The holiday season isn’t just about gifts and turkey—it’s also about laughter, fun, and family games. And what better way to celebrate the festive spirit than with some clever Christmas and Thanksgiving riddles? In this blog, we’ve collected 200+ Where Does Christmas Come Before Thanksgiving Riddles for 2025–2026, including the classic brain-twister: “Where does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?” (Hint: You’ll find the answer in a very alphabetical place).
These riddles are perfect for classroom games, family dinners, office parties, or your social media captions. So grab some hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and let’s get puzzling!
Christmas-Themed Riddles
- Riddle: I come in December but don’t make a sound.
Hint: You hang me by the fire.
Answer: Christmas stocking. - Riddle: I’m white and made of snow, but I melt when I glow.
Hint: Frosty’s downfall.
Answer: Snowman. - Riddle: I fly across the sky but have no wings.
Hint: Santa’s ride.
Answer: Sleigh. - Riddle: I’m wrapped but not a mummy.
Hint: Found under the tree.
Answer: Christmas present. - Riddle: I’m evergreen, dressed in lights.
Hint: Center of Christmas décor.
Answer: Christmas tree. - Riddle: I sparkle, but I’m not a star.
Hint: Hung on trees.
Answer: Tinsel. - Riddle: I have a red nose and lead the way.
Hint: Santa’s favorite reindeer.
Answer: Rudolph. - Riddle: I bring songs but never speak.
Hint: Heard on every street.
Answer: Christmas carols. - Riddle: I’m a house made of sweetness.
Hint: You decorate me with icing.
Answer: Gingerbread house. - Riddle: I only come before Thanksgiving in one place.
Hint: Check your dictionary!
Answer: The dictionary.
Thanksgiving-Themed Riddles
- Riddle: I’m stuffed but never complain.
Hint: Served on Thanksgiving.
Answer: Turkey. - Riddle: I wear a hat and buckle shoes.
Hint: Early American settler.
Answer: Pilgrim. - Riddle: I’m orange and have a candle inside.
Hint: Carved in October, eaten in November.
Answer: Pumpkin. - Riddle: I get passed around but never walk.
Hint: Thanksgiving dinner essential.
Answer: Gravy boat. - Riddle: I’m mashed and buttery.
Hint: Side dish favorite.
Answer: Mashed potatoes. - Riddle: I’m sweet and baked with love.
Hint: Pumpkin or pecan.
Answer: Pie. - Riddle: I’m a corn but not for popping.
Hint: Symbol of harvest.
Answer: Cornucopia. - Riddle: I’m the reason for the season.
Hint: Gratitude.
Answer: Giving thanks. - Riddle: I’m colorful but not a rainbow.
Hint: Fallen from trees.
Answer: Autumn leaves. - Riddle: I go “gobble gobble” but I’m not hungry.
Hint: Thanksgiving bird.
Answer: Turkey.
Funny Holiday Riddles
- Riddle: What do you call Santa when he takes a break?
Hint: He’s off duty.
Answer: Santa Pause. - Riddle: Why did the turkey cross the road?
Hint: It wasn’t for Christmas dinner!
Answer: To prove he wasn’t chicken. - Riddle: What falls but never gets hurt during Christmas?
Hint: You can catch it.
Answer: Snow. - Riddle: Why is Christmas music so cool?
Hint: It has great “wrap.”
Answer: Because of the Christmas “rap.” - Riddle: What do elves learn in school?
Hint: Starts with “elf.”
Answer: The elf-abet. - Riddle: What’s a turkey’s favorite instrument?
Hint: It gobbles.
Answer: The drumstick. - Riddle: What’s Santa’s favorite subject?
Hint: Numbers!
Answer: Elf-gebra. - Riddle: Where do snowmen keep their money?
Hint: Somewhere chilly.
Answer: In a snow bank. - Riddle: What did one Christmas light say to another?
Hint: Bright conversation.
Answer: “You light up my life.” - Riddle: Why can’t the turkey play football?
Hint: Too many penalties.
Answer: It always fowls out.
Winter Wonderland Riddles
- Riddle: I fall from the sky, cold but beautiful.
Hint: Tiny and unique.
Answer: Snowflake. - Riddle: I keep you warm, but I’m not a fire.
Hint: Worn in winter.
