Historical Events on December 24: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on December 24, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on December 24 - Key Moments Throughout History

1906 Franz Waxman Birth: Franz Waxman, a renowned composer and conductor, was born on December 24, 1906, in Königshütte, Germany. source: britannica.com
1907 Birth of I.F. Stone, influential American journalist: Isadore Feinstein Stone, known as I.F. Stone, was born on December 24, 1907. He was a prominent American investigative journalist and writer. source: en.wikipedia.org
1908 Death of François-Auguste Gevaert: François-Auguste Gevaert, a Belgian composer and musicologist, died on December 24, 1908. He was recognized for his operas and his role as director of the Brussels Conservatory. source: en.wikipedia.org
1909 Federal Court Ruling on Armenian Racial Classification: On December 24, 1909, the federal court in Boston ruled in the case In re Halladjian (174 F. 834) that Armenians were classified as White, making them eligible for naturalization. This decision overturned previous denials based on racial grounds. source: teachinglegalhistory.unl.edu
1913 Italian Hall Disaster: The Italian Hall disaster occurred on December 24, 1913, in Calumet, Michigan, resulting in the deaths of 73 people, mostly women and children. source: en.wikipedia.org
1922 London Coliseum Opens: The London Coliseum, designed by architect Frank Matcham, opened on December 24, 1904, as one of London's largest and most luxurious family variety theatres. It was intended to be the "people's palace of entertainment" of its age. source: londoncoliseum.org
1924 Willem Drees born: Willem Drees, a Dutch politician and economist, was born on December 24, 1924, in The Hague, Netherlands. He was the son of Willem Drees Sr., who served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1948 to 1958. source: en.wikipedia.org
1927 U.S. Marines prevent oil refinery disaster in Tientsin: During a battle in Tientsin, China, the Standard Oil refinery caught fire; U.S. Marines successfully extinguished the blaze, preventing a major disaster. source: en.wikipedia.org
1929 White House West Wing fire on Christmas Eve: On December 24, 1929, a four-alarm fire erupted in the West Wing of the White House, causing significant damage to the executive offices. President Herbert Hoover was hosting a Christmas party at the time and promptly directed firefighting efforts. The fire was extinguished by 10:30 p.m., and reconstruction was completed by April 14, 1930. source: whitehousehistory.org
1931 Immigrant workers' Christmas tradition at Rockefeller Center: On December 24, 1931, Italian immigrant workers constructing Rockefeller Center in New York City erected a 20-foot balsam fir tree on the site. They decorated it with garlands made by their families, cranberries, and tin cans, marking the beginning of what would become the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition. source: orderisda.org
1932 German leaders' Christmas appeal for unemployed youth: On December 24, 1932, German leaders made a Christmas appeal to address the plight of unemployed youth in the country. This initiative aimed to provide support and opportunities during a time of economic hardship. source: britannica.com
1936 First use of radioactive isotope in medical treatment: On December 24, 1936, John Lawrence, known as the 'father of nuclear medicine,' treated a 28-year-old leukemia patient using a radioactive isotope of phosphorus-32 produced in his brother's cyclotron. This was the first time a radioactive isotope was used in the treatment of a human disease. source: www2.lbl.gov
1938 Lima Declaration of Inter-American Solidarity: On December 24, 1938, the Eighth International Conference of American States adopted the Declaration of Lima, reaffirming the commitment of American republics to continental solidarity and the maintenance of peace in the Americas. source: history.state.gov
1939 Pope Pius XII's Christmas Eve peace appeal during World War II: On December 24, 1939, Pope Pius XII made a Christmas Eve appeal for peace during World War II. source: vaticannews.va
1940 Gandhi's second letter to Hitler: On December 24, 1940, Mahatma Gandhi sent a second letter to Adolf Hitler, urging him to cease the war and highlighting the destructive consequences of his actions. Gandhi addressed Hitler as 'Dear Friend' and criticized his invasions of Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Denmark, appealing for peace and non-violence. source: gandhiashramsevagram.org
1941 Japanese forces capture Hong Kong after intense battle: On December 24, 1941, Japanese forces captured Hong Kong after a prolonged battle that began on December 8. The British, Canadian, and Indian defenders, along with the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Forces, were overwhelmed, leading to the surrender of the colony. source: history.com
