The great Canadian Christmas quiz

Which city is officially known as "The Christmas Capital of Canada"?

• Toronto

• Montreal

• Winnipeg

• Vancouver

Answer explanation

Winnipeg is officially known as "The Christmas Capital of Canada" due to its extensive holiday festivities, including the Festival of Lights and the largest Christmas market in the country, making it a festive destination.

Which Canadian city is famous for its annual Winter Festival of Lights?

• Niagara Falls

• Ottawa

• Calgary

• Quebec City

Answer explanation

Niagara Falls is renowned for its annual Winter Festival of Lights, showcasing stunning light displays and attracting visitors from around the world, making it the correct answer.

In which city can you find the largest Christmas tree in Canada?

• Halifax

• Edmonton

• Montreal

• Toronto

Answer explanation

The largest Christmas tree in Canada is located in Toronto. Each year, Nathan Phillips Square hosts a grand tree lighting ceremony, making it a central festive attraction during the holiday season.

Which Canadian city hosts the Santa Claus Parade, one of the largest in the world?

• Calgary

• Toronto

• Vancouver

• Winnipeg

Answer explanation

Toronto hosts the Santa Claus Parade, recognized as one of the largest in the world, attracting millions of spectators each year. Other cities like Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg have their own parades, but none match Toronto's scale.

During the 12 Days of Christmas in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, kids often wear masks, make noise, ring bells and go door-to-door seeking treats. Which name do they go by?

• Mummers

• Bummers

• Belsnicklers

• Both Mummers and Belsnickers

Answer explanation

Belsnicklers or Mummers wear masks and costumes, disguise their voices and sing and dance before going to the next house. If the host can't guess their identities, he or she must come along with them and join in the holiday fun.

During the last seven days of December, many of Canada's Inuit celebrate Christ's birth. Which of the following is true?

• Gifts are only given to children aged 12 and under

• Gifts are exchanged every day from Dec. 25 to 31

• Gifts exchanged can only be homemade

• No gifts are exchanged at all

Answer explanation

Along with daily gift-giving, a traditional Inuit Christmas often includes a festive dinner that features caribou, seal or arctic char with tea and bannock.

During Christmas in Quebec, a Yuletide tradition is a réveillon. What exactly is it?

• A Christmas dance

• A Christmas bouquet

• A Christmas banquet

• A Christmas party game

Answer explanation

A traditional réveillon, or "waking up," is eaten after people return from Midnight Mass.

In 1905, which company sponsored the first Santa Claus Parade in Toronto?

• The Bay

• Le Château

• The T. Eaton Company

• The Real Canadian Superstore

Answer explanation

Santa was the attraction in Toronto's Santa Claus Parade. In 1906, Santa arrived in a coach pulled by four white horses. In 1982, the parade became a nonprofit organization. The last Eaton's store closed its doors on Feb. 26, 2002. Today, the parade has grown to more than 25 floats, 24 bands and 1,700 participants.

At the Port of Vancouver, young girls dress in traditional kimonos to accompany the arrival of a special first shipment from Japan that kicks off the Christmas season for many Canadians. It contains…?

• Video games

• Cellphones

• Plasma TVs

• Oranges

Answer explanation

Japanese oranges arrive in Canada during winter. As a result, they have been making spirits bright and filling the Christmas stockings of kids of all ages for well over 100 years.

Every Christmas season, kids and parents enjoy the antics of Canada's John Candy in the 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone. Which part did he play?

• Bumbling robber

• Wacky neighbour

• Parent of the movie's then-young star Macaulay Culkin

• A polka-band leader who helps Macaulay Culkin's mom get home

Answer explanation

John Candy and Catherine O'Hara also appeared together as cast members of "SCTV," Canada’s long-running, irreverent sketch comedy series with Dave Thomas, Rick Moranis, Joe Flaherty, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy and Martin Short – all of whom gained fame in movies.