated 2004 film features Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters in this magical Christmas movie.
In Quebec, families often play this traditional card game during holiday gatherings, involving tricks and bidding.
What is 500 (or Tarot, or Belote)?
"I am Bonhomme's frozen kingdom, built each year and melted each spring. I am ice palace and winter's throne, standing in Quebec's oldest square. What am I?"
What is the Ice Palace (at Carnaval de Québec)?
In 1964, Canada issued its first Christmas stamp featuring this religious symbol instead of secular imagery.
What is a candle (or children with candles)?
Gordon Lightfoot recorded this 1975 song about a "Song for a Winter's Night," though it's not explicitly about Christmas.
What is "Song for a Winter's Night" by Gordon Lightfoot?