1 The first Christmas according to calendar-maker and Eastern Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus
1 The first Christmas according to calendar-maker and Eastern Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on December 25 throughout history.
109
Events
17
Births
Historical Events on December 25
Pope Leo III crowns Charles the Great (Charlemagne) Holy Roman Emperor
Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816.
William the Conqueror is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, completing the Norman Conquest of England
William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces the Celsius temperature scale, which now bears his name
Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces the Celsius temperature scale, which now bears his name
Despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson grants an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Sou
Despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson grants an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion (Civil War)
Mikhail Gorbachev formally resigns as President of the USSR in a televised speech
The Soviet Union was formally dissolved as a sovereign state and subject of international law on 26 December 1991 by Declaration No.
"To Kill a Mockingbird", a film adaptation of the novel by Harper Lee, directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory
"To Kill a Mockingbird", a film adaptation of the novel by Harper Lee, directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck, is released (Gregory Peck - Best Actor Academy Awards 1963)
Patriotic march "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is composed by John Philip Sousa
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is a patriotic American march written and composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. By a 1987 act of the U.S.
40,000 people watch Union Army soldiers play baseball at Hilton Head, South Carolina
40,000 people watch Union Army soldiers play baseball at Hilton Head, South Carolina
Inventor Thomas Edison (24) marries 1st wife Mary Stilwell (16)
Inventor Thomas Edison (24) marries 1st wife Mary Stilwell (16)
British-American "North By Northwest" actor Cary Grant (45) weds third wife, American "Every Girl Should Be Married" act
British-American "North By Northwest" actor Cary Grant (45) weds third wife, American "Every Girl Should Be Married" actress Betsy Drake (26); separate in 1958, divorce in 1962
American actor John Wayne (38) divorces first wife Josephine Sáenz (37) after 12 years of marriage
American actor John Wayne (38) divorces first wife Josephine Sáenz (37) after 12 years of marriage
Earliest theorized date that Christmas is celebrated on December 25th by the Catholic Church in Rome to replace pagan ce
Earliest theorized date that Christmas is celebrated on December 25th by the Catholic Church in Rome to replace pagan celebrations
King Clovis I is baptized a Roman Catholic in Reims cathedral - first Germanic king to do so, according to Henry of Tour
King Clovis I is baptized a Roman Catholic in Reims cathedral - first Germanic king to do so, according to Henry of Tours (year disputed)
St Augustine introduces the Julian Calendar to England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and more than 100 smaller adjacent islands.
Battle at Etampes (Stampae): Burgundy beat Neustriers
Battle at Etampes (Stampae): Burgundy beat Neustriers
Charles the Bald crowned emperor of Rome
Charles the Bald (French: Charles le Chauve; 13 June 823 – 6 October 877) was a king of West Francia (843–77), king of Italy (875–77) and emperor of the Carolingian Empire (875–77).
John XIII crowned Otto II the Red German compassionate emperor
John XIII crowned Otto II the Red German compassionate emperor
Johannes I Tzimisces crowned Emperor of Byzantium
Johannes I Tzimisces crowned Emperor of Byzantium
Heribertus becomes bishop of Cologne
Heribertus becomes bishop of Cologne
Monarch Istvan crowned king of Hungary
The Holy Crown of Hungary, also known as the Crown of Saint Stephen, named in honour of Saint Stephen I of Hungary, was the coronation crown used by the Kingdom of Hungary for most of its existence;...
English earls declare Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard the first Viking king of England, disposing Ethelred the Unready
English earls declare Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard the first Viking king of England, disposing Ethelred the Unready
Pope Clement II crowns Henry III as Holy Roman Emperor
Henry III (German: Heinrich III, 28 October 1016 – 5 October 1056), called the Black (German: Heinrich der Schwarze) or the Pious, was Holy Roman Emperor from 1046 until his death in 1056.
Parliament of Worms: Emperor Henry III names his cousin Count Bruno van Egisheim-Dagsburg as Pope Leo IX
Parliament of Worms: Emperor Henry III names his cousin Count Bruno van Egisheim-Dagsburg as Pope Leo IX
Boudouin I of Boulogne crowned King of Jerusalem
Boudouin I of Boulogne crowned King of Jerusalem
Henry I of Limburg becomes Duke of Lower Lorraine
Henry I of Limburg becomes Duke of Lower Lorraine
Norbert of Xanten, later St. Norbert, founds the Premonstratensian Order at Prémontré in northern France
Norbert of Xanten, later St. Norbert, founds the Premonstratensian Order at Prémontré in northern France
Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI crowned King of Sicily in Palermo Cathedral
Henry VI, a member of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, was King of Germany from 1169 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1191 until his death.
John IV Lascaris of the restored Eastern Roman Empire is deposed and blinded by orders of his co-ruler Michael VIII Pala
John IV Lascaris of the restored Eastern Roman Empire is deposed and blinded by orders of his co-ruler Michael VIII Palaeologus.
Ottoman troops occupy the island of Rhodes after a six-month siege
Ottoman troops occupy the island of Rhodes after a six-month siege
Battle of Tucapel: Mapuche rebels under Lautaro defeats the Spanish conquistadors and executes the governor of Chile Ped
Battle of Tucapel: Mapuche rebels under Lautaro defeats the Spanish conquistadors and executes the governor of Chile Pedro de Valdivia
The city of Natal, Brazil, is founded.
Natal is a Brazilian municipality and the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil.
