Written by Alan, Quiz Master with 35+ years of live pub quiz experience.
100% AI-Free: Questions written by a Human for Humans.
Christmas History 01 is a selection of 10 questions. Christmas History 01 is the filename to differentiate it from other Christmas. Feel free to use any of these questions and answers for your own quizzes. Just keep in mind that you cannot republish them in any format.
1 According to the UK National Meteorological Office, the last widespread White Christmas in the UK was in which year? (2025)
A 2010, snow was on the ground at 83% of weather stations, the highest amount ever recorded. While there have been instances of snow falling on Christmas Day since then, the 2010 event was the last time there was such widespread snow on the ground across the country.
2 During the Christmas period of 1813-14, London saw the last what?
A Frost Fair on the River Thames. Notably, the river froze completely, which empowered residents to walk across the ice and erect stalls to sell their goods. Furthermore, this event marked the final time the water solidified enough to support a massive public fair.
3 Which company’s 1931 advertising campaign helped define the modern image of Santa Claus?
A Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola Company commissioned Swedish artist Haddon Sundblom to illustrate Santa Claus for their holiday advertisements. Consequently, Sundblom’s work established the iconic image of a plump, jolly Santa in a red suit that we recognise today.
4 What country in 1898 issued the world’s first Christmas postage stamp?
A Canada, intended to mark the start of the Imperial Penny Postage rate on Christmas Day, and it featured the words “XMAS 1898”.
5 Which English confectioner introduced the Christmas Cracker
A Tom Smith in 1847. He was inspired by the French “bonbon” sweet, and later added the “pop” sound after being inspired by the crackling of a log fire, which was created by a small banger mechanism inspired by a fireworks company. His son, Walter, later added the paper hat and gift to the modern cracker.
6 Which country did China invade on Christmas day 1950
A Tibet
7 Who was crowned the English King on Christmas Day 1066?
A “William the Conqueror, at Westminster Abbey, following his victory over King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.
8 Who discovered Christmas Island on Christmas Eve 1777?
A Captain Cook. He named it after the holiday because of the date he found it. The island is now known as Kiritimati and is part of the country of Kiribati.
9 In which year did Queen Elizabeth II deliver her infamous “Annus Horribilis” speech to the nation?
A 1992. She used the Latin phrase, meaning “horrible year,” to describe the difficult year marked by family separations and a fire that gutted Windsor Castle.
10 What Christmas item was first introduced by Henry Cole in 1843 because he was busy with his government work?
A The Christmas Card. He commissioned an artist friend to create a card for him to send to friends and family, which led to the first commercially produced Christmas card.