1943 US President Franklin Roosevelt appoints General Dwight Eisenhower supreme commander of Allied forces: On December 24, 1943, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Supreme Commander of Allied forces for the D-Day invasion. source: britannica.com
1944 Leopoldville troopship tragedy: On December 24, 1944, the troopship Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German U-boat, resulting in the loss of over 800 American soldiers. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by troops during World War II and the challenges of maritime transport in wartime. source: britannica.com
1945 Birth of Lemmy Kilmister: Ian Fraser Kilmister, known as Lemmy, was born on December 24, 1945, in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. He was the founder, lead vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter of the metal band Motörhead. source: en.wikipedia.org
1946 Establishment of France's Fourth Republic: On December 24, 1946, the French Fourth Republic was officially established, following the approval of the new constitution by referendum on October 13, 1946. source: elysee.fr
1950 U.S. Navy demolition operation in North Korea: On December 24, 1950, the U.S. Navy conducted a demolition operation in North Korea as part of military actions during the Korean War. This operation aimed to disrupt enemy supply lines and infrastructure. source: britannica.com
1953 Tangiwai Railway Disaster: On December 24, 1953, the Tangiwai Railway Disaster occurred in New Zealand when an express passenger train plunged into the Whangaehu River after the bridge collapsed due to a volcanic lahar from Mount Ruapehu. The disaster resulted in 151 fatalities. source: nzhistory.govt.nz
1954 Gimpo International Airport Opens: South Korea inaugurated the Gimpo International Airport, a crucial infrastructure development that would play a significant role in the country's economic growth and international connectivity.
1956 Ferdinand de Lesseps statue destroyed in Port Said: On December 24, 1956, a statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps was destroyed in Port Said, Egypt, during the Suez Crisis. This act symbolized the rising nationalism and anti-colonial sentiment in the region. source: britannica.com
1960 Pope John XXIII's papacy: Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, served as the head of the Catholic Church from October 28, 1958, until his death on June 3, 1963. His papacy was notable for initiating the Second Vatican Council, aiming to address relations between the Church and the modern world. source: en.wikipedia.org
1961 Houston Oilers win AFL Championship: On December 24, 1961, the Houston Oilers won the American Football League (AFL) Championship, marking a significant achievement in the team's history. This victory contributed to the Oilers' legacy in professional football. source: pro-football-reference.com
1962 Publication of 'Sex and the Single Girl': On December 24, 1962, Helen Gurley Brown's book 'Sex and the Single Girl' was published, challenging traditional views on women's roles and sexuality. The book became a bestseller and significantly influenced the feminist movement and women's liberation in the 1960s and beyond. source: nytimes.com
1964 Star Trek pilot filming begins: Filming for the original Star Trek pilot, titled 'The Cage', commenced on December 24, 1964. This pilot would eventually lead to the creation of the iconic science fiction television series that debuted in 1966. source: startrek.com
1966 Deadly military aircraft crash in Vietnam: On December 24, 1966, a military aircraft crashed in Vietnam, resulting in multiple fatalities. The incident underscored the dangers faced by military personnel during the Vietnam War. source: defense.gov
1967 Christmas ceasefire in Vietnam: On December 24, 1967, a temporary ceasefire was declared in Vietnam for Christmas. This ceasefire aimed to allow for humanitarian efforts and was part of ongoing negotiations to end the conflict, reflecting the complexities of wartime diplomacy. source: archives.gov
1968 Apollo 8: Historic Lunar Mission and Return Trajectory: On December 24, 1968, Apollo 8 became the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon. The mission, launched on December 21, 1968, by astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders, demonstrated a lunar trajectory and was the first manned launch of the Saturn V rocket. source: nasa.gov
1969 Nigerian troops capture Biafran capital Umuahia: On December 24, 1969, Nigerian troops captured Umuahia, the capital of Biafra, marking a significant turning point in the Nigerian Civil War. This event led to the relocation of the Biafran capital to Owerri. source: en.wikipedia.org