Johan Sigismund of Brandenburg becomes protestant
Johan Sigismund of Brandenburg becomes protestant
Emperor Ferdinand III makes appointments with Sweden and France
Emperor Ferdinand III makes appointments with Sweden and France
Christmas Island founded and named by Captain William Mynors of the East India Ship Company vessel, the Royal Mary.
Christmas Island, officially the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean comprising the island of the same name.
Massachusetts General Court ordered a five shilling fine for "observing any such day as Christmas"
Massachusetts General Court ordered a five shilling fine for "observing any such day as Christmas"
English Whig leader Duke of Monmouth flees to Holland
The Monmouth Rebellion (also known as the Pitchfork Rebellion, Revolt of the West or West Country rebellion) in June 1685 was an attempt to depose James II, who in February had succeeded his brother...
Floods ravage Dutch coast provinces, thousands killed
Floods ravage Dutch coast provinces, thousands killed
Prussia and Austria sign Treaty of Dresden giving much of Silesia to the Prussians
Prussia and Austria sign Treaty of Dresden giving much of Silesia to the Prussians
Return of Halley's Comet first sighted by Johann Georg Palitzsch
Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30)...
Jupiter Hammon, an African American slave, composes the broadside poem "An Evening Thought" (the first poetry published
Jupiter Hammon, an African American slave, composes the broadside poem "An Evening Thought" (the first poetry published by an African American in 1761)
First Christian service in New Zealand; Mass is celebrated in Doubtless Bay by Father Paul-Antoine Léonard de Villefeix
First Christian service in New Zealand; Mass is celebrated in Doubtless Bay by Father Paul-Antoine Léonard de Villefeix of the de Surville expedition
Philadelphia Tea Party: protest against taxation without representation
The Boston Tea Party was an act of protest on December 16, 1773 during the American Revolution.
Physician Ephraim McDowell performs the first abdominal surgery in the U.S, an ovariotomy to remove a 22 lb ovarian tumo
Physician Ephraim McDowell performs the first abdominal surgery in the U.S, an ovariotomy to remove a 22 lb ovarian tumor
Reverend Samuel Marsden of the Church Missionary Society holds the first Christian service in New Zealand on land, at Ra
Reverend Samuel Marsden of the Church Missionary Society holds the first Christian service in New Zealand on land, at Rangihoua
First known Christmas carol, "Silent Night, Holy Night" (Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht'), is sung in Austria
"Silent Night" (German: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht") is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
Louisiana and Arkansas are the first states to observe Christmas as a holiday
Louisiana and Arkansas are the first states to observe Christmas as a holiday
Battle of Okeechobee - US forces defeat Seminole Indians
Battle of Okeechobee - US forces defeat Seminole Indians
1st theatre matinee (Olympic Theatre, NYC)
1st theatre matinee (Olympic Theatre, NYC)
New Haven Railroad opens
The New Haven and Northampton Railroad (founded as the New Haven and Northampton Company, also known as the Canal Line) was a railroad originally built alongside a canal between 1847 and 1850 in...
Lambs Club in New York forms
Lambs Club in New York forms
First indoor baseball game played at fairgrounds in Philadelphia; 2,000 watch the Uptowners beat the Downtowners, 6-1
First indoor baseball game played at fairgrounds in Philadelphia; 2,000 watch the Uptowners beat the Downtowners, 6-1
1st midwestern football team to play on west coast, University of Chicago defeats Stanford 24-4 at Palo Alto, CA in foot
1st midwestern football team to play on west coast, University of Chicago defeats Stanford 24-4 at Palo Alto, CA in football
Shelling on besieged Ladysmith during the Boer War includes one shell containing a plum pudding
Shelling on besieged Ladysmith during the Boer War includes one shell containing a plum pudding
Arthur Schnitzler's novel "Leutnant Gustl" ("None But The Brave") banned in Germany due to its unflattering portrait of
Arthur Schnitzler's novel "Leutnant Gustl" ("None But The Brave") banned in Germany due to its unflattering portrait of military protocol
Battle at Tweefontein: British force camped on a hill is surprised by a Boer attack at 2am
Battle at Tweefontein: British force camped on a hill is surprised by a Boer attack at 2am
Clyde Fitch' play "The Girl with the Green Eyes" premieres in NYC
Clyde Fitch' play "The Girl with the Green Eyes" premieres in NYC
Edward Knoblock's "Kismet" premieres in NYC
Edward Knoblock's "Kismet" premieres in NYC
Legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on the battlefields of World War I between British and German troops; instead of
Legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on the battlefields of World War I between British and German troops; instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts, play football, and sing carols together
"Why Marry," the first drama to win a Pulitzer Prize, premieres in NYC
"Why Marry," the first drama to win a Pulitzer Prize, premieres in NYC
Last major Potlatch (ceremony) by Chief Daniel Cranmer (Kwakwaka’wakw) from Alert Bay, British Columbia. Twenty-six peop
Last major Potlatch (ceremony) by Chief Daniel Cranmer (Kwakwaka’wakw) from Alert Bay, British Columbia. Twenty-six people arrested, their masks and regalia sold by Canadian government. [1]
Imperial Theater opens at 249 W 45th St NYC
The Imperial Theatre is a Broadway theater at 249 West 45th Street (George Abbott Way) in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S.
