Traditions and Folklore
What figure personifies winter in many cultures—often depicted as an old man with a long white beard who brings cold weather?
Jack Frost
What bird can survive winter because its feathers insulate so well that snow won’t melt when it lands on them?
An Owl
What white powdery substance is sometimes sprinkled on icy walkways to lower the freezing point of water?
Salt
Which famous jazz standard includes the lyrics: “The weather outside is frightful”?
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
What U.S. state holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in the country: –80°F in 1971?
Alaska
What December tradition involves hiding a tiny, decorated figure in a tree for children to find, originating in Germany?
Hiding the Christmas Pickle
What North American deer species is known for its enormous antlers and survives harsh winters by scraping bark for food?
A Moose
What device warms an entire house in the winter?
Heater, Furnace, Fireplace
Which song by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong contains playful back-and-forth lyrics about staying in on a snowy evening?
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
What northern European country is home to Lapland, the “official” home of Santa Claus?
Finland
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it usually occurs in which month?
December
What animal’s winter coat is so effective that infrared cameras often can’t detect it?
Polar Bear
Many people use this tool to clear snow off sidewalks
Snow Shovel
Which song was made famous by Eartha Kitt in 1953 and features a flirty holiday wish list?
“Santa Baby”
What snowy European country is known for chocolate and the Alps?
Switzerland
What ancient festival, celebrated by the Romans around late December, honored Saturn and involved feasting and gift-giving?
Saturnalia?
What small mammal tunnels beneath the snow in a space known as the subnivean zone?
A Vole
What type of heating, common in older homes, uses hot water that circulates through metal units along the walls?
Radiator Heating
Which song includes the line “To face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made”?
“Winter Wonderland”
What mountain range contains many of the world’s most famous skiing destinations, including Chamonix and St. Moritz?
The Alps
In Norse mythology, the end-of-year “Wild Hunt” was believed to be led by what powerful god associated with wisdom and winter storms?
Odin
What Antarctic bird incubates its egg on its feet through the harsh winter?
The Emperor Penguin
Some folks put these plastic or metal coverings over windows for extra insulation.
Storm Windows
Which song originally featured Gene Autry and tells the story of a cowboy Santa?
“Here Comes Santa Claus”
Vostok Station, one of the coldest places on Earth, is located on which continent.
Antarctica