1970 Disney releases The Aristocats: Disney's animated film 'The Aristocats' premiered in the United States on December 24, 1970. The movie follows a family of aristocratic cats in Paris who are set to inherit their owner's fortune, leading to various adventures. It was the last Disney animated film personally approved by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. source: movies.disney.com
1972 Temporary halt in US bombing of North Vietnam: On December 24, 1972, the United States temporarily halted its bombing campaign over North Vietnam for 36 hours during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This pause was part of Operation Linebacker II, a strategic bombing campaign initiated on December 18, 1972, aimed at pressuring North Vietnam into resuming peace negotiations. The bombing resumed on December 26, 1972. source: history.com
1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act passed by Congress: On December 24, 1973, the U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allowing residents of Washington, D.C. to elect their own local government. This act was a significant step towards self-governance for the district. source: congress.gov
1974 Cyclone Tracy devastates Darwin, Australia: Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin, Australia, on December 24, 1974, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The cyclone resulted in significant damage to infrastructure and homes, leading to a major humanitarian crisis. Recovery efforts were extensive and reshaped the city. source: bom.gov.au
1975 Bernard Herrmann, film composer, dies: Renowned film composer Bernard Herrmann passed away on December 24, 1975. He was known for his work on classic films such as 'Psycho' and 'Citizen Kane,' leaving a significant impact on the film music industry. source: britannica.com
1977 Death of Samael Aun Weor, esoteric author: Samael Aun Weor, born Víctor Manuel Gómez Rodríguez, was a Colombian-Mexican teacher and author of over sixty books on esoteric spirituality. He founded a new religious movement under the banner of "Universal Gnosticism" and passed away on December 24, 1977, in Mexico City. source: en.wikipedia.org
1979 First Ariane 1 rocket launch from Kourou, French Guiana: On December 24, 1979, the European Space Agency's Ariane 1 rocket successfully launched from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. This inaugural flight marked Europe's entry into independent space exploration, deploying the CAT-1 technological capsule into orbit. The mission was deemed a success, paving the way for future European space endeavors. source: esa.int
1980 Christmas services held for U.S. hostages in Tehran: On December 24, 1979, three American clergymen and the Archbishop of Algiers conducted Christmas services at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran for the hostages. They brought with them Christmas cards from hundreds of thousands of people across the United States. source: archives.gov
1982 Louis Aragon, French poet and writer, dies at 85: Louis Aragon, a prominent French poet and writer, passed away on December 24, 1982, at the age of 85. He was a leading figure in the Surrealist movement and a long-time member of the Communist Party. Aragon was also a member of the Académie Goncourt and was frequently nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature after 1959. source: washingtonpost.com
1983 Severe 1983 United States Cold Wave: In December 1983, the United States experienced an unprecedented cold wave, with temperatures plunging to record lows across the nation. On December 24, 1983, Chicago recorded a temperature of -25°F, setting a new record for the coldest Christmas Eve in the city's history. The cold wave resulted in at least 151 deaths nationwide, including 18 in Illinois and Texas, many due to exposure to the sub-zero temperatures. The arctic air mass that caused the cold wave originated over Alaska on December 15, 1983, and moved southeast over western Canada and the northern Plains, leading to the Great Freeze of '83. source: upi.com
1985 First use of DNA in criminal investigation: On December 24, 1985, DNA profiling was first used in a criminal investigation in the UK. This groundbreaking technique was employed to solve the case of the murder of two teenagers, helping to identify the perpetrator through genetic evidence. The use of DNA in forensic science has since revolutionized criminal investigations worldwide. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
