Winter Around the World
In Japan, winter celebrations famously involve eating this fast-food chain’s fried chicken.
What is KFC?
This winter beverage often comes topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes.
What is hot chocolate?
This character’s heart grows “three sizes” after a long winter of being deeply unpleasant.
Who is the Grinch?
This winter activity involves strapping blades to your feet and trusting gravity more than you should.
What is ice skating?
These tiny lights somehow get tangled even when stored in a perfectly organized box.
What are string lights?
This Southern Hemisphere country celebrates summer holidays in December—so winter sweaters are very optional.
What is Australia (or New Zealand)?
This spiced wine, popular across Europe in winter, goes by names like glühwein and vin chaud.
What is mulled wine?
This animated snowman sings “In Summer,” despite clearly not understanding basic physics.
Who is Olaf?
In this winter sport, players glide across ice while trying to score goals using a puck and sticks.
What is ice hockey?
These shiny decorations are hung to reflect light and add sparkle to winter displays.
What are ornaments?
In very cold regions, people have traditionally built these shelters from snow to stay warm.
What are igloos?
Often shaped like people, houses, or aggressively decorated cookies, this spiced baked good stars in many winter kitchens.
What is gingerbread?
This 2003 holiday movie included this quote: “You sit on a throne of lies.”
What is Elf?
In this sport, athletes launch themselves downhill at terrifying speeds while lying face-up on a tiny sled.
What is luge?
This shiny decoration is designed to be draped elegantly—and instead ends up everywhere. You'll find it for months after the holidays.
What is tinsel?
These traditional paper lanterns from Mexico brighten winter celebrations with intricate cut-out designs.
What are luminarias (or farolitos)?
This traditional winter treat is often left out late at night alongside a glass of milk for a certain gift-giving visitor.
What are cookies?
This 1990 movie taught us that booby traps are festive if set by an eight-year-old.
What is Home Alone?
This popular winter pastime involves strapping boards to your feet to slide down snowy hills.
What is skiing (or snowboarding)?
This decoration is often placed on top of a decorated tree and can be a star, bow, or other decorative figure.
What is a tree topper?
This Scandinavian concept celebrates coziness, warmth, and comfort during long winter months.
What is hygge?
This cheese-based Swiss dish involves dipping bread into melted cheese and pretending it’s a perfectly balanced meal.
What is fondue?
This action movie set during a company holiday party has fueled decades of debate over whether it’s a holiday film.
What is Die Hard?
Before modern winter gear, people in snowy regions used these to travel across deep snow for hunting and transportation.
What are snowshoes?
This winter light event in Lyon, France began in the 1800s and now draws millions of visitors each year.
What is the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)?