Christmas Vacation trivia questions are fun, nostalgic, and the perfect way to test your knowledge of the classic holiday movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Introduction
Few holiday movies capture the true spirit of Christmas chaos and laughter quite like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Released in 1989, this comedy classic starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold has become a beloved tradition for countless families during the festive season. From tangled Christmas lights to outrageous family drama, the film has secured its place in holiday history.
One of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate the movie is through trivia. Hosting a trivia night, playing with friends, or just testing your memory can turn any holiday gathering into a fun-filled event. This article will provide you with Christmas Vacation trivia questions and answers that cover characters, quotes, behind-the-scenes facts, and hilarious moments.
Whether you are a casual fan or a die-hard Griswold follower, this ultimate guide will not only challenge your memory but also remind you why this movie is a timeless holiday favorite.
Christmas Vacation Trivia Questions And Answers
🎄 Category 1: Main Plot and General Storyline
This category covers the overall plot, setting, and key events from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Q: What is the full name of the movie’s main character?
A: Clark Griswold
Q: In which city do the Griswolds live?
A: Chicago
Q: What is Clark Griswold hoping to receive as a Christmas bonus?
A: A check to pay for a swimming pool
Q: What unexpected “gift” does Clark receive instead of a cash bonus?
A: A membership to the Jelly of the Month Club
Q: What animal causes chaos in the house after hiding in the Christmas tree?
A: A squirrel
Q: Who kidnaps Clark’s boss after the disappointing bonus?
A: Cousin Eddie
Q: What type of vehicle do the Griswolds use to get their Christmas tree?
A: A station wagon
Q: What holiday does the movie center around?
A: Christmas
Q: What causes the power outage in the neighborhood?
A: Clark’s Christmas lights
Q: What does Clark call the moment when he lights up the house with decorations?
A: “The Griswold Family Christmas!”
🎅 Category 2: Characters and Cast
This section tests your knowledge of the cast and characters that made the film memorable.
Q: Who plays Clark Griswold in the movie?
A: Chevy Chase
Q: What is the name of Clark’s wife?
A: Ellen
Q: Who plays Cousin Eddie?
A: Randy Quaid
Q: What is the name of Clark and Ellen’s son?
A: Rusty
Q: What actress plays Ellen Griswold?
A: Beverly D’Angelo
Q: What is the name of Clark’s daughter?
A: Audrey
Q: What actor played Clark’s boss, Frank Shirley?
A: Brian Doyle-Murray
Q: What are the names of Clark’s in-laws?
A: Art and Frances
Q: Who are the yuppie neighbors next door?
A: Todd and Margo
Q: Who plays Aunt Bethany?
A: Mae Questel
🎁 Category 3: Christmas Decorations & Traditions
This category focuses on the holiday traditions, lights, and decorations featured in the movie.
Q: How many lights does Clark say are on his house?
A: 25,000
Q: What causes the lights to finally work?
A: Ellen flips the correct light switch
Q: What happens when the lights are plugged in the first time?
A: The entire neighborhood loses power
Q: What does Clark use to cover the house in lights?
A: A staple gun
Q: What creature is inside the Christmas tree?
A: A squirrel
Q: What explodes when Uncle Lewis lights his cigar?
A: The Christmas tree
Q: Who brings a dried-up old tree to replace the ruined one?
A: Clark
Q: Where does Clark hide the Christmas presents?
A: In the attic
Q: What does Clark accidentally step on in the attic?
A: The ceiling boards (he falls through)
Q: What holiday video does Clark watch while in the attic?
A: Old home movies
🏠 Category 4: The Griswold Family & Relatives
Get ready to dive into the chaos of the extended Griswold family members and their quirks.
Q: What unusual item does Aunt Bethany wrap as a gift?
A: Her cat
Q: What food item does she also wrap as a gift?
A: Jello mold with cat food in it
Q: What does Clark call Cousin Eddie’s RV?
A: “That there is an RV”
Q: What does Eddie empty into the storm drain?
A: The RV’s sewage
Q: What does Clark call Eddie’s dog?
A: Snots
Q: What relative is senile and hard of hearing?
A: Aunt Bethany
Q: What song does Aunt Bethany start singing at dinner?
A: The Star-Spangled Banner
Q: What causes the explosion in the sewer?
A: Uncle Lewis’s cigar combined with the sewage
Q: What does Clark say when he finally snaps during the family dinner?
A: “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas…”
Q: What game are the grandparents playing during the chaos?
A: Monopoly
🍗 Category 5: The Christmas Dinner
From ruined turkey to singing the national anthem, this category tests your knowledge of the wild holiday meal.
Q: What happens when they cut into the turkey?
A: It’s completely dried out and deflates
Q: What kind of meat does Eddie say is his favorite?
A: Hamburger Helper
Q: What drink is served in the moose mugs?
