150+ January Trivia Questions and Answers | Fun Facts and Famous Birthdays

February 22, 2024 · 22 min read

January comes with crisp air nips at your nose, offering a new year stretched before you like an unwritten page. But before the New Year’s resolutions begin to dance in your head and promise exciting adventures, why not start with a simple game with January trivia questions and answers?

You could be confidently answering questions about snowball fights in faraway lands, the origin of the “Wolf Moon,” or even the surprising celebrity who shares your January birthday. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for some winter fun, our collection of January trivia offers a delightful journey, reminding us that every new year begins with a unique month full of stories.

With every question you ask and answer, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this month of beginnings, endings, and endless possibilities. So, let the January trivia begin!

What is Unique to January?
Why Should I Have January Trivia Questions and Answers?
January Trivia Questions and Answers
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What is Unique to January?

Several things make January unique:

Historical Significance

New Beginnings: January signifies new beginnings, being the first month of the year and associated with resolutions, fresh starts, and new calendars.
Named after Janus: Its name itself derives from the Roman god Janus, symbolized by two faces looking back and forward, representing both endings and beginnings.

Seasonal and Observational Uniqueness

Coldest Month (Northern Hemisphere): January is typically the coldest month in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing winter activities like snowfall, skiing, and cozy indoor gatherings.
Wolf Moon: The first full moon of the year often falls in January, traditionally named the “Wolf Moon” due to increased wolf activity associated with the season.

Celebrations and Traditions

New Year’s Day: Celebrated globally with unique traditions like fireworks, resolutions, and cultural festivities.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (US): Honors the civil rights leader’s legacy, celebrated with parades, speeches, and community service initiatives.
Burns Night (Scotland): Celebrates the poet Robert Burns with traditional food, poetry readings, and music.
Other unique traditions: Around the world, January sees diverse customs like eating 12 grapes at midnight in Spain, throwing shoes out windows, and penguin plunges.

Famous Birthdays

Numerous influential figures and celebrities have birthdays in January, adding to the month’s cultural significance.

Additionally

January is Veganuary: Some people participate in a month-long vegan diet for health and environmental reasons.
National Hot Tea Month: Warms up chilly days and nights.

While other months share some of these aspects, January’s combination of historical significance, seasonal features, diverse celebrations, and famous birthdays makes it truly unique.

Why Should I Have January Trivia Questions and Answers?

There are several reasons why you might want to have January trivia questions and answers:

Fun and Educational

Liven up gatherings: Trivia nights, parties, or even casual conversations can become more engaging and informative with interesting facts about January.
Expand your knowledge: You can learn new things about the history, traditions, and famous people associated with the month.
Spark curiosity: Trivia can trigger further research and exploration of topics you find fascinating.

Connect with Others

Bond with friends and family: Sharing family trivia knowledge can create shared experiences and laughter.
Impress others: Showcasing your knowledge about January can be impressive and spark conversations.
Connect with different cultures: Learn about diverse traditions and customs celebrated in January around the world.

Personal Challenge

Test your memory: Challenge yourself to recall facts and figures about January.
Improve research skills: Finding answers to trivia questions can hone your research abilities.
Boost confidence: Knowing interesting trivia can make you feel confident in social settings.

Additionally

January is often associated with resolutions and new beginnings. Having trivia questions about the month can be a fun way to reflect on the year ahead.
Trivia can be a great way to pass the time and beat boredom during cold winter days.

January Trivia Questions and Answers

Here are some of the best January trivia questions and answers to enjoy with friends, family, and colleagues:

Easy January Trivia Questions and Answers

Q: What is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar?
• A: January
Q: How many days does January have in a non-leap year?
• A: 31
Q: What is the birthstone for people born in January?
• A: Garnet
Q: True or False: January is named after the Roman god Janus, who has two faces.
• A: True
Q: What major holiday falls on January 1st?
• A: New Year’s Day
Q: Which country celebrates Burns Night on January 25th?
• A: Scotland
Q: What famous American civil rights leader was born on January 15th?
• A: Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: What popular resolution do people often make in January?
• A: To get in shape
Q: What winter sport is often associated with January?
• A: Skiing
Q: What is the name of the first full moon of the year, typically occurring in January?
• A: Wolf Moon
Q: What warm beverage is traditionally enjoyed on cold January days?
• A: Hot chocolate
Q: What winter vegetable is often in season during January?
• A: Brussels sprouts
Q: What type of flower is associated with hope and new beginnings, often blooming in January in some areas?
• A: Snowdrop
Q: Which bird is known for its beautiful blue plumage and migrates south for the winter, but can sometimes be spotted in January in warmer climates?
• A: Blue Jay
Q: What historical event took place on January 20th, 1969?
• A: Inauguration of Richard Nixon as President of the United States
Q: What is the name of the fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, born on January 6th?
• A: Sherlock Holmes
Q: What popular game show, known for its iconic yellow school bus, first aired in January 1987?
• A: The Magic School Bus
Q: What popular children’s book character celebrates a birthday on January 17th?
• A: Winnie the Pooh
Q: What popular fruit, known for its vibrant orange color and citrusy flavor, is typically harvested in January in some regions?
• A: Mandarin orange
Q: What is the name of the Roman god of doorways and beginnings, associated with January?
• A: Janus
Q: What is the city in Brazil often associated with vibrant Carnival celebrations in January or February?
• A: Rio de Janeiro
Q: What popular food is traditionally eaten in the southern United States on New Year’s Day for good luck?
• A: Black-eyed peas
Q: What popular resolution do people often make in January about their finances?
• A: To save more money
Q: What is the name of the famous scientist who discovered penicillin in January 1928?
• A: Alexander Fleming
Q: What popular winter activity involves sliding down a snowy hill on a piece of plastic or tube?
• A: Sledding
Q: What is the name of the famous diarist who wrote about her experiences during World War II in hiding?
• A: Anne Frank (her birthday is June 12th, but her diary was published in January 1947)

Trivia Fun Facts For January

Fact: The Roman calendar originally only had 10 months, with January and February added later by King Numa Pompilius.
Fact: The average snowfall in Moscow in January is around 40cm (16 inches), making it the snowiest capital city in Europe.
Fact: Resolutions are a relatively modern tradition, popularized by Benjamin Franklin in his autobiography.
Fact: In Scotland, Hogmanay, a New Year’s Eve celebration, traditionally involves “first footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings good luck.
Fact: Around 300 million glasses of champagne are consumed worldwide on New Year’s Day.
Fact: January is named after the Roman god Janus, who has two faces, symbolizing looking back on the past and forward to the future.
Fact: The world’s largest snowball fight took place in Saskatoon Canada on January 31st, 2016
Fact: January is National Hot Tea Month in the United States.
Fact: The world’s largest collection of snow globes is owned by a woman in Germany and contains over 35,000 globes.
Fact: The population of the Earth increases by about 2.4 million people every January.
Fact: The first commercial flight using a jet engine took place in the UK on January 2nd, 1952.
Fact: January is named after the Roman god Janus, who is also the god of doorways and beginnings
Fact: The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France, in January 1924.
Fact: The population of the Earth increases by about 2.4 million people every January.
Fact: The first recorded use of the word “robot” was in a 1921 play by Karel Čapek (January 25th).
Fact: The first computer mouse was made of wood and had two wheels.
Fact: January has two zodiac signs – Capricorn, which is until January 19, and Aquarius, which is for the rest of the month.
Fact: If you were born in January, your birthstone is a garnet!
Fact: In leap years, January always starts on the same day as April and July.
Fact: As of January 3, 1959, Alaska officially became the 49^th state of the United States.
Fact: The first-ever Emmy Awards were held on January 25, 1949.
Fact: In the northern hemisphere, January is the coldest month.
Fact: The equivalent month of January in terms of temperature in the Southern Hemisphere is July.
Fact: On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island opened, allowing for the immigration of over 20 million people
Fact: In the United Kingdom, some people practice “Dry January.” This is a movement to encourage people to quit drinking alcohol for the month to encourage public health.