NSW (v Vic) go from 8-74 to 9-113 to be 9-367 at stumps
NSW (v Vic) go from 8-74 to 9-113 to be 9-367 at stumps
Clarrie Grimmett takes 6-146 for SA, Queensland all out 380 Crowd 5,390
Clarrie Grimmett takes 6-146 for SA, Queensland all out 380 Crowd 5,390
Mt, Van Hoevenberg bobsled run at Lake Placid, NY opens; first American bobsled run open to public
The Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run is a venue for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton on Mount Van Hoevenberg, located at the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, New York, United...
Albert Lonergan scores 137 SA v Qld at Adelaide before 5,697
Albert Lonergan scores 137 SA v Qld at Adelaide before 5,697
7.6 magnitude earthquake ravages Qansu, China, kills 275
7.6 magnitude earthquake ravages Qansu, China, kills 275
Belgian Working people's party accept Henry de Mans Plan of Labor
Belgian Working people's party accept Henry de Mans Plan of Labor
Four centuries for SA as they make 7-644 v Qld before 6,180
Four centuries for SA as they make 7-644 v Qld before 6,180
Belgian bishops condemn fascism & communism
Belgian bishops condemn fascism & communism
George Cukor announces Vivien Leigh will play Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With The Wind"
Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell. It was produced by David O.
Montgomery Ward introduces Rudolph the 9th red-nosed reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer created by Robert L. May. Rudolph is usually depicted as the ninth and youngest of Santa Claus's reindeer, using his luminous red nose to lead...
Japan announces surrender of British-Canadian garrison at Hong Kong
The Battle of Hong Kong (8–25 December 1941), also known as the Defence of Hong Kong and the Fall of Hong Kong, was one of the first battles of the Pacific War in World War II.
Admiral Dalans murderer of Bosinier de la Chapelle, sentenced to death
Admiral Dalans murderer of Bosinier de la Chapelle, sentenced to death
Constitution accepted in Taiwan
The Constitution of the Republic of China is the fifth and current constitution of the Republic of China (ROC), ratified by the Kuomintang during the Constituent National Assembly session on 25...
Constitution of the Republic of China comes into effect
The Constitution of the Republic of China is the fifth and current constitution of the Republic of China (ROC), ratified by the Kuomintang during the Constituent National Assembly session on 25...
Coronation Stone, taken from Scone in Scotland by Edward I in 1296, stolen from Westminster Abbey & smuggled back to Sco
Coronation Stone, taken from Scone in Scotland by Edward I in 1296, stolen from Westminster Abbey & smuggled back to Scotland
West Indies wrap up 6 wicket defeat of Australia on first Christmas Day of Test cricket, the 3rd day of 3rd Test at the
West Indies wrap up 6 wicket defeat of Australia on first Christmas Day of Test cricket, the 3rd day of 3rd Test at the Adelaide Oval
Avalanche of lava kills 150 from Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand
Avalanche of lava kills 150 from Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand
WSFA TV channel 12 in Montgomery, AL (NBC) begins broadcasting
WSFA TV channel 12 in Montgomery, AL (NBC) begins broadcasting
Detroit's future Hockey Hall of Fame right wing Gordie Howe picks up a Xmas hat-trick & 3 assists in Red Wings' 8-1 win
Detroit's future Hockey Hall of Fame right wing Gordie Howe picks up a Xmas hat-trick & 3 assists in Red Wings' 8-1 win over NY Rangers; most points he scores in a single game in entire 26-year NHL career
A synagogue in Cologne Germany desecrated with swatstikas
A synagogue in Cologne Germany desecrated with swatstikas
Walt Disney's "The Sword in the Stone" is released
The Sword in the Stone is a 1963 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney, based on the 1938 novel by T. H. White.
Beatle guitarist George Harrison's girlfriend Pattie Boyd attacked by female Beatle fans
Beatle guitarist George Harrison's girlfriend Pattie Boyd attacked by female Beatle fans
The Yemeni Nasserite Unionist People's Organisation is founded in Taiz
The Nasserist Unionist People's Organisation is a Nasserist political party in Yemen. The party was founded in Taiz on 25 December 1965.
42 Dalits are burned alive in Kilavenmani village, Tamil Nadu, India, a retaliation for a campaign for higher wages by D
42 Dalits are burned alive in Kilavenmani village, Tamil Nadu, India, a retaliation for a campaign for higher wages by Dalit labourers
5 Israeli gunboats escape from Cherbourg harbor
The Cherbourg Project (or Boats of Cherbourg) was an Israeli military operation that took place on 24 December 1969 and involved the escape of five remaining armed Sa'ar 3 class boats from the French...
Longest game in NFL history as Miami Dolphins beat KC Chiefs, 27-24 in 2OT in AFL playoff game; duration: 82 minutes and
Longest game in NFL history as Miami Dolphins beat KC Chiefs, 27-24 in 2OT in AFL playoff game; duration: 82 minutes and 40 seconds
Cyclone Tracy virtually destroys Darwin, Australia
Severe Tropical Cyclone Tracy was a small but destructive tropical cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, in December 1974.
