From the first snowy homepage image of December through the last frost, Bing sprinkles winter questions across its quizzes. They blend science, nature and tradition, snowflakes, the solstice, hibernating animals and winter sports, and most have short, checkable answers.
Explore more: Arctic Animals Holiday Quiz Science Quiz
Solstice and season basics
The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, falls around December 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Remember the flip: when it's winter in the north, it's summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and Bing enjoys testing exactly that.
Snow science
Snowflakes are six-sided because of how water molecules bond into ice crystals, and the saying that no two are alike comes from the near-infinite ways crystals grow. Questions about why snow appears white (light scattering off ice crystals) also make appearances.
Animals in winter
Hibernation questions feature bears, groundhogs and hedgehogs, while migration questions cover birds heading south. Adaptation answers, thicker coats, colour changes, fat reserves, overlap with the Arctic animals theme, and the Arctic fox's white winter coat is a favourite.
Winter sports and traditions
Expect the occasional question on the Winter Olympics (held every four years, alternating with the Summer Games every two), skiing and skating terms, and seasonal traditions from around the world. For anything date-based, a quick search confirms the year or place.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the winter solstice?
Around December 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. The Southern Hemisphere has its winter solstice in June.
Why are snowflakes six-sided?
Because water molecules bond into hexagonal ice crystals as they freeze, which shapes every snowflake's six-fold symmetry.
Which animals hibernate in winter?
Classic quiz answers include bears, groundhogs and hedgehogs, while many birds migrate instead of hibernating.