Answer: Sweater. - Riddle: I’m slippery and cold.
Hint: Perfect for skating.
Answer: Ice. - Riddle: I have branches but no leaves.
Hint: Used for decoration.
Answer: Christmas tree. - Riddle: I hang from roofs in winter.
Hint: Frozen drops.
Answer: Icicles. - Riddle: I jingle but I’m not a phone.
Hint: On a reindeer harness.
Answer: Sleigh bells. - Riddle: I’m cozy and filled with cocoa.
Hint: Winter beverage.
Answer: Hot chocolate. - Riddle: I’m round and you roll me to make a friend.
Hint: Snowman part.
Answer: Snowball. - Riddle: I’m built by kids, melt by spring.
Hint: Frosty’s family.
Answer: Snowman. - Riddle: I’m frozen fun on a hill.
Hint: Kids slide on me.
Answer: Sledding.
Santa’s Workshop Riddles
- Riddle: I make toys all year but never play with them.
Hint: Santa’s helpers.
Answer: Elves. - Riddle: I read names twice a year.
Hint: Naughty or nice?
Answer: Santa’s list. - Riddle: I travel only one night a year.
Hint: Guided by Rudolph.
Answer: Santa’s sleigh. - Riddle: I wear red and laugh loud.
Hint: The jolly one.
Answer: Santa Claus. - Riddle: I’m Mrs. Claus’s favorite treat.
Hint: Sweet and round.
Answer: Cookies. - Riddle: I ring in joy, not alarm.
Hint: Church and sleigh sound.
Answer: Bells. - Riddle: I cover gifts in style.
Hint: Torn on Christmas morning.
Answer: Wrapping paper. - Riddle: I hold gifts but I’m not a tree.
Hint: Santa carries me.
Answer: Sack. - Riddle: I show you where Santa is.
Hint: NORAD follows me.
Answer: Santa Tracker. - Riddle: I’m written by kids and mailed north.
Hint: Full of wishes.
Answer: Letter to Santa.
Classic “Where Does Christmas Come Before Thanksgiving?” Riddles
- Riddle: Where does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?
Hint: Think alphabetical.
Answer: In the dictionary.
- Riddle: Where can you see Christmas before New Year’s?
Hint: Pages, not calendars.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where is Santa before summer?
Hint: Not the North Pole.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where is December before November?
Hint: Alphabet order again.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where is joy before gratitude?
Hint: Same alphabet trick.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where is winter before fall?
Hint: Written not weathered.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where is reindeer before pumpkin?
Hint: Alphabet only.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where does snow come before leaves fall?
Hint: Word order.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where does gift come before thanks?
Hint: Lexical lineup.
Answer: In the dictionary. - Riddle: Where is Santa before turkey?
Hint: The one place where letters rule.
Answer: In the dictionary.
Holiday Food Riddles
- Riddle: I’m roasted, carved, and served on Thanksgiving.
Hint: I go “gobble gobble.”
Answer: Turkey. - Riddle: I’m sweet, sometimes topped with marshmallows.
Hint: Made from orange vegetables.
Answer: Sweet potato casserole. - Riddle: I’m green and crunchy, often in salad or dip.
Hint: Favorite holiday veggie.
Answer: Celery. - Riddle: I’m baked and filled with pumpkin.
Hint: Served after dinner.
Answer: Pumpkin pie. - Riddle: I’m mashed but not angry.
Hint: Comfort food classic.
Answer: Mashed potatoes. - Riddle: I’m red, sweet, and sometimes jellied.
Hint: Thanksgiving condiment.
Answer: Cranberry sauce. - Riddle: I’m golden and buttery, often served warm.
Hint: Goes well with jam.
Answer: Dinner roll. - Riddle: I’m a drink, but I’m not cocoa.
Hint: Made from apples.
Answer: Apple cider. - Riddle: I’m full of stuffing but not a pillow.
Hint: Found inside the turkey.
Answer: Stuffing. - Riddle: I’m cold and sweet, full of cream.
Hint: Dessert of many holidays.
Answer: Ice cream.
Family & Party Riddles
- Riddle: I gather everyone without invitation.
Hint: Happens in every home in December.
Answer: Family dinner. - Riddle: I’m loud, fun, and full of laughter.
