Christmas music quiz
Welcome to Christmas themed music quiz questions - two standalone rounds of tricky quiz questions and answers for those who want to play quickly and for free. It mixes classic Christmas songs, unexpected facts about artists, album details, language versions and historical recordings. The questions are written for casual quiz players who like it a little more difficult than the most obvious hits, but still can be figured out with music interest and logic. You get both short answers and a short explanation, making it easy to learn something new while competing against yourself or friends. Perfect as an online quiz before a Christmas party, on the sofa, or as a warm-up to the playlist.
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Round 1
Which artist is behind the album containing the song 'Fairytale of New York'?
Answer: The Pogues
The song is featured on the 1988 album If I Should Fall from Grace with God.
It's a duet with Kirsty MacColl and has become a modern Christmas classic.
In which year was the single "All I Want for Christmas Is You" released?
Answer: 1994
The song was released in conjunction with the album Merry Christmas.
It has since become one of the most streamed Christmas songs globally.
Which composer wrote the ballet on which the music for 'The Nutcracker' is based?
Answer: Tchaikovsky
The music was written for a ballet that premiered in St Petersburg in 1892.
Many movements are often used in Christmas concerts and in films.
Which British singer did the original version of 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)'?
Answer: John Lennon
The song was recorded with Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band.
Released in 1971, it has a clear message of peace in its lyrics.
Which group released 'Last Christmas' as a single in the mid-1980s?
Answer: Wham!
The single was released in 1984 and quickly became a recurring Christmas favourite.
It competed in the same year with the charity song Do They Know It's Christmas?
Which American singer did the famous 1940s version of 'White Christmas'?
Answer: Bing Crosby
His recording is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
It is based on a song written by Irving Berlin for the film Holiday Inn.
Which Swedish artist sang "Mer jul" which is often played in December?
Answer: Adolphson & Falk
The song was released in the 1980s and became a regular radio song in Sweden.
It is known for its poppy production and clear Christmas theme.
Which artist released the album 'Christmas' which includes 'Mistletoe'?
Answer: Justin Bieber
Released in 2011, the album mixes original songs with classic interpretations.
Mistletoe became one of the most played modern Christmas songs from the disc.
Which song starts with the phrase "They've gone home" and is set around Christmas?
Answer: Driving Home for Christmas
Chris Rea wrote the song based on his travels as a touring musician.
It was released as a single in 1986 and has become a radio classic.
Which artist is behind 'Santa Tell Me'?
Answer: Ariana Grande
The song was released in 2014 and is produced as modern pop with Christmas references.
It has appeared on lists every December since its release.
Which song is often associated with the film 'Love Actually' and a school concert?
Answer: All I Want for Christmas Is You
In the film, the song is used in a scene where a student performs at a Christmas show.
This has contributed to the song's strong connection to modern Christmas culture.
Which singer sang 'Santa Baby' in the original 1953 version?
Answer: Eartha Kitt
The original was recorded with a playful and jazzy style.
The song has since been interpreted by many artists in different genres.
Which composer wrote the 'Carol of the Bells' melody based on a Ukrainian song?
Answer: Mykola Leontovych
The melody is based on the Ukrainian song Shchedryk and was arranged in the early 1900s.
The English Christmas lyrics came later and made the song internationally known.
Which British group is behind "Do They Know It's Christmas?" from 1984?
Answer: Band Aid
The project brought together several well-known artists to support disaster relief in Ethiopia.
The single became one of the most recognised charity releases in pop history.
Which song has the chorus "Let it snow" but is not about Christmas?
Answer: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
The text is about weather, romance and staying inside when it snows.
It was written in 1945 and has since become strongly associated with the Christmas period.
Which Swedish TV classic gave rise to the song "Midnight prevails"?
Answer: Father Christmas is the father of all children
The song is linked to a Swedish Christmas tradition of music on TV and on disc.
It is often sung as a mood song during December.
Which artist did a famous version of 'Blue Christmas' that is often played in December?
Answer: Elvis Presley
His version was published in 1957 and has become one of the most performed interpretations.
The song is about loss and sadness during an otherwise festive holiday.
Which 2004 song has the title that suggests someone wants a "real" holiday?
Answer: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
The song is often associated with a pop group's Christmas release from the early 2000s.
It has an upbeat production and is often used in store playlists.
Which composer wrote the 'O Holy Night' melody?
Answer: Adolphe Adam
The melody was written for a French Christmas carol in the 1840s.
The Swedish text came later and the song is common in Christmas concerts.
Which artist released "River", a song with a Christmas atmosphere but a melancholic tone?
Answer: Joni Mitchell
The song is on the 1971 album Blue and mentions Christmas in the introduction.
It mixes personal storytelling with a wintry, tranquil atmosphere.
Which instrument is clearly associated with the bright sound of 'Jingle Bells' arrangements?
Answer: Bells
The instrument is used to mimic sleigh sounds and winter feel in arrangements.
It often appears in both traditional and pop Christmas productions.
Which group made 'Merry Xmas Everybody' a big British Christmas hit?
Answer: Slade
The song was released in 1973 and has reappeared on UK charts in December.
It is known for its sing-along chorus and glam rock feel.
Which artist is behind the Christmas album "A Charlie Brown Christmas"?
Answer: Vince Guaraldi Trio
The album is jazz-based and was written for a TV special that aired in 1965.
Music has become a regular part of Christmas listening, especially in the US.
Which song in a Christmas music quiz is about a red-clad figure bringing reindeer?
Answer: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The song is based on a story popularised in the United States in the 20th century.
It has been recorded by many artists and is commonly used by children and families.
