Fall Facts
Which month is most associated with the start of fall?
September
In the US, Thanksgiving is celebrated on which weekday?
Thursday
Name one winter holiday celebrated in December other than Christmas.
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day, Winter Solstice festivals, Epiphany
Why do days get shorter in the Northern Hemisphere during winter?
Because of the tilt of the Earth's axis — the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun in winter, so sunlight strikes at a lower angle and daylight hours are shorter.
Many trees lose their leaves in the fall. What is this process called?
Leaf drop or abscission
Which President proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863?
Abraham Lincoln
In which country is “Kwanzaa” primarily celebrated as a cultural holiday?
The United States (Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday that originated in the US)
What phenomenon causes snowflakes to have unique patterns?
Because of the way water molecules crystallize around a dust particle and the varying temperature/humidity as they form — small differences during formation lead to unique snowflake patterns (hexagonal crystal structure)
What day marks the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere?
September 22 or 23
What is the name of the holiday parade in New York City that features giant balloons and floats?
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
What winter celebration uses fireworks and marks the Gregorian calendar New Year?
New Year's Eve/New Year's Day
What is the name for animals that sleep for long periods during winter to conserve energy?
Hibernation
What is the term for the colorful display of leaves in fall?
Fall foliage or foliage display
The first commonly cited "Thanksgiving" feast in 1621 took place at which colony?
Plymouth Colony
Which Scandinavian country is known for the celebration of Saint Lucia Day in December?
Sweden
What causes leaves to change color in autumn?
Chlorophyll breaks down and other pigments (carotenoids, anthocyanins) become visible, causing leaves to change color.
Name one US Federal holiday that occurs during fall.
Labor Day; Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day; Thanksgiving; Veteran's Day
What modern activity involves retailers opening very early the day after Thanksgiving?
Black Friday
Which holiday celebrates the arrival of the Magi (Three Wise Men) on January 6th in some cultures?
Epiphany or Three King's Day
What form of precipitation falls as ice crystals from clouds?
Snow (snowfall) — falling ice crystals / snowflakes