Dec 23, 2025, 10:25 AM CST
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RICHLAND CENTER, WIS. (WRCO) Time for a holiday quiz.
1. Wisconsin has had more white Christmases than green ones historically. Answer: False Fact: Over time, Wisconsin has experienced more green Christmases than people expect, especially in southern regions.
2. Which Christmas decoration might you find outside a Wisconsin home more than in warmer states?
A. Flamingos
B. Palm trees
C. Ice lanterns
D. Tiki torches
Wisconsin Fact: Ice lanterns made from frozen water and candles are a northern tradition that turns cold into curb appeal.
3. What Christmas Eve tradition is common in many Wisconsin towns?
A. Midnight fireworks
B. Candlelight church services
C. Street parades
D. Outdoor concerts
Wisconsin Fact: Candlelight services are deeply rooted in Wisconsin’s German and Scandinavian heritage.
4. What classic holiday dessert often shows up at Wisconsin Christmas gatherings?
A. Cheesecake
B. Kringle
C. Churros
D. Baklava
Wisconsin Fact: Kringle is Wisconsin’s official state pastry, and Racine is especially famous for its Christmas versions
5. A “white Christmas” in Wisconsin can occur even if it doesn’t snow on December 25. Answer: True-Fact: Snow simply has to be on the ground, not falling that day.
6. Ice fishing on Christmas Day is completely legal in Wisconsin, unless it happens to fall on a weekend. Answer: False– Flip: The calendar doesn’t matter. Only licensing and ice safety do.
7. There are U.S. towns where it is illegal to leave Christmas lights up after January. Answer: FALSE-Fact: HOAs may complain, but actual city laws banning late lights are rare to nonexistent.
8. Americans buy more artificial Christmas trees than real ones every year. Answer: TRUE
Fact: Artificial trees outsell real trees by a wide margin nationwide.
9. Crime rates spike dramatically on Christmas Eve in the U.S. Answer: FALSE
Fact: Crime often drops during major holidays as people stay home.
10. A U.S. town officially changes its name to “North Pole” every December. Answer: FALSE
Fact: Towns may decorate or adopt nicknames, but official name changes don’t happen seasonally.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
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