1986 French hostage Aurel Cornea released in Beirut as Christmas gesture: Aurel Cornea, a French television soundman, was released in Beirut on December 24, 1986, after being held hostage for over nine months. The Revolutionary Justice Organization, a pro-Iranian Shiite group, freed Cornea as a Christmas gesture following mediation by Syria, Iran, and Algeria. Cornea was part of a four-member French television crew kidnapped in March 1986. His colleagues, Philippe Rochot and Georges Hansen, were released earlier in June 1986, while Jean-Louis Normandin was freed in November 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
1987 Death of M.G. Ramachandran, Influential Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran, known as M.G. Ramachandran, passed away on December 24, 1987, at the age of 70. He was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death, and was also a renowned film actor and producer. His death led to widespread mourning and unrest in Tamil Nadu. source: en.wikipedia.org
1988 Anti-African Student Unrest in Nanjing: On December 24, 1988, a brawl between African and Chinese students at Hohai University in Nanjing led to anti-African protests, with 13 students injured. source: en.wikipedia.org
1989 First Liberian Civil War Begins: On December 24, 1989, the First Liberian Civil War began when Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) launched an attack on the government of President Samuel Doe, leading to a brutal and prolonged conflict. source: britannica.com
1990 St. Basil's Cathedral bells ring after decades: On December 24, 1990, the bells of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow rang for the first time in decades after being silenced during the Soviet era. This event marked a significant cultural revival in post-Soviet Russia. source: bbc.com
1991 Russia's UN Succession Declaration: On December 24, 1991, Russia declared its succession to the Soviet Union's seat at the United Nations. This declaration was a crucial step in establishing Russia's position in international relations following the dissolution of the USSR. source: un.org
1992 Bush pardons Weinberger in Iran-Contra Affair: On December 24, 1992, President George H. W. Bush pardoned former Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger and five others involved in the Iran-Contra affair, absolving them of any further punishment for their illegal dealings. source: politico.com
1997 Carlos the Jackal sentenced: On December 24, 1997, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, known as Carlos the Jackal, was sentenced to life in prison by a French court for his role in a series of terrorist attacks in the 1970s and 1980s. This marked a significant moment in the fight against international terrorism. source: reuters.com
1998 Fatal accident at Disneyland's Sailing Ship Columbia: On December 24, 1998, a heavy metal cleat used to secure Disneyland's Sailing Ship Columbia tore loose during docking, striking two guests and a cast member. One guest, 33-year-old Luan Phi Dawson, died from a head injury. The incident led to criticism of Disneyland's safety procedures and resulted in fines from California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health. source: latimes.com
1999 Coup in Ivory Coast: On December 24, 1999, a coup d'état occurred in Ivory Coast, leading to the overthrow of President Henri Konan Bédié. The military, led by General Robert Guéï, took control of the government, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. source: bbc.com
2002 Sun Microsystems wins antitrust case against Microsoft: On December 24, 2002, Sun Microsystems won an antitrust case against Microsoft. The court ruled that Microsoft had violated antitrust laws by engaging in anti-competitive practices, leading to a significant legal victory for Sun Microsystems. source: cnet.com
2003 Explosion at Baghdad's Sheraton Ishtar Hotel: A bomb exploded at Baghdad's Sheraton Ishtar Hotel, a popular venue among foreign contractors and journalists. The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Iraq during the post-invasion period. source: reuters.com
2004 Asteroid Apophis Collision Risk Assessment: On December 24, 2004, scientists assessed the collision risk of asteroid Apophis, which was projected to pass close to Earth in 2029. The assessment aimed to evaluate potential impacts and necessary precautions. source: nasa.gov
2005 Chad declares war on Sudan: On December 24, 2005, Chad declared war on Sudan following a series of border clashes and attacks by Sudanese-backed rebels in Chad's eastern region. The declaration marked a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries, leading to concerns about regional stability in Central Africa. source: un.org
2006 Ethiopian Military Action in Somalia: On December 24, 2006, Ethiopian military forces intensified their operations in Somalia, targeting positions held by the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The actions were part of Ethiopia's broader strategy to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and to counter the influence of the ICU in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