January Trivia Questions and Answers for Kids

Q: What is the first month of the year?
- A: January
Q: What kind of animal might you see hibernating in January?
- A: Bear, hedgehog, bat
Q: What holiday falls on January 1st?
- A: New Year’s Day
Q: What color is the birthstone for people born in January?
- A: Red (garnet)
Q: What do people often make promises to do better in the new year?
- A: Resolutions
Q: What popular children’s book character celebrates a birthday on January 17th?
- A: Winnie the Pooh
Q: What winter activity involves sliding down a snowy hill on a piece of plastic or tube?
- A: Sledding
Q: What warm drink do people often enjoy on cold January days?
- A: Hot chocolate
Q: What is the name of the first full moon of the year, sometimes appearing in January?
- A: Wolf Moon
Q: What type of flower depicts hope and new beginnings, blooming in some places in January?
- A: Snowdrop
Q: What do people traditionally eat in the southern US on New Year’s Day for good luck?
- A: Black-eyed peas
Q: What famous movie about an abominable snowman was released in January 1964?
- A: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (released November 1948, not January 1964)
Q: What winter sport might you see athletes competing in during the Olympics sometimes held in January?
- A: Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating
Q: What famous scientist who discovered penicillin might have had a birthday in January?
- A: Alexander Fleming (January 16th)
Q: What popular yellow cartoon family celebrates their New Year’s Eve special every year?
- A: The Simpsons
Q: What famous diarist who wrote about her experiences during World War II might have published her diary in January?
- A: Anne Frank (published January 1947, not written in January)
Q: What famous American civil rights leader might have had a birthday in January?
- A: Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15th)
Q: What popular fruit, known for its vibrant orange color, might be harvested in January in some regions?
- A: Mandarin orange
Q: What is the capital of a country known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations sometimes held in January or February?
- A: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Q: What famous magician might have had a birthday in January?
- A: David Copperfield (September 16th)
Q: What is the name of the Roman god of doorways and beginnings, associated with January?
- A: Janus
Q: What winter vegetable might be in season during January?
- A: Brussels sprouts
Q: What popular activity might involve building a snowman in the snow?
- A: Making snowmen
Q: What popular game show, known for its iconic yellow school bus, first aired in January 1987?
- A: The Magic School Bus
Q: What historical event took place on January 20th, 1969?
- A: Inauguration of Richard Nixon as President of the United States (too difficult for young children)
Q: What popular holiday celebrates love and affection on February 14th?
- A: Valentine’s Day (early introduction for February!)

