70 Fun Christmas Tree Quiz Questions and Answers for Family Game Night

Question 1: In which country did the Christmas tree tradition originate?

Answer: Germany

Germany started the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated evergreen trees into their homes.

Question 2: What religious figure is often credited with adding lighted candles to Christmas trees?

Answer: Martin Luther

Legend says that Martin Luther was so moved by the beauty of stars twinkling through evergreen trees on a winter walk that he recreated the scene by wiring candles to a tree's branches.

Question 3: What was the medieval "paradise tree" that preceded modern Christmas trees?

Answer: A fir tree hung with apples representing the Garden of Eden

The paradise tree was used in medieval plays about Adam and Eve. It was traditionally displayed on December 24th, the feast day of Adam and Eve.

Question 4: In early German traditions, what food items were commonly hung on Christmas trees?

Answer: Apples, wafers, and cookies

Early decorations included apples representing the Garden of Eden, wafers symbolizing the Eucharist, and eventually cookies shaped like stars and hearts.

Question 5: What German word means "fir tree" and is also the title of a famous Christmas carol?

Answer: Tannenbaum

"O Tannenbaum" is a classic German Christmas carol celebrating the evergreen fir tree's steadfast nature throughout the year.

Question 6: Which British royal couple helped popularize Christmas trees in England during the 1840s?

Answer: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

When an illustration of the royal family gathered around a decorated Christmas tree at Windsor Castle appeared in 1848, the tradition became fashionable throughout Britain and beyond.

Question 7: Prince Albert, who brought the Christmas tree tradition to the British Royal Family, was originally from which country?

Answer: Germany

Prince Albert grew up with the Christmas tree tradition in Germany and introduced it to his new home when he married Queen Victoria.

Question 8: Approximately what century did the Christmas tree tradition truly become popular in America?

Answer: The 19th century (1800s)

German immigrants brought the tradition to America, and it gained widespread acceptance after the 1840s when the British royals made it fashionable.

Question 9: Before Christians adopted the practice, ancient peoples used evergreen branches during winter to symbolize what?

Answer: Eternal life and the promise of spring's return

Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and other civilizations brought evergreen boughs inside during the winter solstice as a symbol of life persisting through the cold, dark months.

Question 10: In what year was the first commercially sold Christmas tree recorded in America?

Answer: 1851

Mark Carr is credited with opening the first retail Christmas tree lot in New York City in 1851, beginning the commercial Christmas tree industry.

Question 11: In what year was the first Christmas tree displayed at Rockefeller Center?

Answer: 1931

During the Great Depression, construction workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money to buy a 20-foot tree decorated with handmade garlands.

Question 12: What type of tree is traditionally used for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?

Answer: Norway spruce

The Rockefeller Center tree is typically a Norway spruce, chosen for its classic shape and ability to hold thousands of lights.

Question 13: How tall was Rockefeller Center's tallest Christmas tree ever, displayed in 1999?

Answer: 100 feet

The record-breaking tree came from Killingworth, Connecticut, and remains the tallest tree ever displayed at Rockefeller Center.

Question 14: Approximately how many people visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree each year?

Answer: 125 million

The tree draws visitors from around the world, making it one of the most visited holiday attractions globally.

Question 15: What happens to the Rockefeller Center tree after the holiday season?

Answer: It's milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes

Since 2007, the tree has been donated to Habitat for Humanity, where it's converted into lumber to build homes for families in need.

Question 16: Which U.S. President is credited with having the first Christmas tree inside the White House?

Answer: Franklin Pierce (1856)

President Franklin Pierce displayed a Christmas tree in the White House for a group of Washington Sunday School children.

Question 17: Which President lit the first National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn?

Answer: Calvin Coolidge

President Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree on December 24, 1923, beginning an annual presidential tradition.

Question 18: In which room of the White House is the official Christmas tree traditionally displayed?

Answer: The Blue Room

The Blue Room has been the traditional location for the official White House Christmas tree since the Taft administration placed one there in 1912.

Question 19: Which First Lady started the tradition of selecting a theme for the White House Christmas tree decorations?

Answer: Jacqueline Kennedy

In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition by decorating the tree with a Nutcracker theme.

Question 20: How tall was the world's tallest cut Christmas tree ever recorded?

Answer: 212 feet (64.6 meters)

This Douglas fir was erected at Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Washington in December 1950.

Question 21: What is the most popular Christmas tree type in America?

Answer: Fraser fir

The Fraser fir is prized for its strong branches, pleasant fragrance, and excellent needle retention.

Question 22: Despite its name, the Douglas fir is not actually a true fir. What type of tree is it?

Answer: A unique species in its own genus (Pseudotsuga)

Douglas firs are not true firs (Abies), pines, or spruces. They belong to their own unique genus, which is why the name is often hyphenated as "Douglas-fir."

Question 23: Which Christmas tree species was the original tree used in Europe since the 16th century?

