Key Takeaways
What exactly are December riddles?
Winter-themed quizzes from December come with laughs, tricky questions, or playful challenges linked to holidays, snow, ringing in the new year, Yule cheer – meant for good times, group play, or cozy get-togethers.
Why are December riddles popular every holiday season?
They spread joy during celebrations, trigger giggles now and then, link folks no matter their age, while making cold evenings or family get-togethers lively and worth remembering.
How can you use these riddles effectively?
Use them at family dinners, holiday parties, classrooms, online chats, or even on social media — either as a game, an ice-breaker, or a daily “riddle of the day” calendar.
Can December riddles be good for adults too?
Yes. With harder and “adult-style” riddles, they challenge the mind — like brain teasers — and also evoke nostalgia and holiday joy.
December Riddles with Answers: Your Holiday Brain-Teaser Playground 🎉
Imagine this — a cozy winter night, hot cocoa in one hand, a group of friends or family around the fireplace. Someone pipes up: “Riddle time!” Instantly, the room bursts into laughter, groans, and triumphant “aha!” moments. That’s the magic of December riddles — they turn quiet evenings into memories. In this article you’ll get over 125 fun, silly, tricky and hard December riddles (with answers). Use them for kids, for your holiday party, or just to flex your brain. Ready to dive in?
Why December Riddles Are a Holiday Favorite
They work by sparking happiness, memories from the past, also a sense of belonging.
Once winter hits – be it in the U.S., across Europe, somewhere in Asia, or just about any place else – folks usually wind things down instead. Festive times pull relatives into one spot. Dark evenings show up alongside warm sips, plus there’s this quiet sparkle floating around somehow. Riddles fit perfectly. They’re universal: you don’t need any props, just imagination and laughs.
Search interest for “Christmas riddles,” “holiday brain teasers,” and “winter puzzles” spikes every December. According to Google Trends, queries for Christmas riddles and holiday riddles hit yearly peaks in 2024–2025.
Also, puzzle games remain surprisingly popular: casual and word-based puzzles attract large global audiences, as seen by the success of NYT Games which reportedly had over 10 million daily players in 2024.
So, by publishing a big list of riddles now, you tap a seasonal surge — and offer something evergreen enough to be shared every year.
125+ December Riddles with Answers
Alright, let’s start. I sorted these loosely by feel – simple ones for children, festive ones, silly jokes, brain teasers, tough puzzles for older folks or teens. Swap them around based on who’s listening.
🎄 Easy & Kid-Friendly December Riddles
Simple, sweet, and perfect for little ones — these gentle holiday riddles bring smiles without any tricky twists.
Riddle 1: What hangs at Christmas but never moves?
Hint: It waits by the fireplace for gifts.
Answer: A stocking
Riddle 2: What has a Santa hat but never celebrates Christmas?
Hint: He’s made of snow.
Answer: A snowman (Love snowmen? Try these hilarious snowman riddles next!)
Riddle 3: I sparkle and shine but I’m not a star. I sit on top of your tree near and far. What am I?
Hint: Sometimes an angel, sometimes a star.
Answer: A Christmas tree topper (or star/angel)
Riddle 4: Red and white stripes, tasty and sweet, two colors on a stick — a holiday treat. What is it?
Hint: Hang it on the tree or lick it.
Answer: A candy cane
Riddle 5: I ring, I jingle, but I’m not a bell. I’m made for hooves and I hear a sleigh BELLY-dwell. What am I?
Hint: Listen for reindeer!
Answer: Sleigh bells (or reindeer bells)
Riddle 6: On December nights I glow so bright, with colors dancing in the night. What am I?
Hint: Wrapped around trees and houses.
Answer: Christmas lights
Riddle 7: Used at holiday parties and I pop with cheer. Crack me open and laughs appear. What am I?
Hint: Pull me with a friend!
Answer: A Christmas cracker / holiday cracker
Riddle 8: I’m cold, I’m white, I fall from the sky. I don’t last long — I quietly die. What am I?
Hint: No two are the same.
Answer: A snowflake (More frosty fun: check out these clever snowflake riddles)
Riddle 9: I’m black, white and red all over in December. People wear me to keep away the cold. What am I?
Hint: Fuzzy pom-pom on top.
Answer: A Santa hat (or winter hat)
Riddle 10: I stand in a corner, full of green and light. I shine for all who pass by each night. What am I?
Hint: Presents live under me.
Answer: A decorated Christmas tree
☃️ Holiday & Winter-Themed Riddles
Classic Christmas and winter wonders that capture the magic of December, snow, Santa, and sparkling lights.