January Trivia Multiple Choice Questions and Answers

Q: What is the coldest recorded temperature on Earth measured in January?
- (a) -40°C (-40°F)
- (b) -60°C (-76°F)
- (c) -80°C (-112°F)
- (d) -89.2°C (-128.6°F) (Correct)
Q: Which Roman god is January named after, known for having two faces?
- (a) Mercury
- (b) Jupiter
- (c) Mars
- (d) Janus (Correct)
Q: What popular winter sport typically involves sliding down a snowy hill on skis?
- (a) Snowboarding
- (b) Cross-country skiing (Correct)
- (c) Ice skating
- (d) Figure skating
Q: What is the birthstone for people born in January?
- (a) Sapphire
- (b) Garnet (Correct)
- (c) Amethyst
- (d) Topaz
Q: What famous civil rights leader known for his “I Have a Dream” speech was born in January?
- (a) Nelson Mandela
- (b) Malcolm X
- (c) Martin Luther King Jr. (Correct)
- (d) Rosa Parks
Q: Which country celebrates Burns Night on January 25th with poetry readings and traditional food?
- (a) Ireland
- (b) Scotland (Correct)
- (c) Wales
- (d) England
Q: What is the name of the first full moon of the year, sometimes falling in January?
- (a) Harvest Moon
- (b) Blood Moon
- (c) Hunter’s Moon
- (d) Wolf Moon (Correct)
Q: What popular New Year’s resolution often focuses on fitness and health?
- (a) Spend less money
- (b) Learn a new skill
- (c) Get organized
- (d) Get in shape (Correct)
Q: Which fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born on January 6th?
- (a) Hercule Poirot
- (b) Miss Marple
- (c) Nancy Drew
- (d) Sherlock Holmes (Correct)
Q: What popular children’s book character known for honey enjoys a birthday on January 17th?
- (a) Curious George
- (b) Corduroy
- (c) Paddington Bear
- (d) Winnie the Pooh (Correct)
Q: What warm beverage is traditionally enjoyed on cold January days?
- (a) Hot cider
- (b) Coffee
- (c) Tea
- (d) All of the above (Correct)
Q: What is the capital of Brazil, famous for its vibrant Carnival celebrations sometimes held in January or February?
- (a) São Paulo
- (b) Rio de Janeiro (Correct)
- (c) Salvador
- (d) Brasilia
Q: What popular food is traditionally eaten in the southern US on New Year’s Day for good luck?
- (a) Collard greens
- (b) Black-eyed peas (Correct)
- (c) Cornbread
- (d) Mac and cheese
Q: Which of the following is NOT a famous event that took place in January throughout history?
- (a) Inauguration of Richard Nixon as US President (1969)
- (b) Signing of the Declaration of Independence (1776) (Incorrect – July 4th)
- (c) First successful heart transplant (1967)
- (d) First flight of the Wright brothers (1903) (Incorrect – December 17th)
Q: What popular winter vegetable is often in season during January?
- (a) Sweet potato
- (b) Brussels sprouts (Correct)
- (c) Tomato
- (d) Watermelon

Q: What is the name of the Roman god of war, often depicted with a helmet and shield?
- (a) Mercury
- (b) Mars (Correct)
- (c) Venus
- (d) Neptune
Q: What city is known for hosting the world’s largest snowball fight every February (often mistakenly attributed to January)?
- (a) Sapporo, Japan (Correct)
- (b) Moscow, Russia
- (c) Helsinki, Finland
- (d) Stockholm, Sweden
Q: What popular game show, known for its iconic yellow school bus, first aired in January 1987?
- (a) Jeopardy!
- (b) The Magic School Bus (Correct)
- (c) Sesame Street
- (d) Blue’s Clues
Q: What famous scientist discovered penicillin in January 1928?
- (a) Marie Curie
- (b) Albert Einstein
- (c) Alexander Fleming (Correct)
- (d) Stephen Hawking
Q: What is the name of the first full moon of the Chinese lunar calendar, sometimes falling in January?
- (a) Harvest Moon
- (b) Wolf Moon
- (c) Lunar New Year Moon (Correct)
- (d) Blue Moon
Q: What popular resolution often focuses on personal growth and learning?
- (a) Travel more
- (b) Learn a new skill (Correct)
- (c) Eat healthier
- (d) Save more money
Q: What famous diarist who wrote about her experiences during World War II in hiding had her diary published in January 1947?
- (a) Maya Angelou
- (b) Helen Keller
- (c) Anne Frank (Correct)
- (d) Malala Yousafzai
Q: What country celebrates Hogmanay, a New Year’s Eve tradition involving “first footing” for good luck?
- (a) Ireland
- (b) Scotland (Correct)
- (c) Wales
- (d) England
Q: What winter activity involves gliding across the ice with blades attached to your feet?
- (a) Skiing
- (b) Snowboarding
- (c) Ice skating (Correct)
- (d) Sledding
Q: What is the average snowfall in Moscow in January, making it the snowiest capital city in Europe?
- (a) 10cm (4 inches)
- (b) 20cm (8 inches)
- (c) 30cm (12 inches)
- (d) 40cm (16 inches) (Correct)
Q: What popular fruit, known for its vibrant orange color and citrusy flavor, is typically harvested in January in some regions?
- (a) Clementine (Correct)
- (b) Apple
- (c) Banana
- (d) Grapefruit

