30 Brain-Tangling Christmas Riddles
Question: What’s red and green and gets your brain all tangled up like string lights straight out of a box in the attic?
Answer: Christmas riddles!
Christmastime and riddles go together like hot cocoa and marshmallows. Christmas is an ideal subject for brain-teasers because of its rich history and unique traditions. On top of that, the holidays are a time of gatherings with friends and family, which provide the perfect opportunity to share Christmassy conundrums with others.
Whether you’re looking for material for a party activity, or just some light amusement for yourself, check out the following list of Christmas riddles. They also come in printable form, with a separate answer sheet.
Printables
Here are printable versions of the following riddles, organized by difficulty. Simply click on a link below to view/download the PDF file. Please note that these printables are for personal, non-commercial use only.
Easy
Q: I symbolize love, or so it is said. You might get a smooch if I’m above your head. What am I?
A: Mistletoe.
Q: From when the snow first falls until winter ends, I’ll be there if you want to make a friend. What am I?
A: A snowman.
Q: Without me and his reindeer, St. Nick couldn’t get around. I’m how his Christmas deliveries get off the ground. What am I?
A: Santa’s sleigh.
Q: My appearance is lovely. My shape is round. I come to life when turned upside-down. What am I?
A: A snow globe.
Q: I float in the air, but on the ground I’m hard to lift. I pile up in cold weather, if you catch my drift. What am I?
A: Snow.
Q: I tower above all and my color is green. Despite my prickly reputation, all the ornaments hang around me. What am I?
A: A Christmas tree.
Q: When you see me come out you know holiday fun is in store. Come to my house and I’ll meet you at the door. What am I?
A: A wreath.
Q: I’m known for hating Christmas the most, but had a change of heart when I saw three ghosts. Who am I?
A: Ebenezer Scrooge.
Q: I have neither feet, nor wheels, nor wings, but can travel many miles. I may bring money, a gift card, or simply a smile. What am I?
A: A Christmas card.
Q: I never crumble when I come off the pan. One tough cookie is what I am. Who am I?
A: The gingerbread man.
Medium
Q: I may be small, but I think you’ll find, I bring the words “home sweet home” to mind. What am I?
A: A gingerbread house.
Q: It’s such a simple Christmas carol that anyone can sing to it. To most people’s ears, it has a nice ring to it. What is it?
A: Jingle Bells.
Q: I’m fit for a foot, but on Christmas Eve, you’ll find me present for presents. What am I?
A: A stocking.
Q: My appearance is soft, white, and thick. I’m as close as can be to old St. Nick. What am I?
A: Santa’s beard.
Q: I’m eaten at Christmastime, but not in a dish. Can you solve this mystery that comes with a twist? What am I?
A: A candy cane.
Q: I may be made of wood or cake, burnt over a fire or baked. You can even watch me on TV at Christmastime, for goodness sake! What am I?
A: A yule log.
Q: I’m a very hard worker, if I do say so myself. I might be at the North Pole or up on a shelf. What am I?
A: An elf.
Q: There’s nothing like me after a chilly sleigh ride. I’m a holiday tradition that makes you feel warm inside. What am I?
A: Hot chocolate/hot cocoa.
Q: I work on Christmas Eve until my job is done, and despite my name, I fly – not run. Who am I?
A: Dasher.
Q: I may not have any teeth in sight, but stay out in the cold and I’m bound to bite. What am I?
A: Frost.
Hard
Q: I’m a character in a children’s Christmas story. My first name is cute like me, but my last name is the question. Who am I?
A: Cindy-Lou Who.
Q: Every Christmas to the North Pole I go. To find my way, I follow tracks in the snow. What am I?
A: The Polar Express.
Q: I’m a sure sign that Christmas is on the way. And yet, when I come around, it’s a dark day. What am I?
A: Black Friday.
Q: At Christmastime, I’m always well liked. I’m no volleyball, but I’m often spiked. What am I?
A: Eggnog.
Q: I’m a Christmas tradition you might know very well. With music and dancing, I’ll make you come out of your shell. What am I?
A: The Nutcracker.
Q: I predate Santa Claus by just a tad. You might say I’m the ultimate holiday dad. Who am I?
A: Father Christmas.
Q: Unlike my counterpart Santa, I don’t bring toys. I come to punish the bad girls and boys. Who am I?
A: Krampus.
Q: I keep a secret until Christmas Eve or Day. Then I make a mess wherever I lay. What am I?
A: Wrapping paper.
Q: Christmas is almost here and the elf is running late. Besides the toys that bring cheer, what’s most important for her to make?
A: Haste.
Q: You might think I’m a present for a pachyderm. But whoever gets me will have to wait their turn. What am I?
If you liked these riddles, you’ll also want to check out my big list of Christmas trivia questions. Happy Holidays!
