December 22: What Happened on This Day in History
December 22nd marks the 356th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 357th in case of leap years). There are 9 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 22nd in history, famous birthdays on December 22nd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 22.
What happened on December 22?
Here's what happened on December 22nd in history:
- 2021: In a controversial move, the University of Hong Kong removed the Pillar of Shame, a significant memorial sculpture commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. This action symbolizes ongoing tensions between academic institutions and political sensitivities surrounding historical remembrance of human rights events in China.
- 2014: On December 22, 2014, a Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least 145 people, including 132 children. The attackers, armed with guns and explosives, stormed the school and opened fire on students and staff. source: bbc.com
- 2011: On December 22, 2011, a series of bombings in Baghdad resulted in multiple casualties, marking a significant security incident following the withdrawal of US troops. The attacks raised concerns about the stability of Iraq and the potential resurgence of violence in the region. source: reuters.com
- 2004: On December 22, 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami struck multiple countries, resulting in catastrophic loss of life and widespread destruction. The disaster prompted a global humanitarian response and raised awareness about tsunami preparedness. source: un.org
- 2002: On December 22, 2002, North Korea removed monitoring devices from its nuclear facilities, raising international concerns about potential nuclear weapons development. source: reuters.com
- 1999: On December 22, 1999, Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 crashed near Stansted Airport in the UK, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1998: On December 22, 1998, French footballer Zinedine Zidane was awarded the Ballon d'Or, recognizing him as the best European football player of the year. Zidane's performance with Juventus and the French national team during the year earned him this prestigious honor. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1995: On December 22, 1995, pitcher David Cone re-signed with the New York Yankees, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $19.5 million, making him the highest-paid pitcher at that time. source: spokesman.com
- 1988: The drought of 1988 severely impacted U.S. agriculture, leading to significant crop failures and economic losses. It was one of the worst droughts in U.S. history, affecting millions of acres and prompting federal disaster declarations. source: ncdc.noaa.gov
- 1981: On December 22, 1981, General Leopoldo Galtieri was appointed President of Argentina, succeeding Roberto Eduardo Viola. Galtieri's rise to power marked a significant shift in the military junta's leadership during a period of economic crisis and political unrest. source: washingtonpost.com
What famous birthdays are on December 22?
On December 22nd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Ted Cruz]()
Ted Cruz (1970)Ted Cruz is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior United States senator from Texas since 2013. A member of the Republican Party, Cruz previously served as Solicitor General of Texas and gained national recognition during his 2016 campaign for the Republican nomination for President. [bio]
![Ralph Fiennes]()
Ralph Fiennes (1962)Ralph Fiennes is an acclaimed English actor, director, and producer, known for his distinguished work on stage and screen, including notable roles in films such as 'Schindler's List,' 'The English Patient,' and the 'Harry Potter' series as Lord Voldemort. [bio]
![Maurice Gibb]()
Maurice Gibb (1949)Maurice Gibb was an English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as a member of the pop group the Bee Gees, one of the world's most successful music acts. [bio]
![Robin Gibb]()
Robin Gibb (1949)Robin Gibb was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as a founding member of the Bee Gees, one of the most commercially successful and influential pop music groups of all time. Alongside his brothers Barry and Maurice, Robin contributed to the group's distinct harmonies and iconic disco-era sound, achieving global stardom from the late 1960s through the … [bio]
![Vanessa Paradis]()
Vanessa Paradis (1972)Vanessa Paradis is a French singer, actress, and model who first rose to fame in her teens with the international hit single "Joe le taxi". She has had a prolific career in music, film, and fashion, becoming a widely recognized artist in France and internationally. [bio]
![Meghan Trainor]()
Meghan Trainor (1993)Meghan Trainor is an American singer-songwriter and television personality best known for her breakthrough hit 'All About That Bass,' which topped charts worldwide in 2014. Her music incorporates elements of pop, doo-wop, and R&B, and she is known for her body positive lyrics and retro-inspired sound. [bio]
![Lady Bird Johnson]()
Lady Bird Johnson (1912)Lady Bird Johnson was an American socialite and First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969 as the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. She was known for her advocacy of beautification projects and environmental conservation, leaving a major legacy on America’s highways and public landscapes. [bio]
![Barbara Billingsley]()
Barbara Billingsley (1915)Barbara Billingsley was an American actress best known for her iconic role as June Cleaver, the quintessential TV mother, on the classic television sitcom 'Leave It to Beaver.' [bio]
![Gene Rayburn]()
Gene Rayburn (1917)Gene Rayburn was a popular American radio and television personality, best known for hosting the game show 'Match Game.' With a broadcasting career spanning several decades, he became one of the most recognizable faces of daytime television in the 1970s. [bio]
![Jordin Sparks]()
Jordin Sparks (1989)Jordin Sparks is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol in 2007. She is known for her powerful vocals, multi-platinum debut album, and subsequent success in both music and acting. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on December 22?
On December 22nd the following celebrities died:
![Samuel Beckett]()
Samuel Beckett (1989)Samuel Beckett was an Irish playwright, novelist, and poet, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Beckett was a key figure in the Theatre of the Absurd movement, known for his minimalist style and exploration of existential themes. His most famous work, 'Waiting for Godot', has become a cornerstone of modern theatre. Beckett received … [bio]
![Joe Strummer]()
Joe Strummer (2002)Joe Strummer was an influential British musician, best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, and lead vocalist of the seminal punk rock band The Clash. [bio]
![Christine Cavanaugh]()
Christine Cavanaugh (2014)Christine Cavanaugh was an American voice actress and actress, best known for providing the voices of iconic animated characters such as Babe in the film 'Babe', Dexter in 'Dexter's Laboratory', and Chuckie Finster in 'Rugrats'. [bio]
![Helene Stanley]()
![George Eliot]()
![Joe Cocker]()
Joe Cocker (2014)Legendary British rock and blues singer known for his distinctive gravelly voice and passionate performances, famous for his unique cover...
![Butterfly McQueen]()
Butterfly McQueen (1995)Renowned African American actress famous for her role as Prissy in the classic film 'Gone with the Wind', a landmark movie in cinema...
![Ram Dass]()
Ram Dass (2019)Influential spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author who played a crucial role in introducing Eastern spirituality to Western audiences...
![Nathanael West]()
Nathanael West (1940)Influential American novelist known for his dark, satirical works that critiqued American society, particularly in Hollywood.
![Darryl F Zanuck]()
Darryl F Zanuck (1979)Prominent Hollywood film producer and executive who played a significant role in the development of 20th Century Fox studio during the...
What day of the year is December 22?
December 22nd marks the 356th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 357th in case of leap years).
There are 9 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 22nd is the 22nd day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 22?
On December 22nd, 2026 the day of the week is Tuesday.
| December | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day December 22?
The zodiac sign associated with December 22nd is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.