Egyptian SS Patria sinks in Red Sea, about 100 killed
Egyptian SS Patria sinks in Red Sea, about 100 killed
Ballon d'Or: Hamburg's English forward Kevin Keegan wins his 2nd consecutive trophy as best football player in Europe; b
Ballon d'Or: Hamburg's English forward Kevin Keegan wins his 2nd consecutive trophy as best football player in Europe; beats Bayern Munich forward Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ajax sweeper Ruud Krol
1st live telecast of Christmas Parade at the EPCOT Centre, Disney World Florida
1st live telecast of Christmas Parade at the EPCOT Centre, Disney World Florida
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, who escaped 2 days earlier, recaptured
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, who escaped 2 days earlier, recaptured
Japanese scientists achieve −271.8°C, the coldest temperature ever recorded in a laboratory
Japanese scientists achieve −271.8°C, the coldest temperature ever recorded in a laboratory
Last day of a washout Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Gujranwala
Last day of a washout Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Gujranwala
Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith scores NFL record 25th touchdown of the season in 37-13 win against Arizona Car
Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith scores NFL record 25th touchdown of the season in 37-13 win against Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe AZ
1,500 year anniversary of Catholicism in France commemorating the baptism of Clovis I in Rheims
1,500 year anniversary of Catholicism in France commemorating the baptism of Clovis I in Rheims
For 1st time US movie box office receipts pass $6 billion
For 1st time US movie box office receipts pass $6 billion
Pope John Paul II personally opens the Holy Doors of St. John Lateran in Rome to mark the Jubilee
Pope John Paul II personally opens the Holy Doors of St. John Lateran in Rome to mark the Jubilee
The ill-fated Beagle 2 probe which was released from the Mars Express Spacecraft on December 19, disappears shortly befo
The ill-fated Beagle 2 probe which was released from the Mars Express Spacecraft on December 19, disappears shortly before its scheduled landing.
Cassini orbiter releases Huygens probe which successfully landed on Saturn's moon Titan on January 14, 2005.
Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second-largest in the Solar System. It is the only moon known to have a dense atmosphere—denser than Earth's—and is the only known object in the Solar...
Phil Jackson becomes the sixth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games as Los Angeles Lakers beat Boston Celtics, 92-83
Phil Jackson becomes the sixth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games as Los Angeles Lakers beat Boston Celtics, 92-83 at the Staples Center, Los Angeles
27 people are killed after an Antonov An-72 plane crashes near Shymkent, Kazakhstan
27 people are killed after an Antonov An-72 plane crashes near Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
An RV detonates in downtown Nashville, Tennessee causing damage to people and property; prior to detonating, a recorded
An RV detonates in downtown Nashville, Tennessee causing damage to people and property; prior to detonating, a recorded message playing from speakers warned anyone in earshot to evacuate prior to an explosion
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched in joint effort with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agenc
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched in joint effort with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, South America [1]
Rare polar rain aurora, stretching for 3,000 km, is visible across the North Pole, caused by charged particles flowing f
Rare polar rain aurora, stretching for 3,000 km, is visible across the North Pole, caused by charged particles flowing from the Sun [1]
Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in "Doctor Who", with Millie Gibson as his compan
Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in "Doctor Who", with Millie Gibson as his companion
Azerbaijani airliner crashes near Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people, mistakenly shot down by Russian air defe
Azerbaijani airliner crashes near Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people, mistakenly shot down by Russian air defences [1]
Famous Births on December 25
birth
Mohammed Ali Jinnah is born
Mohammed Ali Jinnah founder and 1st governor-general of pakistan, known for founder and 1st governor-general of pakistan, was born on 1876-12-25.
birth
Nawaz Sharif is born
Nawaz Sharif is born
birth
Justin Trudeau is born
Justin Trudeau is born
birth
Humphrey Bogart is born
Humphrey Bogart, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1899-12-25. Humphrey DeForest Bogart (December 25, 1899 – January 14, 1957), nicknamed Bogie, was an American actor.
birth
Cab Calloway is born
Cab Calloway, American jazz singer, songwriter and bandleader, known for american jazz singer, songwriter and bandleader, was born on 1907-12-25.
birth
Barbara Mandrell is born
Barbara Mandrell, American country music singer, known for american country music singer, was born on 1949-12-25. Barbara Ann Mandrell is an American retired country music singer and musician.
birth
Sissy Spacek is born
Sissy Spacek, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1950-12-25. Mary Elizabeth "Sissy" Spacek is an American actress and singer.
birth
Adut Akech is born
Adut Akech, Australian sudanese-australian model, known for south sudanese-australian model, was born on 2000-12-25.
birth
Jimmy Buffett is born
Jimmy Buffett, American musician, known for american singer-songwriter, was born on 1946-12-25.
birth
Annie Lennox is born
Annie Lennox, Scottish musician, known for scottish musician, was born on 1955-12-25. Ann Lennox is a Scottish singer-songwriter, political activist and philanthropist.
birth
Dido is born
Dido is born
birth
Louis Chevrolet is born
Louis Chevrolet, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1878-12-25.
birth
Clarrie Grimmett is born
Clarrie Grimmett, New Zealand athlete, known for australian cricketer, was born on 1891-12-25. Clarence Victor Grimmett (25 December 1891 – 2 May 1980) was a New Zealand-born Australian cricketer.
birth
Rickey Henderson is born
Rickey Henderson, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1958-12-25.
birth
Clara Barton is born
Clara Barton, American civil war nurse and founder of the american red cross, known for american civil war nurse and founder of the american red cross, was born on 1821-12-25.
birth
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is born
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is born
birth
Rod Serling is born
Rod Serling, American screenwriter, known for american screenwriter, was born on 1924-12-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 25, 1?
- 1 The first Christmas according to calendar-maker and Eastern Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus
- What happened on December 25, 800?
- Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816.
- What happened on December 25, 1066?
- William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
- What happened on December 25, 1741?
- Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces the Celsius temperature scale, which now bears his name
- What happened on December 25, 1868?
- Despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson grants an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion (Civil War)
Complete Timeline — December 25 Through the Ages
1 The first Christmas according to calendar-maker and Eastern Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus
1 The first Christmas according to calendar-maker and Eastern Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus
Earliest theorized date that Christmas is celebrated on December 25th by the Catholic Church in Rome to replace pagan ce
Earliest theorized date that Christmas is celebrated on December 25th by the Catholic Church in Rome to replace pagan celebrations
King Clovis I is baptized a Roman Catholic in Reims cathedral - first Germanic king to do so, according to Henry of Tour
King Clovis I is baptized a Roman Catholic in Reims cathedral - first Germanic king to do so, according to Henry of Tours (year disputed)
St Augustine introduces the Julian Calendar to England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and more than 100 smaller adjacent islands.
Battle at Etampes (Stampae): Burgundy beat Neustriers
Battle at Etampes (Stampae): Burgundy beat Neustriers
Pope Leo III crowns Charles the Great (Charlemagne) Holy Roman Emperor
Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816.
Charles the Bald crowned emperor of Rome
Charles the Bald (French: Charles le Chauve; 13 June 823 – 6 October 877) was a king of West Francia (843–77), king of Italy (875–77) and emperor of the Carolingian Empire (875–77).
John XIII crowned Otto II the Red German compassionate emperor
John XIII crowned Otto II the Red German compassionate emperor
Johannes I Tzimisces crowned Emperor of Byzantium
Johannes I Tzimisces crowned Emperor of Byzantium
Heribertus becomes bishop of Cologne
Heribertus becomes bishop of Cologne
Monarch Istvan crowned king of Hungary
The Holy Crown of Hungary, also known as the Crown of Saint Stephen, named in honour of Saint Stephen I of Hungary, was the coronation crown used by the Kingdom of Hungary for most of its existence;...
English earls declare Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard the first Viking king of England, disposing Ethelred the Unready
English earls declare Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard the first Viking king of England, disposing Ethelred the Unready
Pope Clement II crowns Henry III as Holy Roman Emperor
Henry III (German: Heinrich III, 28 October 1016 – 5 October 1056), called the Black (German: Heinrich der Schwarze) or the Pious, was Holy Roman Emperor from 1046 until his death in 1056.
Parliament of Worms: Emperor Henry III names his cousin Count Bruno van Egisheim-Dagsburg as Pope Leo IX
Parliament of Worms: Emperor Henry III names his cousin Count Bruno van Egisheim-Dagsburg as Pope Leo IX
William the Conqueror is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, completing the Norman Conquest of England
William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
Boudouin I of Boulogne crowned King of Jerusalem
Boudouin I of Boulogne crowned King of Jerusalem
Henry I of Limburg becomes Duke of Lower Lorraine
Henry I of Limburg becomes Duke of Lower Lorraine
Norbert of Xanten, later St. Norbert, founds the Premonstratensian Order at Prémontré in northern France
Norbert of Xanten, later St. Norbert, founds the Premonstratensian Order at Prémontré in northern France
Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI crowned King of Sicily in Palermo Cathedral
Henry VI, a member of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, was King of Germany from 1169 and Holy Roman Emperor from 1191 until his death.
John IV Lascaris of the restored Eastern Roman Empire is deposed and blinded by orders of his co-ruler Michael VIII Pala
John IV Lascaris of the restored Eastern Roman Empire is deposed and blinded by orders of his co-ruler Michael VIII Palaeologus.
Ottoman troops occupy the island of Rhodes after a six-month siege
Ottoman troops occupy the island of Rhodes after a six-month siege
Battle of Tucapel: Mapuche rebels under Lautaro defeats the Spanish conquistadors and executes the governor of Chile Ped
Battle of Tucapel: Mapuche rebels under Lautaro defeats the Spanish conquistadors and executes the governor of Chile Pedro de Valdivia
The city of Natal, Brazil, is founded.
Natal is a Brazilian municipality and the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil.
Johan Sigismund of Brandenburg becomes protestant
Johan Sigismund of Brandenburg becomes protestant
Emperor Ferdinand III makes appointments with Sweden and France
Emperor Ferdinand III makes appointments with Sweden and France
Christmas Island founded and named by Captain William Mynors of the East India Ship Company vessel, the Royal Mary.
Christmas Island, officially the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean comprising the island of the same name.
Massachusetts General Court ordered a five shilling fine for "observing any such day as Christmas"
Massachusetts General Court ordered a five shilling fine for "observing any such day as Christmas"
English Whig leader Duke of Monmouth flees to Holland
The Monmouth Rebellion (also known as the Pitchfork Rebellion, Revolt of the West or West Country rebellion) in June 1685 was an attempt to depose James II, who in February had succeeded his brother...
Floods ravage Dutch coast provinces, thousands killed
Floods ravage Dutch coast provinces, thousands killed
Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces the Celsius temperature scale, which now bears his name
Astronomer Anders Celsius introduces the Celsius temperature scale, which now bears his name
Prussia and Austria sign Treaty of Dresden giving much of Silesia to the Prussians
Prussia and Austria sign Treaty of Dresden giving much of Silesia to the Prussians
Return of Halley's Comet first sighted by Johann Georg Palitzsch
Halley's Comet is the only known short-period comet that is consistently visible to the naked eye from Earth, appearing every 72–80 years, though with the majority of recorded apparitions (25 of 30)...