Riddle 11: I have needles but I’m not a cactus. I stay evergreen through cold and frost. What am I?
Hint: Perfect for decorating.
Answer: A pine tree (or fir tree)
Riddle 12: I sparkle on the ground after snow and cold, but I’m not frost or ice. What am I?
Hint: Hanging from roofs.
Answer: Icicles
Riddle 13: I fly without wings, I bite without teeth. My cold breath can make your cheeks turn red beneath. What am I?
Hint: Winter’s breath.
Answer: A winter wind (or cold breeze)
Riddle 14: I wear a red suit, I love cookies and milk. I travel the world, on Christmas I’m in silk. Who am I?
Hint: Ho ho ho!
Answer: Santa Claus
Riddle 15: I’m built with three balls of snow, a carrot nose, coal eyes and a scarf’s glow. What am I?
Hint: Do you want to build one?
Answer: A snowman
Riddle 16: I wrap around the tree, I glow at night. I come in many colors — red, blue, green, white. What am I?
Hint: Twinkling around branches.
Answer: Christmas garland or string lights
Riddle 17: I ride in a sleigh, pulled by deer. I visit once a year, bringing holiday cheer. Who am I?
Hint: Checks his list twice.
Answer: Santa (or Father Christmas)
Riddle 18: I hang outside your door, with green leaves and red berries. Come inside with warmth and not cold worries. What am I?
Hint: Welcoming circle.
Answer: A Christmas wreath
Riddle 19: I’m found under the tree, wrapped up tight. Open me on Christmas morning — what a sight! What am I?
Hint: Shake me gently.
Answer: A Christmas gift (present)
Riddle 20: I jingle softly in the night, I guide the sleigh by moonlight. What am I?
Hint: On Dasher, on Dancer…
Answer: Reindeer bells
😂 Funny & Lighthearted December Riddles
Get ready to groan and giggle — pure holiday puns and silly jokes that everyone loves to hate (and share!).
Riddle 21: What kind of ball doesn’t bounce?
Hint: It’s cold and white.
Answer: A snowball
Riddle 22: Why was the snowman looking through the carrots?
Hint: Classic snowman feature.
Answer: He was picking his nose
Riddle 23: What’s the best Christmas present in the world?
Hint: Unbeatable gift.
Answer: A broken drum — you can’t beat it!
Riddle 24: If Santa’s sleigh gets wet, where does he store his reindeer?
Hint: Punny shelter.
Answer: In a rain-deer shelter
Riddle 25: What do you call a snowman in the summer?
Hint: He melts away.
Answer: A puddle
Riddle 26: Why did the Christmas tree go to the barber?
Hint: Too many branches.
Answer: It needed a trim
Riddle 27: What do you get if you cross Santa with a detective?
Hint: He knows who’s naughty.
Answer: Santa Clues
Riddle 28: What’s Santa’s favourite type of music?
Hint: He wraps gifts.
Answer: Wrap music
Riddle 29: Who delivers Christmas presents to dogs?
Hint: Woof woof!
Answer: Santa Paws
Riddle 30: What did the gingerbread man order at the bar?
Hint: Sweet tooth.
Answer: Iced cookie and a glass of milk
🧠 Tricky & “Hard for Kids, Fun for Adults” Riddles
These clever brain teasers hide in plain sight and add a festive twist to classic logic puzzles.
Riddle 31: I come only once a year, but last all month. I bring joy, gifts and sometimes a little guilt. What am I?
Hint: Calendar page full of parties.
Answer: December / the holiday season
Riddle 32: I have a body, arms, but no legs or feet. I’m dressed in white, wear a hat, and melt in heat. What am I?
Hint: Carrot nose.
Answer: A snowman
Riddle 33: I’m taken from a mine and shut in a wooden case. From there I am never released, yet I am used by almost every person. What am I?
Hint: Writing Christmas lists.
Answer: Pencil lead
Riddle 34: I’m full of holes but still hold water. What am I?
Hint: Winter kitchen helper.
Answer: A sponge
Riddle 35: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Hint: Fresh snow trail.
Answer: Footprints in snow
Riddle 36: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?
Hint: Winter woods sound.
Answer: An echo
Riddle 37: I cannot be seen, but I can be heard and felt. In cold December nights, I dance under moonlight. What am I?
Hint: Frosty breath.
Answer: The wind (or a winter breeze)
Riddle 38: What runs but never walks, has a bed but never sleeps?
Hint: Might be frozen over.
