Europa
- Treaty of Ghent Signed (1814)
On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed in Belgium, officially ending the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. This event marked a significant diplomatic achievement in Europe, as it was negotiated and signed on European soil, specifically in the city of Ghent. - First Performance of “Silent Night” (1818)
The beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”) was performed for the first time on December 24, 1818, at the Nikolauskirche in Oberndorf, Austria. The music was composed by Franz Gruber to lyrics written by Josef Mohr, and the song has since become a staple of Christmas celebrations worldwide. - Christmas Truce of World War I (1914)
On Christmas Eve 1914, an unofficial ceasefire known as the “Christmas Truce” began along the Western Front during World War I. British and German soldiers emerged from their trenches, exchanged gifts, sang carols, and even played football together. This rare moment of peace and humanity in the midst of war is one of the most poignant episodes in European history. - First Air Raid on Britain (1914)
Also on December 24, 1914, a German monoplane dropped a bomb on Dover, England, marking the first time a bomb was dropped on British soil. The bomb landed in the garden of a rectory, causing damage but no fatalities. - Albania Becomes a Republic (1924)
On this day in 1924, Albania declared itself a republic, marking a significant political change in southeastern Europe. - Assassination of Admiral François Darlan (1942)
French monarchist Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle assassinated Vichy French Admiral François Darlan in Algiers, Algeria, on December 24, 1942. This event had major implications for the power dynamics within the French territories during World War II. - 1868: The Greek Presidential Guard was established as the royal escort by King George I of Greece.
- 1918: The region of Međimurje was captured by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes from Hungary, impacting the borders in Central Europe after World War I.
America
- Treaty of Ghent Ends the War of 1812 (1814)
On December 24, 1814, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent in Belgium, officially ending the War of 1812. The treaty marked a turning point for the young nation, fostering a sense of U.S. nationalism and reducing American dependence on Europe. - George Washington Crosses the Delaware (1776)
On the night of December 24, 1776, General George Washington began his famous crossing of the Delaware River, leading to a surprise attack and victory over Hessian forces at the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution. - Eggnog Riots at West Point (1826)
The “Eggnog Riots” began at the United States Military Academy at West Point on December 24, 1826. Cadets, having smuggled whiskey to make eggnog for Christmas celebrations, caused a riot that lasted into Christmas Day. - Creation of the Ku Klux Klan (1865)
The Ku Klux Klan, an extremist white supremacist organization, was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, by Confederate Army veterans on December 24, 1865. - Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast (1968)
On December 24, 1968, Apollo 8 astronauts made a historic live television broadcast from lunar orbit, sharing views of Earth and reading from the Book of Genesis, marking a milestone in the American space program. - NORAD Santa Tracking Begins (1955)
The tradition of NORAD (then CONAD) tracking Santa Claus started on December 24, 1955, after a misprinted phone number in a Sears ad led children to call the military command center, which then began providing “Santa updates”—a tradition that continues today. - White House Fire (1929)
On December 24, 1929, a four-alarm fire broke out in the West Wing of the White House, causing significant damage but no injuries. - Edwin Hubble’s Birthday (1889): American astronomer Edwin Hubble, who proved the universe is expanding, was born on this day.
- John Muir’s Birthday (1838): Influential naturalist and founder of the U.S. National Park System, John Muir, was also born on December 24.
- Iran-Contra Pardons (1992): President George H. W. Bush granted pardons to six officials involved in the Iran-Contra scandal on December 24, 1992.
Asia
- 502 CE: Chinese Emperor Xiao Yan names his son Xiao Tong as heir designate, an important moment in the Southern Liang dynasty’s succession.
- 759 CE: Famous Tang dynasty poet Du Fu departs for Chengdu, where he is hosted by fellow poet Pei Di, marking a notable event in Chinese literary history.
- 971 CE: The Battle of Ayn Shams takes place near Cairo, where the Fatimid forces defeat the Qarmatians, ending the First Qarmatian invasion of Egypt, a significant event in Middle Eastern history.
- 1144 CE: The capital of the Crusader County of Edessa falls to Imad ad-Din Zengi, atabeg of Mosul and Aleppo, which marks a turning point in the Crusades and has major repercussions for the region.
- 1737 CE: The Marathas defeat the combined forces of the Mughal Empire and several regional rulers in the Battle of Bhopal, consolidating Maratha power in India.
- 1846 CE: Britain gains control of the island of Labuan (off modern-day Borneo), aiming to develop it as a free port similar to Singapore, marking the expansion of British colonial interests in Southeast Asia.
- 1941 CE: During World War II, Japanese forces conquer Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Borneo, marking a key moment in the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia.
- 1972 CE: North Vietnam bars all peace talks with the United States until U.S. air raids over North Vietnam stop, highlighting tensions during the Vietnam War.
- 1974: An oil tanker spill pollutes 1,600 square miles of Japan’s Inland Sea, causing significant environmental damage.
- 2005: Chad declares a state of war against Sudan after a deadly attack, reflecting ongoing regional conflict in Central Africa, which borders Asia.
Africa
- Libya Gains Independence (1951)
On December 24, 1951, Libya became the first country to gain independence through the United Nations, ending Italian colonial rule. Libya was established as a constitutional monarchy under King Idris, marking a major milestone in African decolonization and the rise of new nation-states on the continent. - Violence in Nigeria (2010)
On December 24, 2010, bomb blasts during Christmas Eve celebrations near Jos, Nigeria, killed at least 32 people. Additional attacks on churches in Maiduguri by suspected Islamist militants resulted in further casualties. These incidents highlighted ongoing religious and sectarian tensions in parts of Nigeria. - Egyptian Political Event (2005)
On December 24, 2005, Egyptian opposition leader Ayman Nour was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to five years in prison. This event drew international attention to issues of political repression and human rights in Egypt. - Darfur Conflict and International Aid (2005)
Also on December 24, 2005, the U.S. Congress rejected a request to restore $50 million in aid to the African Union for peacekeeping operations in Darfur, Sudan. The funding was intended to help control the ongoing conflict in Darfur, where significant humanitarian crises and loss of life had occurred. - In Somalia, December 24, 2010, saw the militant group Hizbul Islam join forces with al-Shabaab, further consolidating Islamist insurgency in the region.
This day in history: 24 december