Jupiter Hammon, an African American slave, composes the broadside poem "An Evening Thought" (the first poetry published
Jupiter Hammon, an African American slave, composes the broadside poem "An Evening Thought" (the first poetry published by an African American in 1761)
First Christian service in New Zealand; Mass is celebrated in Doubtless Bay by Father Paul-Antoine Léonard de Villefeix
First Christian service in New Zealand; Mass is celebrated in Doubtless Bay by Father Paul-Antoine Léonard de Villefeix of the de Surville expedition
Philadelphia Tea Party: protest against taxation without representation
The Boston Tea Party was an act of protest on December 16, 1773 during the American Revolution.
Physician Ephraim McDowell performs the first abdominal surgery in the U.S, an ovariotomy to remove a 22 lb ovarian tumo
Physician Ephraim McDowell performs the first abdominal surgery in the U.S, an ovariotomy to remove a 22 lb ovarian tumor
Reverend Samuel Marsden of the Church Missionary Society holds the first Christian service in New Zealand on land, at Ra
Reverend Samuel Marsden of the Church Missionary Society holds the first Christian service in New Zealand on land, at Rangihoua
First known Christmas carol, "Silent Night, Holy Night" (Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht'), is sung in Austria
"Silent Night" (German: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht") is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
Clara Barton is born
Clara Barton, American civil war nurse and founder of the american red cross, known for american civil war nurse and founder of the american red cross, was born on 1821-12-25.
Louisiana and Arkansas are the first states to observe Christmas as a holiday
Louisiana and Arkansas are the first states to observe Christmas as a holiday
Battle of Okeechobee - US forces defeat Seminole Indians
Battle of Okeechobee - US forces defeat Seminole Indians
1st theatre matinee (Olympic Theatre, NYC)
1st theatre matinee (Olympic Theatre, NYC)
New Haven Railroad opens
The New Haven and Northampton Railroad (founded as the New Haven and Northampton Company, also known as the Canal Line) was a railroad originally built alongside a canal between 1847 and 1850 in...
40,000 people watch Union Army soldiers play baseball at Hilton Head, South Carolina
40,000 people watch Union Army soldiers play baseball at Hilton Head, South Carolina
Despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson grants an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Sou
Despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson grants an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion (Civil War)
Inventor Thomas Edison (24) marries 1st wife Mary Stilwell (16)
Inventor Thomas Edison (24) marries 1st wife Mary Stilwell (16)
Lambs Club in New York forms
Lambs Club in New York forms
Mohammed Ali Jinnah is born
Mohammed Ali Jinnah founder and 1st governor-general of pakistan, known for founder and 1st governor-general of pakistan, was born on 1876-12-25.
Louis Chevrolet is born
Louis Chevrolet, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1878-12-25.
First indoor baseball game played at fairgrounds in Philadelphia; 2,000 watch the Uptowners beat the Downtowners, 6-1
First indoor baseball game played at fairgrounds in Philadelphia; 2,000 watch the Uptowners beat the Downtowners, 6-1
Clarrie Grimmett is born
Clarrie Grimmett, New Zealand athlete, known for australian cricketer, was born on 1891-12-25. Clarence Victor Grimmett (25 December 1891 – 2 May 1980) was a New Zealand-born Australian cricketer.
1st midwestern football team to play on west coast, University of Chicago defeats Stanford 24-4 at Palo Alto, CA in foot
1st midwestern football team to play on west coast, University of Chicago defeats Stanford 24-4 at Palo Alto, CA in football
Patriotic march "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is composed by John Philip Sousa
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is a patriotic American march written and composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. By a 1987 act of the U.S.
Shelling on besieged Ladysmith during the Boer War includes one shell containing a plum pudding
Shelling on besieged Ladysmith during the Boer War includes one shell containing a plum pudding
Humphrey Bogart is born
Humphrey Bogart, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1899-12-25. Humphrey DeForest Bogart (December 25, 1899 – January 14, 1957), nicknamed Bogie, was an American actor.
Arthur Schnitzler's novel "Leutnant Gustl" ("None But The Brave") banned in Germany due to its unflattering portrait of
Arthur Schnitzler's novel "Leutnant Gustl" ("None But The Brave") banned in Germany due to its unflattering portrait of military protocol
Battle at Tweefontein: British force camped on a hill is surprised by a Boer attack at 2am
Battle at Tweefontein: British force camped on a hill is surprised by a Boer attack at 2am
Clyde Fitch' play "The Girl with the Green Eyes" premieres in NYC
Clyde Fitch' play "The Girl with the Green Eyes" premieres in NYC
Cab Calloway is born
Cab Calloway, American jazz singer, songwriter and bandleader, known for american jazz singer, songwriter and bandleader, was born on 1907-12-25.
Edward Knoblock's "Kismet" premieres in NYC
Edward Knoblock's "Kismet" premieres in NYC
Legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on the battlefields of World War I between British and German troops; instead of
Legendary "Christmas Truce" takes place on the battlefields of World War I between British and German troops; instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts, play football, and sing carols together
"Why Marry," the first drama to win a Pulitzer Prize, premieres in NYC
"Why Marry," the first drama to win a Pulitzer Prize, premieres in NYC
Last major Potlatch (ceremony) by Chief Daniel Cranmer (Kwakwaka’wakw) from Alert Bay, British Columbia. Twenty-six peop
Last major Potlatch (ceremony) by Chief Daniel Cranmer (Kwakwaka’wakw) from Alert Bay, British Columbia. Twenty-six people arrested, their masks and regalia sold by Canadian government. [1]
Imperial Theater opens at 249 W 45th St NYC
The Imperial Theatre is a Broadway theater at 249 West 45th Street (George Abbott Way) in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is born
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is born
Rod Serling is born
Rod Serling, American screenwriter, known for american screenwriter, was born on 1924-12-25.