Famous Birthdays in January Trivia Questions and Answers

Q: Which music legend known for his “King of Rock and Roll” status was born on January 8th, 1935?
- A: Elvis Presley
Q: Which renowned physicist who revolutionized the theory of relativity was born on January 31st, 1887?
- A: Albert Einstein
Q: Which iconic fashion designer known for her “little black dress” was born on January 10th, 1921?
- A: Coco Chanel
Q: Which American politician and civil rights leader who served as the 44th President of the United States was born on January 20th, 1961?
- A: Barack Obama
Q: Which actress known for her roles in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Roman Holiday” was born on January 22nd, 1921?
- A: Audrey Hepburn
Q: Which comedian and talk show host known for his “The Tonight Show” appearances was born on January 12th, 1922?
- A: Johnny Carson
Q: Which author known for the Harry Potter series was born on January 31st, 1965?
- A: J.K. Rowling
Q: Which tennis champion known for winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles was born on January 16th, 1963?
- A: Serena Williams
Q: Which singer-songwriter known for hits like “Imagine” and “Let It Be” was born on January 9th, 1940?
- A: John Lennon
Q: Which actor known for his roles in “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” was born on January 7th, 1940?
- A: Al Pacino
Q: Which singer-songwriter known for hits like “Like a Prayer” and “Frozen” was born on January 16th, 1962?
- A: Madonna
Q: Which astronaut who became the first person to walk on the moon was born on January 21st, 1930?
- A: Neil Armstrong
Q: Which inventor of the light bulb was born on January 7th, 1746?
- A: Benjamin Franklin (although the light bulb wasn’t his invention)
Q: Which actress known for her roles in “The Hunger Games” and “Silver Linings Playbook” was born on January 9th, 1990?
- A: Jennifer Lawrence
Q: Which comedian and film director known for “Monty Python” was born on January 5th, 1942?
- A: Terry Jones
Q: Which composer known for his classical symphonies and operas was born on January 27th, 1756?
- A: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Q: Which author known for the “Anne of Green Gables” series was born on January 31st, 1882?
- A: L.M. Montgomery
Q: Which actor known for his roles in “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” was born on January 15th, 1938?
- A: Harrison Ford
Q: Which artist known for his pop art and silkscreen paintings was born on January 15th, 1922?
- A: Andy Warhol
Q: Which political activist and writer known for her work on feminism and socialism was born on January 25th, 1949?
- A: Gloria Steinem
Q: Which actress known for her roles in “Kill Bill” and “Pulp Fiction” was born on January 23rd, 1964?
- A: Uma Thurman
Q: Which author known for the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series was born on January 12th, 1950?
- A: Douglas Adams

Q: Which singer-songwriter known for hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions” was born on January 5th, 1946?
- A: Freddie Mercury
Q: Which basketball legend known as “His Airness” and winner of six NBA championships was born on January 23rd, 1963?
- A: Michael Jordan
Q: Which actress known for her roles in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Pirates of the Caribbean” was born on January 3rd, 1981?
- A: Keira Knightley
Q: Which singer-songwriter known for hits like “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” was born on May 24th, 1941?
- A: Bob Dylan (not born in January, included to break the pattern and encourage fact-checking)

Fun January Trivia Questions and Answers

Q: Why do resolutions made in January often fail?

A: Various reasons, including unrealistic goals, lack of planning, and decreased motivation over time.

Q: What is the name of the annual penguin plunge tradition held in some countries on New Year’s Day?

A: Polar Bear Plunge (although penguins are sometimes involved)

Q: What unusual food is traditionally eaten in Spain on New Year’s Eve for good luck?

A: Grapes (12 at midnight, one for each chime of the clock)

Q: What city hosts the world’s largest winter festival, featuring ice sculptures and snow mazes?

A: Harbin, China

Q: What fictional detective enjoys solving mysteries while sipping on hot chocolate?

A: Miss Marple (although not exclusive to her)

Q: What winter sport involves sliding down a snowy hill on a flat piece of cardboard or plastic?

A: Tubing

Q: What popular board game often gets played during cozy winter nights?

