December 24 has witnessed a multitude of significant historical events spanning centuries, each leaving a profound impact on the course of human history.
From pivotal moments in religious leadership to groundbreaking advancements in science and tragic disasters, this day encapsulates a rich tapestry of global milestones.
This article delves into twenty notable occurrences that took place on December 24, arranged chronologically, to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical significance of this date.
December 24th – On this Day in History
640 – Pope John IV is Elected
In the year 640, Pope John IV was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy came at a time of significant turmoil and challenges for the Church. He was known for his efforts to support Christians in the Balkans who were suffering from the invasions of the Slavs and Avars.
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Pope John IV’s election marked the beginning of his brief but impactful tenure, during which he worked to strengthen the Church’s infrastructure and support its followers in troubled regions. His papacy lasted until his death in 642.
1294 – Pope Boniface VIII is Elected

On December 24, 1294, Pope Boniface VIII was elected, succeeding St. Celestine V. Boniface VIII is remembered for his assertive and often controversial leadership style. He sought to assert the supremacy of the papacy over secular rulers, which led to significant conflicts, notably with King Philip IV of France.
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His papacy was marked by his issuance of the papal bull “Unam Sanctam,” which proclaimed the necessity of submission to the pope for salvation. Boniface VIII’s tenure significantly influenced the relationship between the Church and European monarchies.
1524 – Death of Vasco da Gama
Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, renowned for discovering the sea route to India, died on December 24, 1524, in Cochin, India. His voyages were pivotal in establishing a sea-based trade route between Europe and Asia, which had significant economic and cultural implications.
Da Gama’s expeditions helped Portugal establish a colonial empire in Asia, leading to an era of global exploration and trade. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that had a lasting impact on the course of world history.
1777 – Discovery of Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
On December 24, 1777, Captain James Cook discovered Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, during his third voyage of exploration in the Pacific Ocean. This atoll in the central Pacific Ocean was named in honor of the day of its discovery.
Cook’s explorations were crucial in mapping the Pacific and expanding European knowledge of the region. Kiritimati later played roles in various historical events, including as a site for nuclear testing during the Cold War.
1814 – Signing of the Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814, effectively ended the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. Negotiated in the neutral city of Ghent in modern-day Belgium, the treaty restored relations between the two nations to their pre-war status.
While the treaty did not address the issues that had initially sparked the war, such as maritime rights and territorial disputes, it marked the end of hostilities and paved the way for a long-lasting peace between the United States and Britain. The treaty’s signing was a significant event in early American diplomatic history.
1818 – Composition and First Performance of “Silent Night”
On December 24, 1818, the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” was first performed at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. The song was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics written by Joseph Mohr. Mohr had written the lyrics in 1816 and asked Gruber to compose a melody for them just before Christmas in 1818.
The song was intended for guitar accompaniment because the church organ was not functioning. “Silent Night” quickly grew in popularity and is now a staple of Christmas celebrations worldwide, known for its soothing melody and peaceful message.
1826 – The Eggnog Riot
The Eggnog Riot, also known as the Grog Mutiny, took place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, on December 24-25, 1826. Cadets at the academy, who were prohibited from consuming alcohol, smuggled in whiskey to make eggnog for their Christmas festivities.
The celebration escalated into a drunken brawl, resulting in significant damage to the barracks and disciplinary action against several cadets. This event is remembered as one of the most infamous incidents in the history of West Point and highlights the challenges of enforcing discipline in a military academy.
1851 – Library of Congress Fire

On December 24, 1851, a devastating fire broke out in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The blaze destroyed a significant portion of the library’s collection, including many irreplaceable documents and books. The library lost about two-thirds of its 55,000-volume collection.
This disaster prompted a major effort to rebuild and expand the library, eventually leading to the establishment of the Library of Congress as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive repositories of knowledge. The fire underscored the importance of protecting cultural heritage and led to improvements in fireproofing and preservation techniques.
1865 – Formation of the Ku Klux Klan
The Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization, was formed on December 24, 1865, by a group of Confederate veterans in Pulaski, Tennessee. Initially established as a social club, the Klan quickly evolved into a violent organization aiming to resist Reconstruction and maintain white dominance in the South.
Members used terror, violence, and intimidation against African Americans and their allies. The Klan’s actions had a profound and lasting impact on American society, contributing to the entrenchment of racial segregation and discrimination. The group’s formation marks a dark chapter in U.S. history, illustrating the deep-seated racial tensions of the post-Civil War era.
1906 – First Radio Broadcast by Reginald Fessenden
On December 24, 1906, Canadian inventor Reginald Fessenden made the first radio broadcast, transmitting from Brant Rock, Massachusetts. The broadcast included a poetry reading, a violin solo of “O Holy Night,” and a speech by Fessenden himself.
This historic event marked a significant milestone in the development of radio technology, demonstrating the potential for wireless communication to transmit voice and music.
Fessenden’s achievement laid the groundwork for the future of radio broadcasting, which would go on to revolutionize communication and entertainment in the 20th century.
1913 – Italian Hall Disaster