Let's test your maths knowledge
If you've read the article on the front page of Quizfragor, you know the answer.
Round 2
Which artist released 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)' which later became a TV classic?
Answer: Darlene Love
The song was released in 1963 on a Christmas album produced by Phil Spector.
Darlene Love also performed it regularly on American television for many years.
Which composer wrote 'Sleigh Ride' which was not originally a Christmas carol?
Answer: Leroy Anderson
The piece was written as orchestral music and was later associated with winter and Christmas.
It incorporates effects such as whip cracking and jingle bells in the arrangement.
Which artist released the album 'A Very Special Christmas' series started with?
Answer: Various Artists
The first album was released in 1987 and brought together many artists on one disc.
The project was linked to charity and became a recurring series.
Which song has the lyrics about someone wanting "two front teeth" for Christmas?
Answer: All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
The song was written as a humorous children's song in the 1940s.
It is based on the idea that a child wants nothing more than to be able to smile properly.
Which artist recorded 'Little Drummer Boy' in a version often mentioned from the 1970s?
Answer: David Bowie
He did a famous TV duet where the song is combined with another piece.
The recording has been recognised for its unusual mix of styles.
Which group is behind 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday'?
Answer: Wizzard
The song was released in 1973 and became a regular British Christmas song.
It is known for its dense production with choirs, bells and pop rock.
What is the original language of the song often called "Stilla natt" in Swedish?
Answer: German
The original is called Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht and was written in Austria in 1818.
It has been translated into many languages and is often sung at midnight masses.
Which artist topped the charts with 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' afterwards via streaming?
Answer: Brenda Lee
The song was recorded in 1958 but found new chart success much later.
Repeated radio and streaming listening has made it a modern chart favourite.
Which composer wrote 'Messiah', which includes the 'Hallelujah' chorus often sung at Christmas?
Answer: George Frideric Handel
The oratorio was first performed in 1742 and contains several famous choral movements.
It is often performed around Christmas and Easter, although it is not only about Christmas.
Which artist did a Christmas version of 'Hallelujah' that was widely distributed in the 2000s?
Answer: Pentatonix
The group is known for a cappella arrangements and released several seasonal editions.
Their version is based on vocals and rhythm created without instruments.
What style of music dominates the sound of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'?
Answer: Jazz
The disc is based on piano trio arrangements with swing and soft harmonies.
It differs from many Christmas discs in its stripped-down, instrumental focus.
Which artist is behind 'Underneath the Tree'?
Answer: Kelly Clarkson
The song was released in 2013 and is written as a modern pop-soul Christmas song.
It has often been compared to classic wall-of-sound productions in its drive.
Which song is based on the melody from "Greensleeves" and is often sung at Christmas?
Answer: What Child Is This?
The English Christmas carol uses an older melody that became known in the 16th century.
The lyrics link the melody to a story about the child in the manger.
Which Swedish singer did a well-known rendition of "Nu tändas tusen juleljus"?
Answer: Carola
She has recorded several Christmas albums and performed the song on Christmas TV programmes.
The song is one of the most sung in Sweden during Advent and Christmas.
Which American artist released 'One More Sleep' as modern Christmas pop?
Answer: Leona Lewis
Released in 2013, the song is written to sound like a contemporary Christmas classic.
It's about the anticipation of the festive season and has appeared on playlists.
Which song from the 1950s mentions "chestnuts" in the introduction?
Answer: The Christmas Song
It became particularly famous through a classic crooner recording from the mid-20th century.
The text lists winter images and traditions often associated with Christmas.
Which artist released 'Wonderful Christmastime' as synthy Christmas pop?
Answer: Paul McCartney
The song was released in 1979 and has a distinct electronic sound for its time.
It differs from traditional Christmas carols in its simple, looping harmonies.
Which group made the song "Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)"?
Answer: The Darkness
Released in 2003, the song mixes hard rock pastiche with Christmas references.
The title is based on a pun that was recognised in British pop culture.
Which song has a story about a snowman who comes to life through a hat?
Answer: Frosty the Snowman
The song was written in 1950 and has become a standard song for children and families.
It is often associated with animated TV specials and Christmas programmes in English-speaking countries.
Which artist made a famous Christmas recording of 'Silent Night' with a strong gospel flavour?
Answer: Mahalia Jackson
She was one of the most influential gospel artists of the 20th century.
Her interpretations are characterised by powerful phrasing and a churchy sound.
Which song in a Christmas music quiz is about someone wanting to get away from the festive season?
Answer: Christmas Wrapping
The song describes a person who initially wants to avoid Christmas but is drawn into it.
It's known for its grand narrative and new wave-influenced style.
Which artist performed "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in the film "Meet Me in St. Louis"?
Answer: Judy Garland
The song was introduced in the film in 1944 and quickly became a standard in the Christmas repertoire.
Later artists have changed the details of the lyrics, but the basic melody remains the same.
Which composer wrote the 'Christmas carol' melody for 'Shine on the lake and beach'?
Answer: Alice Tegnér
She wrote many Swedish nursery rhymes and songs that are sung in schools and homes.
This melody has become one of the most established in Swedish Christmas tradition.
Which artist released 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' in a version often associated with a live feel?
Answer: Bruce Springsteen
His recording is based on an energetic stage performance that was later widely disseminated.
It has become a recurring radio song during December in several countries.
Which song from the 1980s describes a Christmas where someone was "left behind"?
Answer: Christmas Is All Around
The song is a pop song that later gained new popularity through film and covers.
The lyrics use simple repetitions to create an easily recognisable chorus.