Answer: Norway spruce

The Norway spruce was the traditional Christmas tree in Germany and other European countries where the tradition began.

Question 24: What characteristic makes the Noble fir particularly good for hanging heavy ornaments?

Answer: Its strong, sturdy branches

Noble firs have exceptionally sturdy branches with spaces between them, making them perfect for displaying large or heavy ornaments.

Question 25: Which Christmas tree is native to the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina?

Answer: Fraser fir

Fraser firs grow naturally at high elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains, particularly in North Carolina.

Question 26: How long does it typically take to grow a Christmas tree to the standard 6-7 foot height?

Answer: 7-10 years

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, most Christmas trees need 7 to 10 years to reach the ideal decorating height.

Question 27: Which U.S. state produces the most Christmas trees?

Answer: Oregon

Oregon leads the nation with over 4.7 million trees harvested annually, followed closely by North Carolina.

Question 28: Approximately how many Christmas trees are currently growing on U.S. farms?

Answer: About 350 million

Christmas tree farms across the country maintain hundreds of millions of trees at various stages of growth to ensure consistent supply.

Question 29: For every Christmas tree harvested, how many seedlings are typically planted?

Answer: 1 to 3 seedlings

Sustainable Christmas tree farming ensures that more trees are planted than harvested each year, maintaining the industry's renewable cycle.

Question 30: Which southern Christmas tree variety has dark green-gray foliage and very little aroma?

Answer: Leyland cypress

The Leyland cypress is popular in southern states where traditional firs don't grow as well due to warmer climates.

Question 31: Where were the first glass Christmas ornaments commercially produced?

Answer: Lauscha, Germany

German glassblowers in Lauscha began creating glass ornaments in the mid-1800s, and the town remains famous for its ornament production today.

Question 32: What material was tinsel originally made from?

Answer: Real silver

Early tinsel was made from thin strips of real silver. Later versions used lead foil before transitioning to today's safer plastic versions.

Question 33: What were Christmas trees decorated with before glass ornaments became popular?

Answer: Fruits, nuts, candles, and homemade items

Early trees featured edible decorations like apples, oranges, nuts, and cookies, along with candles and paper ornaments.

Question 34: Which American retail pioneer helped popularize glass Christmas ornaments in the United States?

Answer: F.W. Woolworth

F.W. Woolworth began importing German glass ornaments in the 1880s and reportedly sold $25 million worth by 1890.

Question 35: What is the traditional German Christmas decoration hidden in the tree for children to find?

Answer: A pickle ornament

The Christmas pickle tradition says that the child who finds the hidden pickle ornament receives an extra gift or good luck for the coming year.

Question 36: Who created the first electric Christmas tree lights?

Answer: Edward H. Johnson

Edward H. Johnson, a business associate of Thomas Edison, hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue bulbs for his tree in 1882.

Question 37: In what year were electric Christmas tree lights first used in the White House?

Answer: 1895

President Grover Cleveland sponsored the first electrically lit Christmas tree in the White House, featuring more than 100 multicolored lights.

Question 38: Before electric lights, what was used to illuminate Christmas trees?

Answer: Candles

Lit candles were attached to tree branches, creating beautiful but dangerous fire hazards. Buckets of water or sand were kept nearby for safety.

Question 39: Which company first marketed Christmas tree light strings to the general public?

Answer: General Electric

General Electric began offering ready-made Christmas light strings in 1903, making electric tree lighting accessible to average families.

Question 40: When was the first televised Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center?

Answer: 1951

NBC televised the tree lighting ceremony for the first time with a special on The Kate Smith Hour.

Question 41: What does the star on top of the Christmas tree represent?

Answer: The Star of Bethlehem

The star represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus according to the Gospel of Matthew.

Question 42: Besides stars, what is the other most traditional Christmas tree topper?

Answer: An angel

Angels represent the angel Gabriel who announced Christ's birth to the shepherds, or the heavenly host that appeared that night.

Question 43: What did early German Christmas trees originally have placed at their very top?

Answer: A figure of Baby Jesus

Before stars and angels became common, some early trees featured a small figure of the Christ child at the apex.

Question 44: In the 18th century, what was commonly placed at the top of the tree to represent the Star of Bethlehem?

Answer: A single large candle

A prominent candle at the tree's top served as both decoration and illumination, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world.

Question 45: When did the tradition of decorative tree toppers become widespread?

Answer: The 1840s

Decorative tree toppers became popular during the Victorian era, coinciding with the broader popularization of Christmas trees.

Question 46: What celestial event in December 2020 was nicknamed the "Christmas Star"?

Answer: The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

The rare planetary alignment created the appearance of a bright "star" in the sky, sparking conversations about the original Star of Bethlehem.

Question 47: According to one theory, what astronomical event might the Star of Bethlehem have actually been?