NSW (v Vic) go from 8-74 to 9-113 to be 9-367 at stumps
NSW (v Vic) go from 8-74 to 9-113 to be 9-367 at stumps
Clarrie Grimmett takes 6-146 for SA, Queensland all out 380 Crowd 5,390
Clarrie Grimmett takes 6-146 for SA, Queensland all out 380 Crowd 5,390
Mt, Van Hoevenberg bobsled run at Lake Placid, NY opens; first American bobsled run open to public
The Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run is a venue for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton on Mount Van Hoevenberg, located at the Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, New York, United...
Albert Lonergan scores 137 SA v Qld at Adelaide before 5,697
Albert Lonergan scores 137 SA v Qld at Adelaide before 5,697
7.6 magnitude earthquake ravages Qansu, China, kills 275
7.6 magnitude earthquake ravages Qansu, China, kills 275
Belgian Working people's party accept Henry de Mans Plan of Labor
Belgian Working people's party accept Henry de Mans Plan of Labor
Four centuries for SA as they make 7-644 v Qld before 6,180
Four centuries for SA as they make 7-644 v Qld before 6,180
Belgian bishops condemn fascism & communism
Belgian bishops condemn fascism & communism
George Cukor announces Vivien Leigh will play Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With The Wind"
Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell. It was produced by David O.
Montgomery Ward introduces Rudolph the 9th red-nosed reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer created by Robert L. May. Rudolph is usually depicted as the ninth and youngest of Santa Claus's reindeer, using his luminous red nose to lead...
Japan announces surrender of British-Canadian garrison at Hong Kong
The Battle of Hong Kong (8–25 December 1941), also known as the Defence of Hong Kong and the Fall of Hong Kong, was one of the first battles of the Pacific War in World War II.
Admiral Dalans murderer of Bosinier de la Chapelle, sentenced to death
Admiral Dalans murderer of Bosinier de la Chapelle, sentenced to death
American actor John Wayne (38) divorces first wife Josephine Sáenz (37) after 12 years of marriage
American actor John Wayne (38) divorces first wife Josephine Sáenz (37) after 12 years of marriage
Constitution accepted in Taiwan
The Constitution of the Republic of China is the fifth and current constitution of the Republic of China (ROC), ratified by the Kuomintang during the Constituent National Assembly session on 25...
Jimmy Buffett is born
Jimmy Buffett, American musician, known for american singer-songwriter, was born on 1946-12-25.
Constitution of the Republic of China comes into effect
The Constitution of the Republic of China is the fifth and current constitution of the Republic of China (ROC), ratified by the Kuomintang during the Constituent National Assembly session on 25...
British-American "North By Northwest" actor Cary Grant (45) weds third wife, American "Every Girl Should Be Married" act
British-American "North By Northwest" actor Cary Grant (45) weds third wife, American "Every Girl Should Be Married" actress Betsy Drake (26); separate in 1958, divorce in 1962
Barbara Mandrell is born
Barbara Mandrell, American country music singer, known for american country music singer, was born on 1949-12-25. Barbara Ann Mandrell is an American retired country music singer and musician.
Coronation Stone, taken from Scone in Scotland by Edward I in 1296, stolen from Westminster Abbey & smuggled back to Sco
Coronation Stone, taken from Scone in Scotland by Edward I in 1296, stolen from Westminster Abbey & smuggled back to Scotland
Nawaz Sharif is born
Nawaz Sharif is born
Sissy Spacek is born
Sissy Spacek, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1950-12-25. Mary Elizabeth "Sissy" Spacek is an American actress and singer.
West Indies wrap up 6 wicket defeat of Australia on first Christmas Day of Test cricket, the 3rd day of 3rd Test at the
West Indies wrap up 6 wicket defeat of Australia on first Christmas Day of Test cricket, the 3rd day of 3rd Test at the Adelaide Oval
Avalanche of lava kills 150 from Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand
Avalanche of lava kills 150 from Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand
WSFA TV channel 12 in Montgomery, AL (NBC) begins broadcasting
WSFA TV channel 12 in Montgomery, AL (NBC) begins broadcasting
Annie Lennox is born
Annie Lennox, Scottish musician, known for scottish musician, was born on 1955-12-25. Ann Lennox is a Scottish singer-songwriter, political activist and philanthropist.
Detroit's future Hockey Hall of Fame right wing Gordie Howe picks up a Xmas hat-trick & 3 assists in Red Wings' 8-1 win
Detroit's future Hockey Hall of Fame right wing Gordie Howe picks up a Xmas hat-trick & 3 assists in Red Wings' 8-1 win over NY Rangers; most points he scores in a single game in entire 26-year NHL career
Rickey Henderson is born
Rickey Henderson, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1958-12-25.
A synagogue in Cologne Germany desecrated with swatstikas
A synagogue in Cologne Germany desecrated with swatstikas
"To Kill a Mockingbird", a film adaptation of the novel by Harper Lee, directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory
"To Kill a Mockingbird", a film adaptation of the novel by Harper Lee, directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck, is released (Gregory Peck - Best Actor Academy Awards 1963)
Walt Disney's "The Sword in the Stone" is released
The Sword in the Stone is a 1963 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney, based on the 1938 novel by T. H. White.
