December 31: What Happened on This Day in History
December 31st marks the 365th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 366th in case of leap years). There are 0 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 31st in history, famous birthdays on December 31st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 31.
What happened on December 31?
Here's what happened on December 31st in history:
- 2020: On December 31, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first emergency use validation for a COVID-19 vaccine, marking a critical milestone in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. This validation was a significant step in accelerating vaccine distribution and providing international legitimacy for vaccination efforts. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 2014: On December 31, 2014, the Italian Coast Guard conducted a large-scale rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea, saving hundreds of refugees attempting to cross from North Africa to Europe. The operation highlighted ongoing humanitarian efforts to address the migrant crisis in the region. source: reuters.com
- 2011: On December 31, 2011, NASA successfully launched a lunar satellite aimed at studying the Moon's surface and environment. This mission was part of ongoing efforts to explore and understand lunar geology. source: nasa.gov
- 2010: Mohamed Bouazizi, a Tunisian street vendor, set himself on fire in protest against police corruption and ill-treatment, an act that sparked widespread protests and led to the Tunisian Revolution.
- 2004: In response to the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Canada pledged $40 million in aid and sent military personnel to assist in relief operations. source: canada.ca
- 1999: On December 31, 1998, the European Union fixed the irrevocable exchange rates for the euro, which became the official currency of 11 EU countries on January 1, 1999. This marked the beginning of a transition period, during which the euro existed only as an electronic currency for accounting purposes, with physical banknotes and coins introduced on January 1, 2002. source: ecb.europa.eu
- 1998: On December 31, 1998, the finalization of currency rates for the Eurozone took place, marking a significant step towards the introduction of the Euro. This event was crucial for the economic integration of European countries. source: ecb.europa.eu
- 1996: On December 31, 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). This consolidation created one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1993: Thomas J. Watson Jr., the former CEO of IBM and a prominent figure in the tech industry, passed away on December 31, 1993. His leadership helped transform IBM into a major player in the computer industry during the 20th century. source: nytimes.com
- 1988: On December 31, 1988, Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins achieved a historic feat by scoring five goals in five different situations during a game against the New Jersey Devils. He scored at even strength, on the power play, shorthanded, on a penalty shot, and into an empty net, leading the Penguins to an 8-6 victory. source: nhl.com
What famous birthdays are on December 31?
On December 31st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Tiger Woods]()
Tiger Woods (1975)Tiger Woods is an American professional golfer, renowned for being one of the greatest players in the history of golf. He is famous for holding numerous golf records and for dramatically impacting the popularity and perception of the sport globally. [bio]
![Anthony Hopkins]()
Anthony Hopkins (1937)Sir Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor, director, and producer widely recognized as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He is acclaimed for his versatile film, stage, and television roles, winning multiple awards including two Academy Awards for Best Actor. [bio]
![John Denver]()
John Denver (1943)John Denver was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, activist, and humanitarian, widely known for his popular folk and country music hits during the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]
![Alex Ferguson]()
Alex Ferguson (1941)Sir Alex Ferguson is a legendary Scottish football manager and former player, best known for managing Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Under his leadership, Manchester United became one of the world's most successful and popular football clubs, winning numerous domestic and international titles. Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. [bio]
![Umm Kulthum]()
Umm Kulthum (1904)Umm Kulthum was a legendary Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress, celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Arabic music history. Known as the 'Star of the East,' she captivated audiences across the Arab world from the 1920s through the 1970s with her powerful voice and emotive performances. [bio]
![Ben Kingsley]()
Ben Kingsley (1943)Ben Kingsley is an acclaimed British actor best known for his Academy Award-winning performance as Mahatma Gandhi in the film "Gandhi" (1982). With a career spanning over five decades, Kingsley is celebrated for his versatility across film, television, and stage. [bio]
![George Marshall]()
George Marshall (1880)George Marshall was an American soldier and statesman best known for his role as Chief of Staff of the United States Army during World War II and for formulating the Marshall Plan, which aided in the reconstruction of Europe after the war. [bio]
![Bebe Neuwirth]()
Bebe Neuwirth (1958)Bebe Neuwirth is an American actress, singer, and dancer, best known for her roles as Dr. Lilith Sternin on the television sitcoms 'Cheers' and 'Frasier', as well as her award-winning performances on Broadway. [bio]
![Nicholas Sparks]()
Nicholas Sparks (1965)Nicholas Sparks is an American novelist, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his romantic drama novels, many of which have become international bestsellers and have been adapted into major Hollywood films, including 'The Notebook' and 'A Walk to Remember.' [bio]
![Val Kilmer]()
Val Kilmer (1959)Val Kilmer is an American actor best known for his roles in blockbuster films of the 1980s and 1990s, including 'Top Gun', 'The Doors', and 'Batman Forever'. [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 31?
On December 31st the following celebrities died:
![Betty White]()
Betty White (2021)Betty White was an iconic American actress and comedian, renowned for her groundbreaking work in television during a career that spanned over eight decades. She was widely celebrated for her roles on 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.' [bio]
![Ricky Nelson]()
Ricky Nelson (1985)Ricky Nelson was an influential American singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s as both a teenage rock-and-roll star and a television personality. He is known for his string of hit singles, successful albums, and his key role in shaping early rock music. [bio]
![William Christopher]()
William Christopher (2016)William Christopher was an American actor best known for his role as Father Mulcahy on the television series 'M*A*S*H.' Over his career, he also appeared in several other TV series and films, gaining recognition for his comedic timing and approachable screen presence. [bio]
![Wayne Rogers]()
Wayne Rogers (2015)Wayne Rogers was an American actor, best known for his role as Captain 'Trapper' John McIntyre on the classic television series M*A*S*H. He was also a successful investor and television personality. [bio]
![Edward Herrmann]()
Edward Herrmann (2014)Edward Herrmann was an American actor and narrator, best known for his work in film, television, and theater. He was recognized for his distinct voice and portrayal of Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as roles in popular series and movies. [bio]
![Billie Dove]()
Billie Dove (1997)Billie Dove was an American actress, recognized as one of the leading ladies of the silent film era. She starred in many popular films during the 1920s and early 1930s, and was admired for her beauty and screen presence. [bio]
![Woody Strode]()
Woody Strode (1994)Woody Strode was an American athlete and actor best known for his roles in classic Western films and as a pioneering Black athlete in professional football. [bio]
![James Avery]()
James Avery (2013)James Avery was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Uncle Phil on the popular sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of...
![Kader Khan]()
![Roberto Clemente]()
Roberto Clemente (1972)Legendary Puerto Rican baseball player and broadcaster, known for his exceptional skills and humanitarian work before his tragic death.
What day of the year is December 31?
December 31st marks the 365th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 366th in case of leap years).
There are 0 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 31st is the 31st day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 31?
On December 31st, 2026 the day of the week is Thursday.
| 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 31?
The zodiac sign associated with December 31st is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.
