National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has brought laughter to families for years. Released in 1989, this film is part of the National Lampoon series and follows the hilarious antics of Clark Griswold as he tries to create the perfect Christmas for his family. From crazy holiday decorations to unexpected family visits, the movie captures the chaos and joy of the holiday season. It’s a film filled with memorable quotes and scenes that many people repeat every December.
Today, we’re going to share some fun trivia about this beloved holiday film. Whether you’ve seen it a million times or just a few, there are always interesting facts to learn. Did you know that some of the movie’s most famous lines were improvised? Or that certain scenes almost didn’t make it to the final cut? Join us as we uncover these fun tidbits and more, making your next viewing even more enjoyable. Get ready to impress your friends and family with cool facts that might just make you the ultimate Christmas Vacation trivia master!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Trivia
Festive Fun with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1. What is the name of the main character in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? (Answer: Clark Griswold)
2. In what year was National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation released? (Answer: 1989)
3. What holiday does Clark Griswold want to celebrate perfectly? (Answer: Christmas)
4. What is the name of the Griswold’s dog? (Answer: Dinky)
5. What does Clark use to decorate his house for Christmas? (Answer: Thousands of Christmas lights)
6. What does Clark’s boss give him instead of a Christmas bonus? (Answer: A subscription to a jelly-of-the-month club)
7. What animal causes a problem when it appears unexpectedly? (Answer: A squirrel)
8. Who plays Clark Griswold in the film? (Answer: Chevy Chase)
9. What is the name of Clark’s wife? (Answer: Ellen Griswold)
10. What do the Griswold kids frequently complain about during the movie? (Answer: Their dad’s Christmas plans)
Chaos and Comedy in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1. What type of Christmas tree do the Griswolds end up with? (Answer: A giant tree)
2. What does Cousin Eddie famously say to Clark when he delivers a gift? (Answer: “I got you a beer”)
3. Who are the unexpected guests that show up uninvited? (Answer: Cousin Eddie and family)
4. What does Clark plan to do with all the lights he hangs on the house? (Answer: Light up the entire neighborhood)
5. What happens when Clark tries to light the Christmas lights? (Answer: The power goes out)
6. What do the kids get as a gift from Grandma? (Answer: A bunch of junk)
7. What kind of vehicle does Cousin Eddie drive? (Answer: An RV)
8. What is Clark’s favorite Christmas movie that gets referenced? (Answer: It’s a Wonderful Life)
9. What does the family do to entertain themselves when the power goes out? (Answer: They play games)
10. What do the Griswolds find in their Christmas tree? (Answer: A squirrel)
Memorable Moments from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1. What iconic phrase does Clark endure when the neighbors complain? (Answer: “You couldn’t hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant”)
2. What does Clark famously exclaim when all the lights finally work? (Answer: “It’s Christmas! Christmastime!”)
3. Which family member arrives comically late to the Christmas dinner? (Answer: Uncle Lewis)
4. What does Clark get stuck in the attic while trying to find November decorations? (Answer: Old home movies)
5. What does the Griswold family sing together at one point? (Answer: “The Christmas Song”)
6. What is inside the late Christmas gift that Clark’s boss sends him? (Answer: A living Christmas tree)
7. What unexpected gift does Clark receive at the end of the film? (Answer: A new job offer)
8. What fails miserably when Clark tries to start a new Christmas tradition? (Answer: His festive outdoor lights)
9. Who gets caught in a funny situation in the bathroom? (Answer: Cousin Eddie)
10. What famous Christmas decoration does Clark buy for his house? (Answer: A giant inflatable Santa)
Family Ties in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1. Who plays Ellen Griswold, Clark’s wife? (Answer: Beverly D’Angelo)
2. What do the Griswold kids argue about during the family gathering? (Answer: Presents)
3. What does Grandma bring to add to the chaotic family dinner? (Answer: A fruitcake)
4. Who attends the Griswold’s Christmas dinner that they weren’t expecting? (Answer: Cousin Eddie)
5. What tradition does the Griswold family try to keep alive? (Answer: Christmas dinner)
6. What humorous event makes Aunt Bethany’s arrival memorable? (Answer: She brings her cat)
7. How does the family react when things don’t go as planned? (Answer: They laugh it off)
8. How does Clark’s boss’s neglect affect the Griswold family? (Answer: He doesn’t receive his Christmas bonus)
9. Who steps up to entertain the family during the chaos? (Answer: Clark)
10. What Christmas present do Clark and his family give Cousin Eddie? (Answer: A new job opportunity)
Classic Quotes from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1. What phrase does Clark repeat that captures his Christmas spirit? (Answer: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”)
2. Which character delivers the legendary line about the jelly-of-the-month club? (Answer: Clark)
3. What does Cousin Eddie say while at the Griswold house? (Answer: “Shitter’s full!”)
4. What does Uncle Lewis say when the cat accidentally destroys the decorations? (Answer: “It’s a Christmas miracle!”)
5. What does Clark’s mom tells him about his decorating efforts? (Answer: “It’s a bit much”)
6. How does Clark react to frustrations during the film? (Answer: “AHH!”)
7. What does Aunt Bethany say when asked to say the blessing? (Answer: “The Pledge of Allegiance”)
8. What does Clark say regarding his tree choice? (Answer: “Nobody’s leaving this place until we find that brain”)
9. What does he tell his children about the Christmas star? (Answer: “It shines bright for all to see”)
10. What does Clark wish for Christmas at the very end? (Answer: “All I want for Christmas is my family safe and happy”)
Behind the Scenes of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
1. Who directed National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? (Answer: Jeremiah S. Chechik)
2. Who wrote the screenplay for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? (Answer: John Hughes)
3. What was the budget for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? (Answer: Approximately $27 million)
4. How many days did it take to shoot the film? (Answer: 40 days)
5. Where was much of the filming done? (Answer: Chicago, Illinois)
6. Which actor almost turned down the role of Clark Griswold? (Answer: Chevy Chase)
7. What iconic moment involving a sled was carefully staged? (Answer: The sledding scene)
8. How was the famous decoration lighting scene achieved? (Answer: Safety wires and careful editing)
9. What was a continuous theme during filming to achieve humor? (Answer: Improvised lines)
10. What year did the film become a Christmas classic? (Answer: It achieved this status quickly after its release)
Final Thoughts
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a treasure trove of laughter and memorable moments. From its iconic characters to hilarious quotes, this holiday classic has something for everyone. With the trivia shared here, you can impress friends and family, making your next viewing even more enjoyable. Whether it’s the antics of the Griswold family or the chaos that surrounds their Christmas celebrations, the film captures the spirit of the holiday season in a fun way. So gather around and relive those joyous moments, and don’t forget to check out more topics to explore like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Trivia or even Christmas Trivia Printable.