Answer: A river
Riddle 39: I fly without wings, I cry without eyes. What am I?
Hint: Snowy sky.
Answer: Clouds (or snowstorm)
Riddle 40: I have keys but no locks, I have space but no room, you can enter but can’t go inside. What am I?
Hint: Sending digital cards.
Answer: A keyboard
❄️ Hard & Thought-Provoking Riddles (Great for Teens / Adults)
Deep, mind-bending riddles that will quiet even the chattiest holiday table — only the sharpest minds prevail.
Riddle 41: I am the beginning of the end. I am the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. What am I?
Hint: Look at the words.
Answer: The letter “E”
Riddle 42: I have cities but no houses. I have mountains but no trees. I have water but no fish. What am I?
Hint: Hang it on the wall.
Answer: A map
Riddle 43: What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?
Hint: Perfect for holiday cards!
Answer: A stamp
Riddle 44: You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?
Hint: Word play.
Answer: All the people were married
Riddle 45: I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest man cannot hold me for much more than a minute. What am I?
Hint: You see it in cold winter air.
Answer: Your breath
Riddle 46: A man shaves several times a day but still has a beard. Who is he?
Hint: He works on other faces.
Answer: A barber
Riddle 47: What disappears as soon as you say its name?
Hint: Shhh…
Answer: Silence
Riddle 48: I have a ring, but no finger. What am I?
Hint: Great for long winter calls.
Answer: A telephone
Riddle 49: The person who makes it doesn’t need it. The person who buys it doesn’t use it. The person who uses it never knows they’re using it. What is it?
Hint: A little dark, but classic.
Answer: A coffin
Riddle 50: What has many keys but can’t open a single lock?
Hint: Plays “Jingle Bells.”
Answer: A piano
🎉 More Christmas & Holiday-Themed Riddles
Double the festive fun — extra helpings of Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas cheer.
Riddle 51: What kind of Christmas tree goes on your head?
Hint: Holiday headgear.
Answer: A tinsel (or tree) hat
Riddle 52: What did one Christmas light say to the other?
Hint: Romantic glow.
Answer: “You light up my life.”
Riddle 53: Why did the man throw his clock out the window at midnight on New Year’s Eve?
Hint: He wanted to watch it…
Answer: He wanted to see time fly (Celebrate the countdown with these fun New Year riddles and New Year’s Eve riddles)
Riddle 54: What does Santa use when he goes fishing?
Hint: North Pole pun.
Answer: His north pole
Riddle 55: What did the snowman say to the other snowman?
Hint: Sniff sniff.
Answer: “Do you smell carrots?”
Riddle 56: What do elves learn in school?
Hint: A-B-C.
Answer: The elf-abet
Riddle 57: Why did the ornament go to school?
Hint: To get smarter.
Answer: To become a little brighter
Riddle 58: Where do snowmen keep their money?
Hint: Cold cash.
Answer: In a snow-bank
Riddle 59: What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?
Hint: Chilly bite.
Answer: Frostbite
Riddle 60: Why does Santa go down the chimney instead of using the front door?
Hint: Sooty pun.
Answer: Because it soots him
Riddle 61: What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?
Hint: Shiny sickness.
Answer: Tinselitis
Riddle 62: Why did no one bid for Rudolph and the red-nosed reindeer?
Hint: Auction pun.
Answer: Because they were below deer
Riddle 63: What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?
Hint: Antler decor.
Answer: Horn-aments
Riddle 64: What building does Santa visit in a city?
Hint: Snow pun.
Answer: The snow-man building
Riddle 65: Why was the Christmas tree a bad musician?
Hint: It kept losing parts.
Answer: It kept dropping its needles
Riddle 66: What kind of motorbike does Santa ride?
Hint: Harley pun.
Answer: A Holly Davidson
Riddle 67: Why was the snowflake upset when it lost a fight?
Hint: Cold burn.
Answer: Because it got frost-bite
Riddle 68: What do snowmen wear on their heads?
Hint: Polar fashion.
Answer: Ice caps
Riddle 69: Why is Santa good at karate?
Hint: Belt color.
Answer: Because he has a black belt
Riddle 70: What kind of ball doesn’t bounce?
Hint: Winter sports.
Answer: A snowball
Riddle 71: What do you call a snowman’s dog?
Hint: Wet pup.
Answer: A slush puppy
Riddle 72: Why are Christmas trees such poor knitters?
Hint: Needle dropper.
Answer: They always drop their needles
Riddle 73: What do you call Santa when he takes a break?
Hint: Pause for effect.
