Lights and Lanterns
Lighting this nine-branched candlestick is the central ritual of Hanukkah
What is a menorah?
This traditional spiced drink, popular at Christmas markets, combines red wine, citrus, and mulling spices
What is mulled wine?
This icy character is magically brought to life by a hat
Who is Frosty the Snowman?
This winter tradition involves going door to door to sing holiday songs
What is Christmas caroling?
Millions watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop in this New York City landmark
What is Times Square?
Lyon, France, glows each December during this festival honoring the Virgin Mary with light displays
What is Fête des Lumières?
This treat often flavored with spices and nuts is one of the most iconic Diwali sweets
What is the Ladoo (Luddo)?
This horned European creature is said to punish misbehaving children during December
Who is Krampus?
The first US Thanksgiving is linked to a harvest feast that Pilgrims had in this Massachusetts town
What is Plymouth?
The Diwali celebrations feature these small clay lamps arranged in elaborate patterns.
What are diyas?
During this Indian holiday, lanterns and rangoli decorate homes—symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness
What is Diwali?
This iconic French Canadian meat pie is served across Québec during the holidays
What is tourtière?
Santa Claus delivers gifts on his sleigh pulled by this many reindeer
What is 9?
On December 24, many Christians attend this church service held at midnight
What is Midnight Mass?
During the Chinese Lunar New Year, envelopes of this color are filled with money to symbolize good fortune and prosperity.
What is red?
People gather here, instead of the Eiffel Tower, to watch the New Year's fireworks in Paris
What is the Arc de Triomphe or Champs-Élysées?
A centerpiece of French Christmas dessert tables, this rolled cake is shaped like a log and decorated with chocolate, meringue mushrooms, or chestnut cream
What is a yule log or Bûche de Noël?
According to Mexican Day of the Dead traditions, these playful, skeletal figures symbolize loved ones who have returned to celebrate
What are calacas?
A long-standing British Boxing Day tradition involves rushing into icy coastal waters for charity known as this
What is a Boxing Day dip?
On the eve of December 6, Hungarian children should place these items by their window to receive treats from Mikulás (St. Nicholas)
What are boots?
In parts of Mexico, children carry lanterns during these processions reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey
What are Las Posadas
In China, eating this long noodle dish is a stable during the Lunar New Year - it symbolizes a long, prosperous life
What are Longevity noodles?
During Diwali, this Hindu goddess of prosperity is believed to visit clean, decorated homes
Who is Lakshmi?
In Christian, especially Catholic communities, familes gather in early December for this nine-day prayer session before Christmas
What is a Novena?
These carved vegetables or gourds were used in Ireland for carving jack-o'-lanterns before pumpkins became the norm on Halloween
What are turnips?