Beatle guitarist George Harrison's girlfriend Pattie Boyd attacked by female Beatle fans
Beatle guitarist George Harrison's girlfriend Pattie Boyd attacked by female Beatle fans
The Yemeni Nasserite Unionist People's Organisation is founded in Taiz
The Nasserist Unionist People's Organisation is a Nasserist political party in Yemen. The party was founded in Taiz on 25 December 1965.
42 Dalits are burned alive in Kilavenmani village, Tamil Nadu, India, a retaliation for a campaign for higher wages by D
42 Dalits are burned alive in Kilavenmani village, Tamil Nadu, India, a retaliation for a campaign for higher wages by Dalit labourers
5 Israeli gunboats escape from Cherbourg harbor
The Cherbourg Project (or Boats of Cherbourg) was an Israeli military operation that took place on 24 December 1969 and involved the escape of five remaining armed Sa'ar 3 class boats from the French...
Longest game in NFL history as Miami Dolphins beat KC Chiefs, 27-24 in 2OT in AFL playoff game; duration: 82 minutes and
Longest game in NFL history as Miami Dolphins beat KC Chiefs, 27-24 in 2OT in AFL playoff game; duration: 82 minutes and 40 seconds
Justin Trudeau is born
Justin Trudeau is born
Dido is born
Dido is born
Cyclone Tracy virtually destroys Darwin, Australia
Severe Tropical Cyclone Tracy was a small but destructive tropical cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, in December 1974.
Egyptian SS Patria sinks in Red Sea, about 100 killed
Egyptian SS Patria sinks in Red Sea, about 100 killed
Ballon d'Or: Hamburg's English forward Kevin Keegan wins his 2nd consecutive trophy as best football player in Europe; b
Ballon d'Or: Hamburg's English forward Kevin Keegan wins his 2nd consecutive trophy as best football player in Europe; beats Bayern Munich forward Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ajax sweeper Ruud Krol
1st live telecast of Christmas Parade at the EPCOT Centre, Disney World Florida
1st live telecast of Christmas Parade at the EPCOT Centre, Disney World Florida
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, who escaped 2 days earlier, recaptured
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, who escaped 2 days earlier, recaptured
Japanese scientists achieve −271.8°C, the coldest temperature ever recorded in a laboratory
Japanese scientists achieve −271.8°C, the coldest temperature ever recorded in a laboratory
Mikhail Gorbachev formally resigns as President of the USSR in a televised speech
The Soviet Union was formally dissolved as a sovereign state and subject of international law on 26 December 1991 by Declaration No.
Last day of a washout Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Gujranwala
Last day of a washout Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Gujranwala
Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith scores NFL record 25th touchdown of the season in 37-13 win against Arizona Car
Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith scores NFL record 25th touchdown of the season in 37-13 win against Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe AZ
1,500 year anniversary of Catholicism in France commemorating the baptism of Clovis I in Rheims
1,500 year anniversary of Catholicism in France commemorating the baptism of Clovis I in Rheims
For 1st time US movie box office receipts pass $6 billion
For 1st time US movie box office receipts pass $6 billion
Pope John Paul II personally opens the Holy Doors of St. John Lateran in Rome to mark the Jubilee
Pope John Paul II personally opens the Holy Doors of St. John Lateran in Rome to mark the Jubilee
Adut Akech is born
Adut Akech, Australian sudanese-australian model, known for south sudanese-australian model, was born on 2000-12-25.
The ill-fated Beagle 2 probe which was released from the Mars Express Spacecraft on December 19, disappears shortly befo
The ill-fated Beagle 2 probe which was released from the Mars Express Spacecraft on December 19, disappears shortly before its scheduled landing.
Cassini orbiter releases Huygens probe which successfully landed on Saturn's moon Titan on January 14, 2005.
Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second-largest in the Solar System. It is the only moon known to have a dense atmosphere—denser than Earth's—and is the only known object in the Solar...
Phil Jackson becomes the sixth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games as Los Angeles Lakers beat Boston Celtics, 92-83
Phil Jackson becomes the sixth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games as Los Angeles Lakers beat Boston Celtics, 92-83 at the Staples Center, Los Angeles
27 people are killed after an Antonov An-72 plane crashes near Shymkent, Kazakhstan
27 people are killed after an Antonov An-72 plane crashes near Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board
An RV detonates in downtown Nashville, Tennessee causing damage to people and property; prior to detonating, a recorded
An RV detonates in downtown Nashville, Tennessee causing damage to people and property; prior to detonating, a recorded message playing from speakers warned anyone in earshot to evacuate prior to an explosion
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched in joint effort with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agenc
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched in joint effort with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, South America [1]
Rare polar rain aurora, stretching for 3,000 km, is visible across the North Pole, caused by charged particles flowing f
Rare polar rain aurora, stretching for 3,000 km, is visible across the North Pole, caused by charged particles flowing from the Sun [1]
Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in "Doctor Who", with Millie Gibson as his compan
Ncuti Gatwa makes his debut as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in "Doctor Who", with Millie Gibson as his companion
Azerbaijani airliner crashes near Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people, mistakenly shot down by Russian air defe
Azerbaijani airliner crashes near Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people, mistakenly shot down by Russian air defences [1]