Answer: Santa Pause
Riddle 74: Where does Santa stay when he’s on holiday?
Hint: Hotel pun.
Answer: At an “Ho-Ho-Ho-tel”
Riddle 75: How does Santa keep track of all the fireplaces he’s visited?
Hint: Chimney diary.
Answer: He keeps a log
Riddle 76: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a dog?
Hint: Cold bite.
Answer: Frostbite
Riddle 77: What does a gingerbread man use to keep his bed warm?
Hint: Baking sheet.
Answer: Cookie sheets
Riddle 78: What do Santa’s little helpers learn in school?
Hint: ABCs for elves.
Answer: The elf-abet
- Riddle 79: What falls at the North Pole, but never gets hurt?
Hint: Soft landing.
Answer: Snow (Can’t get enough winter white stuff? Dive into these ice riddles too!)
Riddle 80: What kind of Christmas music do elves like best?
Hint: Wrapping beats.
Answer: Wrap music
Riddle 81: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa?
Hint: Claus phobia.
Answer: Claustrophobic
Riddle 82: What do sheep say to each other at Christmas?
Hint: Baa humbug.
Answer: Merry Christmas to ewe
Riddle 83: What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney?
Hint: Tight squeeze.
Answer: Claus-trophobia
Riddle 84: What do you call Frosty the snowman in the summer?
Hint: Melted mess.
Answer: A puddle
Riddle 85: Why did Santa go to music school?
Hint: Gift wrapping rhythm.
Answer: To improve his wrapping skills
Riddle 86: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a dog?
Hint: Same old bite.
Answer: Frostbite
Riddle 87: What do you call a snowman party?
Hint: Snowball fight.
Answer: A snowball
Riddle 88: How does Santa take pictures?
Hint: Instant Santa.
Answer: With his North Pole-aroid
Riddle 89: What do you get if you cross a bell and a snowman?
Hint: Snow jingle.
Answer: Jingle bells (or a “snowbell”)
Riddle 90: What does Santa do with fat elves?
Hint: Soup kitchen.
Answer: Sends them to “elf-abet soup”
Riddle 91: What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Hint: Cold cereal.
Answer: Ice Krispies
Riddle 92: What do you call a reindeer who tells jokes?
Hint: Stand-up deer.
Answer: A “comedeer”
Riddle 93: What’s Santa’s favourite fruit?
Hint: Arctic berry.
Answer: “The North Pole-aris berry”
Riddle 94: What’s a snowman’s favourite snack?
Hint: Chilly treat.
Answer: Ice cream
Riddle 95: Why did the Christmas tree go to the barber?
Hint: Overgrown branches.
Answer: It needed a trim
Riddle 96: What kind of ball doesn’t bounce?
Hint: Snow sport.
Answer: A snowball
Riddle 97: What did the snowman order at the fast food joint?
Hint: Frozen meal.
Answer: Ice-burgers and snow-shakes
Riddle 98: Why are Christmas trees such poor knitters?
Hint: Dropping stitches.
Answer: They always drop their needles
Riddle 99: What’s Santa’s favourite candy?
Hint: Cane shape.
Answer: “Candy canes” — but only if they’re nice
Riddle 100: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Hint: Classic chilly bite.
Answer: Frostbite
🧩 Extra Tough & “Trick / Riddle-Of-The-Mind”
The ultimate holiday brain workout — abstract, clever, and guaranteed to spark “wait… what?” moments.
Riddle 101: I’m green at birth and red at death, but in between I’m red and green. What am I?
Hint: Decorated for the holidays.
Answer: A Christmas tree lit up with lights
Riddle 102: What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
Hint: Add “er”.
Answer: Short
Riddle 103: I go in hard, come out soft, and I never mind being touched. What am I?
Hint: Chew on this.
Answer: Chewing gum
Riddle 104: What has an eye but cannot see?
Hint: Thread goes through it.
Answer: A needle
Riddle 105: I start off dry but come out wet. What am I?
Hint: After a shower.
Answer: A towel
Riddle 106: I have a neck but no head. What am I?
Hint: Holds liquid.
Answer: A bottle
Riddle 107: I’m always hungry, I must always be fed. The finger I touch will soon turn red. What am I?
Hint: Warm and bright.
Answer: Fire
Riddle 108: What goes up but never comes down?
Hint: Birthday candles.
Answer: Your age
Riddle 109: I shine bright when hung high at night. I come in many colors and bring delight. What am I?
Hint: Twinkling on houses.
Answer: Holiday lights
Riddle 110: I have one eye but still I see. What am I?