2007 Assassination of Benazir Bhutto: Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was assassinated on December 24, 2007, during a political rally. Her death had significant implications for Pakistan's political landscape. source: bbc.com
2008 Harold Pinter passes away at 78: On December 24, 2008, British playwright and Nobel laureate Harold Pinter died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. Pinter was renowned for his influential works such as 'The Birthday Party' and 'The Homecoming,' and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005. source: en.wikipedia.org
2009 US Senate passes historic healthcare reform bill: On December 24, 2009, the U.S. Senate passed a historic healthcare reform bill, marking a significant step in President Obama's efforts to overhaul the American healthcare system. The bill aimed to expand coverage, reduce costs, and improve the quality of care for millions of Americans. source: aljazeera.com
2011 Kim Jong Un officially named successor: On December 24, 2011, North Korea officially named Kim Jong Un as the successor to his father, Kim Jong Il, who had passed away earlier that month. This announcement solidified Kim Jong Un's position in the North Korean leadership. source: bbc.com
2012 SpaceX Grasshopper rocket test: On December 24, 2012, SpaceX conducted a successful test flight of its Grasshopper rocket, demonstrating vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. This test was a significant step towards reusable rocket technology. source: nytimes.com
2013 South Sudan political crisis escalates: The political crisis in South Sudan escalated, leading to increased violence and humanitarian concerns. The situation drew international attention as factions within the government clashed. source: bbc.com
2014 Royal Jordanian Air Force warplane crashes: A Royal Jordanian Air Force warplane crashed during a training exercise, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident raised concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance standards of military aircraft in the region. source: jordantimes.com
2015 U.S. hostages from 1979 Iran embassy takeover granted compensation: The U.S. government announced that surviving hostages from the 1979 Iran embassy takeover would receive up to $4.4 million each, as part of a $1.1 trillion spending bill signed by President Obama. source: upi.com
2016 ISIS releases video linking to Berlin truck attack: On December 24, 2016, ISIS released a video claiming responsibility for the Berlin truck attack that occurred earlier that month, in which a truck was driven into a Christmas market, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
2017 North Korea Condemns UN Sanctions: On December 24, 2017, North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 2397, describing it as an 'act of war' and a 'grave infringement upon the sovereignty' of North Korea. source: en.wikipedia.org
2018 Sunda Strait tsunami devastates Indonesia: On December 24, 2018, a tsunami struck the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The disaster was attributed to volcanic activity from the Anak Krakatau volcano, which triggered the tsunami waves. source: bbc.com
2019 Syrian Army Advances in Idlib Offensive: The Syrian Army continued its offensive in southern Idlib Governorate, advancing towards the rebel-held city of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man. The military operation resulted in the capture of several towns and villages, including Jarjnaz and Sarman, and triggered the displacement of approximately 30,000 civilians.
2021 Mo So Massacre in Myanmar: Burmese military forces committed the Mo So massacre, killing at least 44 civilians in a brutal act of violence, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
2022 Russian Forces Shell Kherson, Causing Civilian Casualties: During the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Russian military forces launched a shell attack on the city of Kherson, resulting in the deaths of at least ten civilians and causing injuries to 58 others. This incident highlights the continued civilian suffering in the conflict zone.
2023 Israeli-Hamas Conflict: Significant Casualties in Gaza: In a devastating escalation of the ongoing conflict, fifteen Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, raising the total IDF personnel fatalities to 153 since the ground invasion began. A tragic airstrike by Israel against the al-Maghazi refugee camp resulted in at least 70 civilian deaths, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

What Is special about December 24?

December 24 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about December 24.