Festival of Lights
This 9-branched lamp is lit for eight nights, using a helper candle called the shamash
What is a menorah
Crispy potato pancakes served at Hanukkah.
What are latkes
This evergreen, decorated with lights and ornaments, symbolizes joy and hope in many December celebrations.
What is a Christmas tree
Groups singing door-to-door in December are taking part in this tradition.
What is caroling
On or around December 6, children in parts of Europe leave out shoes for small treats on this saint’s day.
What is St. Nicholas Day
Around December 21, this astronomical event marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is the Winter Solstice
During Las Posadas, these steamed corn cakes are a classic celebratory food.
What are tamales
This circular decoration made of greenery symbolizes eternity and the cycle of seasons
What is a wreath
This playful Hanukkah children’s song is all about a spinning top
What is “The Dreidel Song” (“I Have a Little Dreidel”)
Celebrated December 26–January 1, this African American holiday centers on community, culture, and the Seven Principles.
What is Kwanzaa
In 1882, Edward H. Johnson, an associate of this inventor, famously displayed the first electric Christmas tree lights.
Who is Thomas Edison
On Bodhi Day, some Buddhists honor the Buddha’s enlightenment by eating this simple dish of rice cooked in milk.
What is (rice pudding / kheer)
This sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) is central to Bodhi Day, commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment
What is the Bodhi tree
Marked by chanting sutras and meditation rather than carols, this Buddhist observance falls on December 8.
What is Bodhi Day (Rohatsu
In Mexico, this nine-night procession from December 16–24 reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
What are Las Posadas
On December 13 in Sweden, this festival features a crown of candles worn by a girl bringing light into winter darkness.
What is St. Lucia Day (Luciadagen)
The communal feast celebrated on December 31 during Kwanzaa is called this
What is Karamu
Named after a U.S. ambassador to Mexico, this red-leaved plant is linked to Las Posadas and is now a Christmas icon.
What is the poinsettia (Joel Roberts Poinsett)
Associated with December 26, this carol tells of a kindly king on the Feast of Stephen
What is “Good King Wenceslas
Observed on December 26 in the UK, Canada, and elsewhere, this holiday historically involved giving boxes to servants or the poor
What is Boxing Day
The seven candles of this Kwanzaa centerpiece symbolize the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles
What is the Kinara
Jelly-filled doughnuts popular during Hanukkah
What are sufganiyot
The four letters on an outside-Israel dreidel stand for “A great miracle happened there.” Name the letters.
What are Nun (נ), Gimel (ג), Hei (ה), and Shin (ש)
This Ladino-language Hanukkah song celebrates “eight little candles.
What is “Ocho Kandelikas
Dutch children traditionally receive gifts on December 5 during this celebration of a saint said to arrive by boat. (Hint like Saint Nick)
What is Sinterklaas