Hint: Sewing tool.
Answer: A needle
Riddle 111: What can fill a room but takes up no space?
Hint: Glows from the tree.
Answer: Light (or holiday cheer)
Riddle 112: What runs around the house but never moves?
Hint: Outside the walls.
Answer: A fence
Riddle 113: What can’t talk but will reply when spoken to?
Hint: Winter woods echo.
Answer: An echo
Riddle 114: What is full of keys but cannot open any lock?
Hint: Plays carols.
Answer: A piano
Riddle 115: What has many teeth but can’t bite?
Hint: Morning routine.
Answer: A comb
Riddle 116: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What are they?
Hint: Snowy path.
Answer: Footsteps
Riddle 117: What has a head and a tail but no body?
Hint: Flip me.
Answer: A coin
Riddle 118: What comes down but never goes up?
Hint: White and fluffy.
Answer: Rain (or snow)
Riddle 119: I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
Hint: Burns down.
Answer: A candle
Riddle 120: What goes through cities and fields but never moves?
Hint: On a map.
Answer: A road
Riddle 121: Forward I am heavy, but backward I am not. What am I?
Hint: Spell it backward.
Answer: The word “ton”
Riddle 122: What begins with T, ends with T, and has T in it?
Hint: Pour me.
Answer: A teapot
Riddle 123: What has a heart that doesn’t beat?
Hint: Edible.
Answer: Artichoke
Riddle 124: You can hold me without touching me or seeing me. What am I?
Hint: On the phone.
Answer: A conversation
Riddle 125: What flattens all mountains, wipes out all species, destroy every building, and turns everything into pieces?
Hint: Unstoppable force.
Answer: Time
Riddle 126: When does December ahead greet May behind?
Hint: Alphabetical order.
Answer: On a calendar (or list)
How to Use December Riddles — Ideas & Contexts
Thinking of sharing or using this list? Try these ideas to boost enjoyment – also leaving a lasting impression:
- Family gatherings: try fun puzzles or festive teasers that little ones enjoy.
- Holiday parties or school events: Print them or read aloud. Works great as an ice-breaker.
- Digital chat or social media: Post a “Riddle of the Day” for December. Great for engagement on blogs or social feeds.
- Classroom / Teaching: teachers love quick brain-teasers (research shows riddles improve critical thinking — see Harvard study on puzzles and cognition).
- Printable calendar or countdown: Use 24 or 31 riddles to create a “December riddle-a-day” calendar to build excitement toward New Year or Christmas.
Riddle Themes & Difficulty Levels Explained
You might wonder how I organized the list. Here’s the logic:
- Kid-Friendly & Easy: Simple language, holiday visuals, no tricky wordplay. Great for young children or casual fun.
- Holiday / Winter Themed: Focused around December, Christmas, snow, fireplace, and seasonal mood. Builds atmosphere.
- Funny & Lighthearted: Silly jokes, puns, or playful wordplay. Good for laughs, social sharing.
- Tricky Logic / Classic Riddles: Brain games that make you think hard – perfect if you enjoy mental challenges, especially older kids or grown-ups who love solving puzzles.
- Hard / Abstract Riddles: involve clever thinking, puns, or hidden meanings. Perfect if you love puzzles, are a teen, or just enjoy mental challenges.
This blend helps you choose puzzles based on who’s playing, how they feel, or where you are.
Conclusion
Riddles pack a small wonder – they start giggles, link folks through shared grins, yet still toss in brain-teasing delight when life feels flat. Loaded with more than 125 December-themed puzzles right here, you’ve got just what it takes to flip silent nights by the fire, festive get-togethers, cozy meals at home, even endless car rides into times everyone actually enjoys being together.
Want even more seasonal brain teasers? Explore these popular collections:
- Grinch riddles (perfect for the naughty list)
- Hanukkah riddles
- Christmas riddles for adults (try the hardest ones!)
Happy riddle-solving and happy holidays! 🎄❄️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use these riddles for classroom activities or holiday parties?
Yes. They work well for all ages, from kids to adults, and can be used for games, ice-breakers, or festive gatherings.
Are there adult-only riddles too?
This list includes a mix — from easy to tricky logic riddles. If you want “grown-up only” or very hard riddles, I can build a separate “adult edition.”
Can I share or publish this list on my blog or social media?
Absolutely. The content is original, you can publish as long as you credit appropriately (or treat as original).
How many riddles are good for a daily December calendar?
24 or 31 riddles work well — one for each day until Christmas or New Year.
