Winter Foods
Holiday Traditions
New Year Celebrations
Festival of Lights
Unique Holiday Activities
100

In the United Kingdom, this fruit-studded dessert is traditionally set aflame and served on Christmas Day.

What is Christmas pudding?

100

Which country’s children place their shoes out on December 5th to be filled with treats by St. Nicholas?

What is the Netherlands?

100

In the United States, what city hosts a famous ball drop in Times Square to ring in the New Year?

What is New York City?

100

This Hindu festival is known as the “Festival of Lights,” though it sometimes falls in October or November.

What is Diwali?

100

In which country do people take a cold New Year’s Day “polar bear plunge” into icy waters?

What is Canada (or the United States, both are common)?

200

Latkes, a type of fried potato pancake, are commonly eaten during which Jewish festival?

What is Hanukkah?

200

This American holiday marks the November harvest and features parades and pumpkin pie.

What is Thanksgiving?

200

This country rings in the new year by breaking dishes on friends’ doorsteps for good luck.

What is Denmark?

200

Which Jewish holiday involves lighting a menorah for eight nights?

What is Hanukkah?

200

This German tradition involves melting lead to predict the coming year during New Year’s Eve.

What is Bleigießen?

300

In Japan, this noodle dish is often eaten on New Year’s Eve to symbolize longevity.

What is toshikoshi soba?

300

In China, red envelopes filled with money are commonly exchanged for this celebration.

What is Lunar New Year (Spring Festival)?

300

In Scotland, this word refers to the celebration of New Year’s Eve and its unique customs, like “first-footing.”

What is Hogmanay?

300

Lantern Festival in Taiwan is held to mark the end of which extended holiday?

What is Lunar New Year?

300

Children in this country receive gifts from 13 “Yule Lads” over the days leading up to Christmas.

What is Iceland?

400

A sweet bread called “Panettone” is a traditional holiday treat from which European country?

What is Italy?

400

The festival of “Chhath Puja,” celebrated in late fall, honors the Sun God and involves offerings made while standing in rivers. In which countries is it most widely observed?

What are India and Nepal?

400

Families in this South American country burn effigies called “Año Viejo” to drive away bad luck.

What is Ecuador?

400

In Sweden, elaborate candles are used to mark this December Christian festival.

What is St. Lucia’s Day?

400

In this West African festival celebrated in the Americas, participants jump seven waves at midnight to bring luck for the new year.

What is the Yemanjá festival (Brazil/Uruguay)?

500

In Mexico, families enjoy a traditional hot drink called “ponche” during which festive season?

What is Las Posadas (Christmas season)?

500

In Spain, people attempt to eat 12 of these before the last stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve for luck.

What are grapes?

500

Which country’s famous “Sydney Harbour Fireworks” are among the world’s earliest major New Year events?

What is Australia?

500

Which African-American celebration, beginning December 26, features the lighting of the Kinara?

What is Kwanzaa?

500

In this country, people sweep their homes thoroughly before the New Year to sweep out bad fortune.

What is China?

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