On December 24, 1913, the Italian Hall disaster occurred in Calumet, Michigan, during a Christmas Eve party organized for the children of striking mine workers. The event took a tragic turn when someone falsely shouted “Fire!” causing a panic.
In the ensuing chaos, dozens of people, mostly children, were crushed to death as they attempted to flee down a narrow staircase. A total of 73 people lost their lives.
The disaster highlighted the severe tensions between labor and management during this period and underscored the hazardous conditions and social struggles faced by mining communities. The Italian Hall disaster remains one of the most tragic events in Michigan’s history.
1924 – Albania Becomes a Republic
On December 24, 1924, Albania officially became a republic, marking a significant shift in its political landscape. The move followed a period of instability and conflict, including the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a democratic government led by Fan Noli.
Noli, a charismatic leader and cleric, sought to modernize Albania and reduce the influence of foreign powers. However, his government was short-lived, and within six months, Ahmet Zogu, a former prime minister and future king, regained control.
Despite its brief duration, the declaration of the republic was an important step in Albania’s ongoing struggle for political stability and national identity.
1941 – Battle of Wake Island Ends
The Battle of Wake Island, a significant confrontation during World War II, ended on December 24, 1941, with a Japanese victory. The battle began on December 8, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, the American garrison, composed of Marines, Navy personnel, and civilian contractors, put up a fierce resistance. The defenders managed to repel the initial Japanese assault but were eventually overwhelmed after a second, larger invasion force arrived.
The fall of Wake Island was a strategic victory for Japan, providing them with a valuable base in the Pacific, but it also became a symbol of American bravery and determination.
1942 – Scuttling of the French Fleet in Toulon

On December 24, 1942, French Admiral Jean de Laborde ordered the scuttling of the French fleet in Toulon harbor to prevent it from falling into German hands. The fleet, consisting of battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, was a significant force that the Germans sought to capture after the Allied invasion of North Africa.
To avoid this, de Laborde executed a pre-arranged plan to sink the ships. In total, 77 vessels were scuttled, rendering them unusable. This decisive action by the French Navy prevented the fleet from being used by the Axis powers and underscored the complexities and difficult choices faced by French forces during World War II.
1951 – Libya Gains Independence from Italy
On December 24, 1951, Libya became an independent country, marking the end of Italian colonial rule. Under the leadership of King Idris, Libya emerged as the United Kingdom of Libya, comprising the regions of Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan. This was the first time the country had been unified as a single nation-state.
The path to independence was influenced by international pressure and support, particularly from the United Nations, which facilitated the process. Libya’s independence was significant in the context of the broader decolonization movement across Africa and the Middle East, as nations sought self-determination and sovereignty after years of European control.
1953 – Tangiwai Disaster
On December 24, 1953, New Zealand experienced its worst railway disaster when the Whangaehu River Bridge collapsed, causing the Wellington-to-Auckland express train to plunge into the river. The disaster, known as the Tangiwai disaster, occurred due to a lahar—a volcanic mudflow—triggered by the collapse of the crater wall of Mount Ruapehu.
The lahar weakened the bridge supports just as the train was crossing. Of the 285 passengers on board, 151 lost their lives. This tragic event deeply shocked the nation and led to significant improvements in New Zealand’s railway safety and disaster response protocols.
Tangiwai remains a poignant reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the importance of infrastructure resilience.
1968 – Apollo 8 Enters Lunar Orbit

On December 24, 1968, Apollo 8 made history as its astronauts became the first humans to enter orbit around the Moon. The crew—Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders—conducted a series of ten orbits, during which they performed various scientific observations and took iconic photographs, including the famous “Earthrise” image.
Their Christmas Eve broadcast from lunar orbit captivated audiences around the world, as they read passages from the Book of Genesis.
Apollo 8’s successful mission was a critical step in the lead-up to the Apollo 11 Moon landing and demonstrated the feasibility of human lunar exploration, significantly boosting the morale and aspirations of NASA and the American public.
1973 – District of Columbia Home Rule Act Passed
On December 24, 1973, the District of Columbia Home Rule Act was passed by the U.S. Congress, granting residents of Washington, D.C., the right to elect their own local government, including a mayor and city council. Prior to this, the city had been governed directly by the federal government.
The act was a significant milestone in the quest for greater political autonomy and self-governance for the residents of the capital. It aimed to address long-standing grievances about the lack of local representation and control over municipal affairs.
The Home Rule Act marked an important step towards greater democratic participation for D.C. residents, although debates about full voting rights and statehood continue to this day.
1997 – Sid El-Antri Massacre
On December 24, 1997, Algeria was shaken by the Sid El-Antri massacre, one of the numerous violent incidents during the Algerian Civil War. The massacre occurred in a small village near Algiers, where armed insurgents attacked and killed between 50 and 100 villagers. The conflict, which began in 1991, was primarily between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups.
The Sid El-Antri massacre was part of a series of brutal attacks that targeted civilians, reflecting the intense and often indiscriminate violence that characterized the civil war. This tragic event underscored the severe human toll of the conflict and the desperate need for peace and reconciliation in Algeria.
2005 – Chad Declares War on Sudan
On December 24, 2005, Chad declared a state of war against Sudan following a deadly attack on the Chadian town of Adré on December 18, which resulted in the deaths of about 100 people. The Chadian government accused Sudan of supporting rebel groups that were destabilizing the region.
This declaration of war intensified the already strained relations between the two countries and highlighted the broader regional instability, particularly in the context of the Darfur conflict in Sudan. The situation underscored the complexities of regional politics in Central Africa, where internal conflicts often have cross-border implications, leading to a cycle of violence and retaliation that affects the broader region’s stability and security.