The presents have been unwrapped, and the Christmas feast enjoyed—now, on December 26, you're looking for a way to keep the holiday spirit going. If you're a parent seeking a relaxing yet fun family activity, Boxing Day trivia questions could be perfect.
Whether you're cuddling a newborn, chasing a toddler, or spending time with older kids, trivia games offer an ideal mix of education and entertainment that fits around naps, feeds, and different energy levels. We've put together 50 family-friendly Boxing Day trivia questions, sorted by difficulty—from easy ones preschoolers can answer to tougher ones that challenge adults. Ready to start a new holiday tradition while learning about this special day? Let's get started!
What Is Boxing Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Before testing your family's knowledge, let us explore the fascinating history behind this beloved holiday. Boxing Day falls on December 26, the day after Christmas, and is celebrated primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations.
Contrary to what many people assume, Boxing Day has nothing to do with the sport of boxing. The name actually comes from the tradition of giving "Christmas boxes" to servants, tradespeople, and the poor. According to History.com, lords of the manor and aristocrats distributed Christmas boxes filled with gifts, money, and leftovers to their household servants in recognition of a year's service.
The tradition has roots stretching back to the Victorian era and even earlier. Churches would open their alms boxes on this day to distribute donations to those in need, connecting the holiday to St. Stephen's Day, a Christian feast day honoring the first Christian martyr.
Boxing Day has been an established holiday since 1871 in the UK, transforming from a day of charitable giving into a celebration featuring family gatherings, sporting events, and post-Christmas sales.
Parent Tip: This background will help you answer your curious toddler's questions about why we celebrate the day after Christmas. Keep your explanation simple: "It is a special day when people share with others and spend time with family."
Easy Boxing Day Trivia Questions for Kids
These questions are designed with young minds in focus. Whether your child is just learning to talk or confidently reading on their own, these Boxing Day trivia questions for kids will spark excitement and curiosity.
Boxing Day Basics for Preschoolers (Ages 3-6)
Start with these simple questions that focus on concrete concepts your littlest learners can grasp.
-
Q: What day comes right after Christmas?
A: Boxing Day (December 26) -
Q: Is Boxing Day a holiday? (Yes or No)
A: Yes -
Q: What month is Boxing Day in?
A: December -
Q: True or False: Boxing Day is about the sport of boxing.
A: False - It is about giving gifts in boxes -
Q: Do families spend time together on Boxing Day?
A: Yes
Parent Tip: For toddlers, turn these into a pointing game. Ask questions and let them point to pictures or nod their heads for yes and no answers.
Fun Facts Quiz for Young Learners (Ages 7-10)
These kid-friendly Boxing Day facts and questions offer slightly more challenge while remaining accessible and fun.
-
Q: Which of these countries celebrates Boxing Day?
a) United States b) Canada c) Mexico
A: b) Canada -
Q: What did people traditionally give in "Christmas boxes"?
A: Money, food, and gifts to helpers and workers -
Q: What popular sport do people in the UK watch on Boxing Day?
A: Football (soccer) -
Q: In Australia, what sport is traditionally played on Boxing Day?
A: Cricket (the Boxing Day Test match) -
Q: What do many stores have on Boxing Day?
A: Big sales -
Q: Is Boxing Day celebrated before or after Christmas?
A: After -
Q: What continent is the United Kingdom on?
A: Europe -
Q: Boxing Day is also called St. Stephen's Day in which country?
A: Ireland -
Q: What leftovers do many families eat on Boxing Day?
A: Turkey and Christmas dinner leftovers -
Q: How many days after Christmas Eve is Boxing Day?
A: Two days
Parent Tip: Make it interactive by letting kids earn points toward a small treat or extra storytime for correct answers.
Medium Difficulty Boxing Day Quiz Questions
Ready to step up the challenge? These Boxing Day history trivia questions will test older kids, teens, and adults who enjoy learning about traditions and cultures around the world.
History and Traditions Through the Ages
-
Q: In which century did the Christmas box tradition begin?
A: The 17th century (1600s) -
Q: When did Boxing Day become an official bank holiday in the UK?
A: 1871 -
Q: What is "bubble and squeak"?
A: A traditional British dish made from leftover vegetables, especially potatoes and cabbage -
Q: What did churches traditionally collect in alms boxes?
A: Donations for the poor -
Q: Which famous diarist wrote about the Christmas box tradition in 1663?
A: Samuel Pepys -
Q: During the Victorian era, who received Christmas boxes from wealthy employers?
A: Servants and household staff -
Q: What British monarch's era (1837-1901) is closely associated with Boxing Day traditions?
A: Queen Victoria -
Q: Besides money, what else might servants receive in their Christmas boxes?
A: Leftover food and small gifts
Global Celebrations on December 26
-
Q: What is Boxing Day called in South Africa?
A: Day of Goodwill -
Q: What unusual tradition happens on "Wren Day" in Ireland?
A: People dress in costumes and parade through streets with a fake wren -
Q: In which Australian state is Boxing Day called "Proclamation Day"?
A: South Australia -
Q: What famous yacht race begins in Australia on Boxing Day?
A: The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race -
Q: Which Asian city made Boxing Day a statutory holiday starting in 2024?
A: Hong Kong -
Q: In how many Canadian provinces is Boxing Day a statutory holiday?
A: All ten provinces recognize it as a federal statutory holiday -
Q: What outdoor activity do many Australians enjoy on Boxing Day?