Answer: A planetary conjunction (Jupiter and Saturn)

Astronomer Johannes Kepler first proposed that the Star of Bethlehem might have been a planetary conjunction around 7 BCE.

Question 48: What Nutcracker character has become a popular tree topper in recent decades?

Answer: The Sugar Plum Fairy or the Nutcracker Prince

Inspired by the beloved Christmas ballet, Nutcracker-themed toppers have grown in popularity since the mid-20th century.

Question 49: In some Scandinavian traditions, what bird is placed at the top of the Christmas tree?

Answer: A bird (often a dove or other species)

In parts of Scandinavia, decorative birds represent the natural world and the connection between heaven and earth.

Question 50: What is the British term often used for a Christmas tree topper?

Answer: A fairy

In the UK, tree toppers are commonly called "Christmas fairies," though angels and stars remain equally popular.

Question 51: How many real Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year?

Answer: 25-30 million

Americans purchase millions of real trees annually, supporting thousands of Christmas tree farms across the country.

Question 52: What is the largest floating Christmas tree in the world located?

Answer: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio's floating tree stands 53 meters tall, weighs 350 tons, and is illuminated by approximately 2.5 million bulbs.

Question 53: Where is the world's oldest surviving Christmas tree, purchased in 1886?

Answer: Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK

This 12-inch artificial tree was purchased from Woolworths in 1886 and has been kept by the same family for generations.

Question 54: In the record-breaking 212-foot Seattle tree from 1950, how old was the tree estimated to be?

Answer: Up to 287 years old

The massive Douglas fir weighed 50,000 pounds and required its branches to be removed and reattached during installation.

Question 55: How many lights decorated the Seattle record-breaking tree?

Answer: 3,600 lights

The tree also featured nearly 2,000 limbs and two flashing red lights at the top to warn away aircraft.

Question 56: In what country did the tradition of decorating trees with spider webs originate?

Answer: Ukraine

Ukrainian legend says that a poor family's tree was magically decorated by spiders overnight, and tinsel represents those webs catching morning light.

Question 57: What unusual material do some Australians use for Christmas trees due to their summer holiday?

Answer: Native bushes or artificial trees designed for warm weather

Since Christmas falls during Australia's summer, many families use non-traditional alternatives or artificial trees designed for the heat.

Question 58: During World War II, how were Rockefeller Center Christmas trees decorated?

Answer: With red, white, and blue patriotic themes

In 1942, materials needed for the war effort couldn't be used on the tree, so three smaller trees with patriotic decorations were displayed instead.

Question 59: What percentage of American households display a Christmas tree each year?

Answer: Approximately 75-80%

Christmas trees remain one of the most popular holiday decorations, with the majority of American households participating in the tradition.

Question 60: What is the Christmas tree made of lights on Mount Ingino in Gubbio, Italy famous for?

Answer: Being the world's largest Christmas tree installation

With a base of 450 meters and height of 750 meters, this light display can be seen from up to 30 miles away.

Question 61: What were the first artificial Christmas trees made of?

Answer: Dyed goose feathers

German manufacturers created feather trees in the 1880s by dyeing goose feathers green and attaching them to wire branches.

Question 62: Why were artificial feather trees originally invented in Germany?

Answer: As a response to deforestation concerns

Germany faced environmental concerns in the late 19th century, and feather trees helped reduce demand for cut trees.

Question 63: What modern material are most artificial Christmas trees made from today?

Answer: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic

Modern artificial trees are typically made from PVC plastic, with higher-end models using polyethylene for more realistic needles.

Question 64: Approximately what percentage of American households use artificial Christmas trees?

Answer: About 80%

The convenience and cost savings of reusable artificial trees have made them increasingly popular among American families.

Question 65: Where are most artificial Christmas trees manufactured?

Answer: China

The vast majority of artificial Christmas trees sold worldwide are manufactured in China, particularly in the city of Yiwu.

Question 66: How many years must you reuse an artificial tree to match the environmental footprint of buying real trees annually?

Answer: At least 10-20 years

Studies suggest artificial trees must be reused for many years to offset their manufacturing carbon footprint compared to real trees.

Question 67: What happens to most real Christmas trees after the holiday season?

Answer: They're recycled into mulch or compost

Many communities offer tree recycling programs that turn discarded trees into mulch for parks, playgrounds, and gardens.

Question 68: How much oxygen does one acre of Christmas trees produce annually?

Answer: Enough for 18 people

Christmas tree farms provide environmental benefits including oxygen production, carbon absorption, and wildlife habitat.

Question 69: What creative environmental use have some coastal communities found for discarded Christmas trees?

Answer: Using them to prevent beach erosion

Recycled trees are anchored in sand dunes where they trap sand and help rebuild natural barriers against erosion.

Question 70: In 2022, approximately how many Christmas trees were cut in the United States?

Answer: More than 14.5 million

This represents a 30% decrease from 2002 levels, reflecting changing consumer preferences and increased artificial tree sales.