A: Eggnog
Q: Who says grace at dinner?
A: Aunt Bethany
Q: What explodes on the dining table?
A: The turkey
Q: What crashes through the window during dinner?
A: A squirrel
Q: What item is burned during dinner prep?
A: The turkey
Q: What holiday food do they never actually get to eat?
A: The Christmas turkey
Q: Who is seated at the head of the table?
A: Clark
Q: What does Aunt Bethany think she hears outside?
A: A parade
❄️ Category 6: Winter and Outdoor Scenes
Explore the movie’s snowy setting, sledding mishaps, and classic outdoor moments.
Q: What does Clark use to grease the sled?
A: A non-caloric silicone-based kitchen lubricant
Q: What happens when Clark goes sledding?
A: He flies down the hill at extreme speed
Q: Where does Clark crash into after sledding?
A: A Walmart parking lot
Q: What happens when Clark tries to get the tree from the forest?
A: They forget the saw
Q: How does Clark get the tree out of the ground?
A: He pulls it out by the roots
Q: What animal does Clark encounter while in the forest?
A: A squirrel (again)
Q: What color is Clark’s winter hat?
A: Green
Q: What does Eddie wear while outside that horrifies the neighbors?
A: A bathrobe
Q: What are the neighbors doing when the lights blind them?
A: Relaxing in their living room
Q: What sound effect is heard when the lights finally come on?
A: A choir singing
😂 Category 7: Funny Quotes and One-Liners
Memorable quotes that make this movie a holiday comedy classic.
Q: What does Clark call his boss in the famous rant?
A: “Cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing…”
Q: What does Eddie say is the gift that keeps on giving?
A: The Jelly of the Month Club
Q: Finish the quote: “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since…”
A: “…Bing Crosby danced with Danny Kaye!”
Q: What does Cousin Eddie say after kidnapping Clark’s boss?
A: “He was a little surprised…”
Q: What does Clark yell when he finds the squirrel?
A: “SQUIRREL!”
Q: What line does Clark say when he finally gets the lights to work?
A: “Joy to the world!”
Q: What’s Clark’s reaction when Eddie says he’s staying for a month?
A: “Surprised? If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn’t be more surprised.”
Q: What does Clark say to Margo when she asks why the carpet is wet?
A: “I don’t know, Margo!”
Q: What does Ellen say after that line?
A: “And why is the carpet all wet, Todd?!”
Q: What insult does Clark give about his boss’s heart?
A: “His heart is an empty shell!”
🎬 Category 8: Behind the Scenes
Trivia for fans who want to go beyond the screen and explore how the movie was made.
Q: What year was Christmas Vacation released?
A: 1989
Q: Who wrote the script for the movie?
A: John Hughes
Q: Who directed the film?
A: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Q: What magazine originally featured the short story the film is based on?
A: National Lampoon
Q: What is the title of the original short story?
A: “Christmas ’59”
Q: Who composed the musical score for the film?
A: Angelo Badalamenti
Q: What’s the name of the opening song?
A: “Christmas Vacation” by Mavis Staples
Q: What other National Lampoon Vacation movie came before this?
A: European Vacation
Q: How many Griswold family movies were released before this one?
A: Two
Q: Was the movie filmed during winter?
A: No, it was filmed in spring/summer
🐶 Category 9: Pets and Animals
All about the wild creatures and domestic chaos that make the holidays memorable in this movie.
Q: What is the name of Cousin Eddie’s dog?
A: Snots
Q: What animal is hidden in the Christmas tree?
A: A squirrel
Q: What happens when the squirrel is discovered?
A: Chaos ensues in the house
Q: What does Clark do to try and catch the squirrel?
A: He grabs a broom and chases it around the house
Q: What kind of dog is Snots?
A: A Rottweiler
Q: Why is Snots always snorting and coughing?
A: He has a sinus condition
Q: What does Snots do to the Christmas tree?
A: Drinks the water and knocks it over
Q: What is inside one of Aunt Bethany’s wrapped presents?
A: Her cat
Q: What happens to the cat during dinner?
A: It gets electrocuted by chewing on Christmas lights
Q: Who finds the cat under the chair?
A: Clark
Q: What does Cousin Eddie say about Snots chasing squirrels?
A: “He’s just yakkin’ on a bone… he’s got a little bit of Mississippi Leg Hound in him.”
Q: What do the neighbors hear before the squirrel crashes through their window?
A: Barking and screaming from inside the Griswold house
🌟 Category 10: Neighbors and Side Characters
Focuses on Todd and Margo, the Griswolds’ unfortunate neighbors, and other minor but memorable characters.
Q: What are the names of the Griswolds’ snooty neighbors?
A: Todd and Margo Chester
Q: What happens to Todd and Margo’s stereo system?
A: A block of ice crashes through their window and destroys it
Q: What is Margo wearing when she confronts Clark after the lights incident?