A: Beach barbecues and swimming
Challenging Boxing Day Trivia for Adults
Think you know everything about December 26? These hard Boxing Day trivia questions will put your knowledge to the test.
Historical Events and Notable Moments
-
Q: What devastating natural disaster occurred on Boxing Day 2004?
A: The Indian Ocean tsunami. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it killed approximately 227,899 people across multiple countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. -
Q: What magnitude was the earthquake that caused the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami?
A: 9.1 magnitude -
Q: Which famous scientist known as "the father of the computer" was born on Boxing Day?
A: Charles Babbage -
Q: What year did the Soviet Union officially dissolve, with the announcement happening on December 26?
A: 1991 -
Q: Who is the patron saint celebrated on December 26?
A: St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr -
Q: According to legend, why are wrens associated with St. Stephen's Day in Ireland?
A: A wren supposedly betrayed St. Stephen's hiding place by singing
Sports and Pop Culture Trivia
-
Q: What is the famous horse race held on Boxing Day at Kempton Park?
A: The King George VI Chase -
Q: Which Premier League player holds the record for most Boxing Day goals?
A: Harry Kane with 10 Boxing Day goals -
Q: What was the highest-scoring Boxing Day Premier League match?
A: Manchester City 6-3 Leicester City in 2021 -
Q: In 1963, how many goals were scored across English top-flight Boxing Day matches?
A: 66 goals across 10 matches -
Q: Which Sheffield clubs played the world's oldest inter-club football fixture on Boxing Day 1860?
A: Sheffield FC and Hallam FC -
Q: Which Premier League team has the best all-time Boxing Day record?
A: Manchester United, with 21 wins from 27 matches
True or False Boxing Day Quiz Round
This quick-fire round works perfectly for all ages. Use thumbs up and thumbs down gestures with your toddler or go around the table taking turns.
-
Boxing Day is celebrated as a national holiday in the United States.
A: False - The US does not observe Boxing Day as a holiday -
The tradition of Boxing Day dates back over 350 years.
A: True - References date to the 1600s -
In some countries, December 26 is called "Second Christmas Day."
A: True - Germany and some European nations use this term -
Boxing Day shopping sales are bigger than Black Friday in Canada.
A: True - Boxing Day is historically the biggest shopping day in Canada -
The Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts the Boxing Day Test every year.
A: True - It is an annual tradition in Australian cricket
Parent Tip: True or False works wonderfully with toddlers. Teach them thumbs up for true and thumbs down for false.
Multiple Choice Boxing Day Trivia Round
Perfect for a structured family Boxing Day trivia game, these questions offer clear answer options for all participants.
-
Q: What is traditional Boxing Day food in Britain?
a) Fresh seafood b) Pizza c) Turkey leftovers and cold cuts d) Roast beef
A: c) Turkey leftovers and cold cuts -
Q: Which Premier League club has played the most Boxing Day matches in English football history?
a) Manchester United b) Liverpool c) West Brom d) Arsenal
A: c) West Brom with 107 matches -
Q: How fast did tsunami waves travel during the 2004 Boxing Day disaster?
a) 100 km/h b) 400 km/h c) 800 km/h d) 1200 km/h
A: c) 800 km/h (500 mph)
How to Play Boxing Day Trivia with Babies and Toddlers
As new parents know, holiday activities need to be flexible. Here is how to include your youngest family members in the fun while respecting their needs.
Adapting Trivia for Your Baby's First Boxing Day
Your baby's first Boxing Day is a milestone worth celebrating, even if they cannot answer questions yet. Including infants in family trivia time helps them feel part of the group and exposes them to social interaction.
Practical tips for baby-friendly holiday games:
- Create colorful picture cards showing Boxing Day symbols (gift boxes, sports, family gatherings)
- Hold up two cards and let baby reach for one as their "answer"
- Keep sessions under 10 minutes to match attention spans
- Celebrate every response with enthusiasm and smiles
- Schedule trivia around feeding and nap times
- Have a soft play area nearby for when baby needs a break
Remember, the goal is bonding and memory-making, not competition. Take photos of baby "participating" to look back on in future years.
Engaging Toddlers in Family Trivia Night
Toddlers bring energy and enthusiasm to everything, including trivia games. Channel that excitement with these toddler-friendly Boxing Day activities.
Movement-based answer options:
- Jump for yes, sit for no
- Clap hands for correct answers
- Run to different colored papers representing answer choices
- Use stickers as rewards for participation
Inclusion strategies:
- Partner toddlers with an older sibling or adult "helper"
- Use props and visual aids whenever possible
- Have backup activities ready for when attention wanders
- Keep their questions simple and praise every attempt
The key is flexibility. Some toddlers will love trivia time while others may prefer watching. Both responses are perfectly normal.
Create Lasting Boxing Day Memories with Family Trivia
From simple questions about what day comes after Christmas to challenging history questions about the 2004 tsunami, these 50 Boxing Day trivia questions and answers offer something for every member of your family. Whether you are celebrating baby's first Boxing Day or continuing traditions that span generations, trivia games create meaningful moments of connection and learning.
The beauty of a family-friendly Boxing Day trivia session is its flexibility. Play during nap time with just the adults, include toddlers with movement-based answers, or gather the whole extended family for a multi-round competition. The questions are designed to educate while entertaining, helping children understand the rich history and global traditions of this December 26 holiday.
At PatPat, we believe the best holiday memories come from quality time spent together. These Boxing Day family quiz questions are just one way to make the post-Christmas period meaningful and memorable. So gather your loved ones, print out your trivia sheets, and get ready for some festive fun.
