Guests are looking for festive fun, cosy surroundings and memorable experiences to share with family, friends and colleagues.
A Christmas-themed quiz night ticks all the boxes: it’s affordable entertainment, easy to host, and brilliant for boosting footfall and dwell time.
Whether you run a local pub, a family-friendly restaurant or a boutique hotel, or are in charge of Christmas entertainments at a hotel that's part of a chain, here’s how to host a festive quiz that keeps guests returning year after year.
Why Christmas Quiz Nights Work So Well
They attract groups
Office parties, club socials and family get-togethers, all love a quiz. It’s an ideal pre-Christmas event that appeals to mixed ages.
They encourage longer stays
Teams ordering sharing boards, puddings or an extra round while the quizmaster tallies scores is great for revenue.
They create a warm community feel
A quiz night adds atmosphere and gives you a chance to showcase your venue’s personality.
They’re easy to run
With a bit of preparation, you can host a brilliant evening without needing specialist equipment.
Choose a Format That Works for Your Venue
★ Traditional Pen-and-Paper Quiz
Perfect for pubs and casual restaurants. Keep it simple: several themed rounds and a picture sheet on each table.
★ Christmas Bingo-Quiz Hybrid
Guests fill in bingo cards with answers instead of numbers. It’s fast-paced and great for families.
★ Big Screen Quiz
If you have a projector or large TV, add picture rounds, music clips and film stills. Ideal for hotel lounges or larger restaurants.
★ Charity Quiz Night
Partner with a local charity, hospice or foodbank. It strengthens community ties and boosts turnout.
Festive Quiz Round Ideas
Mix easy and harder questions to keep all teams engaged. Popular round themes include:
The 12 Days of Christmas
Questions about birds, meanings, and origins of the song.
Christmas TV Specials
From Morecambe and Wise to The Vicar of Dibley, this always goes down well.
Food and Drink at Christmas
British festive traditions, unusual global practices or guess-the-ingredient challenges.
Name That Christmas Tune
Short clips or even hummed intros if you want to add some humour.
Christmas Toys Through the Decades
Nostalgia always sparks lively conversation.
Christmas Around the World
Perfect for hotel guests or venues with an international crowd.
Add On-Brand Prizes
You don’t need to spend much to create excitement. Choose prizes that also promote your venue:
Free dessert or coffee for each team member
A gift card for the pub or restaurant
A Christmas hamper featuring local produce
A bottle of fizz for the winning team
A “booby prize” such as a wooden spoon or novelty reindeer antlers
Many venues also offer a “rollover jackpot” for a bonus question, encouraging repeat visits.
Make It Special With Festive Touches
A Christmas quiz should feel magical, not just another Thursday night. Small details make a big difference:
Serve mulled wine, hot chocolate or Christmas cocktails
Offer a quiz-night festive platter or sharing board
Add fairy lights, table candles or music to set the mood
Invite teams to wear Christmas jumpers for a prize
Use decorative answer sheets or scorecards
Promote Your Quiz Effectively
Good advertising ensures a full house. Try:
Posters in-venue and on your entrance door
Daily posts on Facebook, Instagram, X and Threads
An event listing on your website or Google Business page
Sharing details with local community groups
Adding a “Book your table for our Christmas quiz!” button online
Always encourage teams to reserve tables early to manage capacity.
Keep the Night Running Smoothly
Start on time to respect early arrivals
Keep rounds short and lively
Use a microphone if the room gets busy
Allow a short break for ordering drinks
Check answer sheets in full view for transparency
Announce results with plenty of cheer and humour
A friendly, upbeat quizmaster makes all the difference.
Make It a Seasonal Tradition
If your first quiz goes well, turn it into a Christmas tradition. Many venues run:
Weekly quizzes throughout December
A festive “Big Quiz Night” just before Christmas
A New Year quiz to kick off January trade
Guests love rituals, and a well-run quiz night becomes something they look forward to each year.
Hosting a Christmas-themed quiz night is an easy, low-cost way to generate excitement, increase bookings and bring people together. With clever theming, good promotion and a welcoming atmosphere, your pub, restaurant or hotel can become the go-to venue for festive fun in your community.
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