A: A silver jogging suit
Q: What does Todd ask when their window breaks the first time?
A: “Why is the carpet all wet, Todd?”
Q: What happens to Todd when he tries to check outside?
A: He gets hit in the face with a door
Q: Who does Margo say will fix the broken window?
A: “I don’t know, Todd!”
Q: How do Todd and Margo react to Clark’s holiday enthusiasm?
A: They’re annoyed and disgusted
Q: What happens to Margo after she punches Todd?
A: She storms out, leaving him injured
Q: What is Margo’s first reaction to the house lighting up?
A: She spills her wine in shock
Q: What does Clark sarcastically call Todd and Margo?
A: “The yuppie couple next door”
🎉 Bonus Category: Superfan Deep Cuts
For hardcore fans! These are specific, often overlooked details and Easter eggs from the film.
Q: What store does Clark end up in while sledding?
A: Walmart parking lot
Q: What item does Clark put his hand through in the attic?
A: A loose floorboard
Q: What does Clark do while watching home videos in the attic?
A: Cries emotionally
Q: What are the names of Eddie’s kids?
A: Rocky and Ruby Sue
Q: What does Ruby Sue say about her previous Christmases?
A: “Santa Claus didn’t come last year.”
Q: What does Clark call his boss during his breakdown?
A: “A no-good, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing…”
Q: What song plays during Clark’s sledding scene?
A: “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby (earlier in the fantasy sequence)
Q: What type of hat does Eddie wear in multiple scenes?
A: A trapper hat with ear flaps
Q: What do the police officers do when they storm into the Griswold home?
A: Pull their guns on everyone
Q: What do the police say about Clark’s boss’s bonus cancellation?
A: It’s illegal and unethical
Q: How does the movie end?
A: Clark stands alone outside, watching the destroyed yard, and says, “I did it.”
Why Christmas Vacation Trivia is So Popular
Trivia brings people together. During Christmas, when families are gathered around the tree or enjoying festive meals, a trivia game adds laughter and friendly competition. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation offers a rich treasure trove of quotes, slapstick comedy, and unforgettable characters, making it the perfect choice for trivia lovers.
Moreover, trivia questions allow fans to relive the best moments of the film while introducing younger generations to its charm.
Fun Facts About National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Before diving into trivia questions, let’s warm up with some fun facts about the movie:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 1989 |
| Director | Jeremiah S. Chechik |
| Screenwriter | John Hughes |
| Lead Actor | Chevy Chase (Clark Griswold) |
| Iconic Scene | Clark plugging in thousands of Christmas lights |
| Film Location | Mostly filmed in Colorado and California |
| Box Office | Over $70 million worldwide |
These fun tidbits can help set the stage for your trivia night, making the game even more engaging.
Extended Table of Christmas Vacation Trivia Questions
| Category | Sample Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Characters | What is Clark’s boss’s name? | Frank Shirley |
| Quotes | Who said, “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas”? | Clark Griswold |
| Animals | What animal escapes from the Christmas tree? | Squirrel |
| Decorations | What keeps blowing out the Griswold’s power supply? | The Christmas lights |
| Family | Who unexpectedly arrives in an RV? | Cousin Eddie |
| Ending | What explodes at the end of the movie? | The sewer |
This structured format makes trivia easier to play at parties.
FAQs About Christmas Vacation Trivia
1. What makes Christmas Vacation such a popular trivia theme?
The movie is filled with memorable quotes, hilarious moments, and quirky characters, making it ideal for trivia games.
2. Can kids play Christmas Vacation trivia?
Yes! Many of the questions are family-friendly, though some jokes in the movie are geared toward adults.
3. How many Christmas Vacation trivia questions should I prepare for a party?
Around 20–30 questions make a balanced trivia night, with different difficulty levels.
4. Where can I watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation today?
The film is usually available on popular streaming services like HBO Max or can be rented via Amazon Prime.
5. Is there a sequel to Christmas Vacation?
Yes, Cousin Eddie returned in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2, although it wasn’t as successful.
6. What is the most quoted line from the movie?
Most fans agree it’s Clark’s line: “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.”
7. Can Christmas Vacation trivia be used in schools or work parties?
Absolutely. Just select family-friendly questions and enjoy the fun in any group setting.
8. Who composed the score for the movie?
The music was composed by Angelo Badalamenti.
Conclusion
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation isn’t just a movie—it’s a holiday tradition. Hosting trivia based on the film allows fans to revisit favorite scenes, laugh at unforgettable moments, and bond with loved ones during the festive season. From easy questions for kids to challenging ones for dedicated fans, trivia offers something for everyone.
If you’re planning a family gathering, office party, or casual holiday game night, Christmas Vacation trivia questions are guaranteed to bring joy and nostalgia. After all, as Clark Griswold himself would say, “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.”