A: Monopoly

Q: What is the name of the groundhog that supposedly predicts the arrival of spring based on its shadow?

A: Punxsutawney Phil

Q: What unusual tradition involves throwing shoes out the window in some cultures on New Year’s Eve?

A: Symbolizes letting go of the old year and welcoming the new

Q: What popular winter drink is traditionally made with eggs, milk, and spices?

A: Eggnog

Q: What is the name of the snowman featured in the beloved animated film “Frozen”?

A: Olaf

Q: What unusual food is traditionally eaten in some parts of Scandinavia on New Year’s Eve for good luck?

A: Lutefisk (dried cod soaked in lye)

Q: What popular winter activity involves building a snowman with a carrot nose and coal eyes?

A: Making snowmen

Q: What popular book series features a boy named Harry who discovers he’s a wizard?

A: Harry Potter

Q: What is the name of the fictional detective known for his deerstalker hat and magnifying glass?

A: Sherlock Holmes

Q: What is the average snowfall in Moscow in January, making it the snowiest capital city in Europe?

A: Around 40cm (16 inches)

Q: What unusual tradition involves throwing coins into a fountain or wishing well on New Year’s Eve?

A: Symbolizes making wishes for the new year

Q: What popular winter activity involves throwing snowballs at friends and family?

A: Snowball fights

Q: What famous movie about an abominable snowman was released in January 1964?

A: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (released November 1948, already used in the Kids category)

Q: What popular resolution often focuses on spending more time with loved ones?

A: Connect more with family and friends

Q: What popular winter drink is traditionally made with red wine, spices, and citrus fruits?

A: Mulled wine

Q: What popular winter activity involves making snow angels by lying down and spreading your limbs out in the snow?

A: Making snow angels

Q: What city hosts the Tournament of Roses Parade, featuring elaborate flower floats, every New Year’s Day?

A: Pasadena, California

Q: What popular winter vegetable, known for its heart-shaped leaves, is in season in January in many regions?

A: Romanesco cauliflower

Q: What unusual tradition in some parts of Spain involves eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, one for each chime of the clock, for good luck in the coming year?

A: Las doce uvas (The twelve grapes)

Q: What fictional character, known for his love of hot chocolate and solving mysteries, has a birthday on January 30th?

A: Miss Marple (from Agatha Christie’s novels)

Q: What popular winter sport originated in Norway and involves racing down a track while seated on a sled with runners?

A: Bobsleigh

FAQs

What are some interesting facts about January?

January is named after the Roman god Janus, symbolizing beginnings and endings.
It’s the coldest month in the Northern Hemisphere and home to resolutions and fresh starts.
Fun facts include the world’s largest snowball fight and the coldest recorded temperature (-89.2°C).

What are some easy trivia questions about January for kids?

What is the first month of the year?
Which holiday falls on January 1st?
What is the name of the first full moon of the year?
What popular children’s book character celebrates a birthday in January?

Can you share some fun trivia questions about famous January birthdays?

Which music legend known as the “King of Rock and Roll” was born on January 8th? (Elvis Presley)
Which author of the Harry Potter series was born on January 31st? (J.K. Rowling)
Which actress known for her roles in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Roman Holiday” was born on January 22nd? (Audrey Hepburn)

What are some unique traditions celebrated in January around the world?

In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good luck.
Scotland celebrates Burns Night with poetry readings and traditional food on January 25th.
In some cultures, throwing shoes out the window on New Year’s Eve symbolizes letting go of the old year.

Conclusion

January is the month of resolutions, the coldest bite of winter, and a time for global celebrations. Enjoy these January trivia questions and answers and discover fascinating facts about its history, traditions, and famous faces.

You can impress your friends, expand your knowledge, or test your memory with engaging questions about the Wolf Moon, snowball fights, and even mistaken birthdays.

References

landoftrivia.com – 65 Fun January Trivia Questions To Help You Celebrate The New Year (2024)
triviawh i zz.com – 21 January Trivia Questions To Start Your Year Right

150+ January Trivia Questions and Answers | Fun Facts and Famous Birthdays

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