Holiday Pop Culture
This movie taught us that leaving a child home alone is both dangerous and extremely profitable.
What is Home Alone
In Japan, Christmas dinner often comes from this fast-food restaurant.
What is KFC
This red-and-white figure’s modern image was heavily influenced by Coca-Cola advertising.
Who is Santa Claus
This Illinois city is famous for its Christkindl Market.
What is Chicago
This classic plush toy debuted in the early 1900s and was named after a U.S. president.
What is the Teddy Bear
Mariah Carey defrosts annually to sing this holiday song that refuses to leave retail playlists.
What is “All I Want for Christmas Is You”?
This European country celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 6, often with small gifts in shoes.
What is Germany
December 25 was chosen partly to align with this ancient Roman festival.
What is Saturnalia?
What Christmas comedy movie has Chicago native Vince Vaughn
What is Four Christmases
This colorful stacking toy from the 1950s helped kids learn motor skills.
What is Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack?
This actor starred in Elf and later proved he could be serious by yelling a lot in other movies.
Who is Will Ferrell?
In Ukraine, Christmas trees are sometimes decorated with this unexpected item for good luck.
What are spider webs
This plant is technically a parasite but somehow still made it into romantic tradition.
What is mistletoe
This Illinois retailer popularized the modern mall Santa experience.
What is Marshall Field's/also accepted Macy's
Introduced in 1959, this toy proved that career changes are possible for everyone.
Who is Barbie
In The Office holiday episodes, this character once dressed as Belsnickel.
Who is Dwight Schrute?
In Catalonia, families include this smiling wooden character in Christmas celebrations.
What is Caga Tió?
The first artificial Christmas trees were made from these unexpected materials.
What are goose feathers
This annual downtown Chicago event features elaborate holiday window displays.
What is State Street Holiday Windows
This early-2000s toy let kids collect, trade, and battle—often during lunch.
What is Pokémon?
This 1983 holiday movie includes a mogwai, three rules, and zero OSHA compliance.
What is Gremlins?
In Norway, people traditionally hide these on Christmas Eve to protect them from witches.
What are brooms
In 1895, the first outdoor Christmas lights were installed at this famous location.
What is the White House
This historic Illinois theater is well known for hosting holiday performances.
What is the Chicago Theatre
This mid-2000s gaming system turned living rooms into bowling alleys.
What is Nintendo Wii