Hint: Played with loved ones.
Answer: Holiday games. - Riddle: I bring everyone together at once.
Hint: Happens around the tree.
Answer: Gift exchange. - Riddle: I capture smiles and memories.
Hint: You post me online.
Answer: Holiday photos. - Riddle: I’m told by the fire but not written.
Hint: Passed through generations.
Answer: Family stories. - Riddle: I’m full of rhythm, cheer, and fun.
Hint: Played during parties.
Answer: Christmas music. - Riddle: I make people laugh without speaking.
Hint: Game of expressions.
Answer: Charades. - Riddle: I light up when you plug me in.
Hint: Found around trees and houses.
Answer: Christmas lights. - Riddle: I sparkle on fingers during gatherings.
Hint: Symbol of love and unity.
Answer: Wedding ring. - Riddle: I toast but don’t cook.
Hint: Done with drinks.
Answer: Cheers.
New Year & Celebration Riddles
- Riddle: I arrive when one year ends.
Hint: Celebration of beginnings.
Answer: New Year’s Eve. - Riddle: I drop at midnight but don’t break.
Hint: Famous in Times Square.
Answer: The ball. - Riddle: I explode in color but not anger.
Hint: Seen in the night sky.
Answer: Fireworks. - Riddle: I make resolutions but can’t keep them.
Hint: Many people do this in January.
Answer: New Year’s resolutions. - Riddle: I count down but don’t count up.
Hint: Happens right before midnight.
Answer: Countdown clock. - Riddle: I’m bubbly but not soapy.
Hint: Poured in celebration.
Answer: Champagne. - Riddle: I mark a fresh start for all.
Hint: January 1st.
Answer: New Year’s Day. - Riddle: I make people hug at midnight.
Hint: Tradition of affection.
Answer: New Year’s kiss. - Riddle: I’m written in calendars but not permanent.
Hint: Future goals.
Answer: Resolutions. - Riddle: I’m a new chapter every 365 days.
Hint: We live through me.
Answer: A year.
Kids’ Holiday Riddles
- Riddle: I’m small, shiny, and hang on a tree.
Hint: I’m not fruit!
Answer: Ornament. - Riddle: I make snow angels but can’t fly.
Hint: Fun in the snow.
Answer: Kids. - Riddle: I’m red and white, sweet and striped.
Hint: Peppermint treat.
Answer: Candy cane. - Riddle: I’m cold and made for throwing.
Hint: Kids love me in winter.
Answer: Snowball. - Riddle: I ring but never talk.
Hint: On Santa’s sleigh.
Answer: Jingle bells. - Riddle: I go up the chimney, not down.
Hint: Smoke’s direction.
Answer: Smoke. - Riddle: I’m a hat made of snow.
Hint: Frosty wears me.
Answer: Top hat. - Riddle: I make magic with carrots and coal.
Hint: Winter creation.
Answer: Snowman. - Riddle: I’m sweet and built with candy.
Hint: You can eat my walls.
Answer: Gingerbread house. - Riddle: I come in a red suit with white trim.
Hint: Delivers joy worldwide.
Answer: Santa Claus.
Conclusion
From Christmas cheer to Thanksgiving feasts and New Year’s fireworks, these 200+ holiday riddles (2025–2026) bring smiles, laughter, and family connection. They remind us that the holidays aren’t just about gifts or food—they’re about joy, curiosity, and shared memories.
Whether you’re hosting a classroom quiz, a family game night, or a company party, these riddles will fill your celebrations with warmth and wit. So next time someone asks, “Where does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?” — you’ll have the answer, the smile, and maybe a few new riddles up your sleeve!
FAQs
Q1: What’s the answer to the riddle “Where does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?”
It’s in the dictionary — because of alphabetical order!
Q2: Are these riddles suitable for all ages?
Yes! They’re fun, family-friendly, and great for kids, teens, and adults.
Q3: Can I share these riddles on social media or in classrooms?
Absolutely — they’re perfect for Instagram captions, school games, or trivia nights.
Q4: What themes do these riddles cover?
They include Christmas riddles, Thanksgiving puzzles, winter fun, family riddles, and New Year brain teasers.
Q5: How many total riddles are included?
This article contains over 200 riddles grouped by theme for the 2025–2026 holiday season.
