“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a holiday classic that many families enjoy watching every year. Released in 1989, this funny movie captures all the crazy moments that can happen during the holiday season. It’s filled with laughter, chaos, and unforgettable characters like Clark Griswold and his zany family. With memorable scenes and hilarious quotes, it has become a favorite that brings joy to Christmas gatherings.
Today, we’re going to share some fun trivia about this beloved movie. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy a good laugh, these fun facts will add a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. From behind-the-scenes secrets to unique details you might have missed, you’ll learn something new about why “Christmas Vacation” is so special. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your knowledge of this holiday gem!
National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Trivia
Griswold Family Shenanigans in Christmas Vacation
1. What is the name of Clark Griswold’s wife? (Answer: Ellen Griswold)
2. Who plays Clark Griswold in the movie? (Answer: Chevy Chase)
3. What does Clark want to use to decorate his house? (Answer: 25,000 lights)
4. Which character is known for his monotonous suggestion of “the gift that keeps on giving”? (Answer: Cousin Eddie)
5. What kind of tree does the Griswold family choose? (Answer: A live Christmas tree)
6. What is the name of Clark’s boss? (Answer: Frank Shirley)
7. What happens to Clark’s bonus check? (Answer: He receives a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club)
8. Who gets trapped in the attic while wrapping gifts? (Answer: Ellen Griswold)
9. What does Clark accidentally call his boss when he is angry? (Answer: A “cheapskate”)
10. What does Eddie’s dog, Snot, do to Clark’s house? (Answer: Ruins the Christmas lights)
Iconic Moments in Christmas Vacation
1. What does Clark famously exclaim when he finally gets the lights to work? (Answer: “Joy to the World!”)
2. What mishap happens with the family car on the way to pick up Grandma? (Answer: The car gets stuck in a snowbank)
3. What does Clark’s father give him that he misunderstands? (Answer: A leg lamp)
4. What kind of gift does Cousin Eddie give to Clark? (Answer: A subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club)
5. What silly phrase do the kids say to convince their dad to let them jump on the bed? (Answer: “It’s Christmas!”)
6. Where does Clark’s family end up celebrating Christmas at the end of the movie? (Answer: The nearby mall)
7. What animal does Clark accidentally bring into the house with the tree? (Answer: A squirrel)
8. What does Aunt Bethany think that the cat food is? (Answer: Jell-O)
9. What iconic line does Cousin Eddie say when he sees his Christmas decorations? (Answer: “You serious, Clark?”)
10. What happens to the Christmas tree when it is fully lit? (Answer: It catches on fire)
Christmas Vacation Characters and Casting
1. Who plays the role of Cousin Eddie? (Answer: Randy Quaid)
2. What is the full name of the character Eddie’s wife? (Answer: Catherine)
3. Who portrays Clark’s boss, Frank Shirley? (Answer: Brian Doyle-Murray)
4. Which actress plays the role of Ellen Griswold? (Answer: Beverly D’Angelo)
5. What is the name of Clark’s son? (Answer: Rusty)
6. Who plays Clark’s daughter, Audrey? (Answer: Juliette Lewis)
7. What is the character of Aunt Bethany known for? (Answer: Her love of cats)
8. Who provides the voice for the animated Christmas turkey? (Answer: Charles S. Dutton)
9. Who makes a cameo as a police officer in the film? (Answer: Sam McMurray)
10. Who plays the role of the Grinch performing as part of Clark’s dream? (Answer: Jim Carrey)
Behind the Scenes of Christmas Vacation
1. Who directed “Christmas Vacation”? (Answer: Jeremiah S. Chechik)
2. Which famous comedy franchise does this movie belong to? (Answer: National Lampoon)
3. What year was “Christmas Vacation” released? (Answer: 1989)
4. Which actor had to wear a special suit for the scenes involving falling and tripping in the snow? (Answer: Chevy Chase)
5. What did they use to make the snow look realistic? (Answer: Fluffed soap)
6. Which member of the Griswold family was inspired by real-life vacations? (Answer: Clark)
7. What was the budget for “Christmas Vacation”? (Answer: Around 25 million)
8. What studio produced the film “Christmas Vacation”? (Answer: Warner Bros.)
9. What holiday classic song was sung at the end of the movie? (Answer: “Jingle Bells”)
10. What special effect came as a surprise during filming the Christmas light scene? (Answer: The power surged and lit them all at once)
Festive Decorations and Christmas Spirit
1. How many Christmas lights did the Griswolds use on their house? (Answer: 25,000)
2. What happens when the lights are flipped on for the first time? (Answer: They overload the power)
3. Who yells, “You want a Christmas tree? Go back to the mall”? (Answer: Clark)
4. What does the Griswold family add to their house during the decorating scene? (Answer: A giant inflatable Santa)
5. What gift does Clark get from his boss, which he dreams about? (Answer: A Christmas bonus)
6. What unusual feature does the Christmas tree have at the end of the movie? (Answer: It glows with a million lights)
7. What does Ellen bring to the family dinner table? (Answer: Holiday cookies)
8. What is hanging outside the Griswold’s house that causes concern? (Answer: A giant wreath)
9. What do the kids mistakenly think is part of the decorations? (Answer: The neighbor’s house lights)
10. What does Clark say about his tree that surprises everyone? (Answer: It smells like a fresh pine)
Iconic Quotes from Christmas Vacation
1. What does Clark declare after his lights are working? (Answer: “I’m going to decorate for Christmas like nobody has ever seen before!”)
2. What does Aunt Bethany say when she arrives? (Answer: “Is your house on fire, Clark?”)
3. What is Eddie’s memorable quote about gifts? (Answer: “Clark, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.”)
4. What does Clark say in a moment of frustration about his boss? (Answer: “He’s a cheapskate!”)
5. What exclamation does Clark make when he doesn’t get his bonus? (Answer: “That’s it! I’m in a Christmas crisis!”)
6. What memorable phrase does Clark say when he finds out his new neighbors are watching? (Answer: “This is the Griswold family Christmas!”)
7. What does Rusty say to summarize the family’s Christmas? (Answer: “Very Griswold.”)
8. What does Eddie shout when he sees Clark’s lights? (Answer: “You’re the man, Clark!”)
9. What does Clark say about snow on Christmas Eve? (Answer: “We’ll have a white Christmas!”)
10. What famous warning does Clark shout before the lights come on? (Answer: “Careful, it’s hot!”)
Final Thoughts
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” remains a cherished holiday classic filled with humor and heartwarming moments. From the Griswold family’s over-the-top antics to the many iconic quotes, this film never fails to bring joy during the holiday season. We hope this trivia has brought a smile to your face and maybe even taught you something new about the magic of “Christmas Vacation.” Be sure to share these fun facts at your next holiday gathering or learn even more about this film by checking out our National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Trivia or explore our Christmas Vacation Movie Trivia for additional festive fun!