20 Historical Events That Happened on Christmas Day
A roundup of remarkable moments in history that unfolded on Christmas Day, spanning various fields and eras.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Christmas has been the backdrop for some surprising and significant events in history. This list covers 20 moments that made an impact, showing how December 25th has shaped the world. These events remind us that Christmas is more than gifts and feasts.
1. The First Christmas Tree in the White House (1861)
The White House from Washington, DC on Wikimedia Commons
In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln’s family set up the first Christmas tree in the White House. This small act brought some holiday cheer during the Civil War, a tough time in American history. It marked the beginning of a tradition that continues today.
2. The Christmas Truce of 1914
Robson Harold B on Wikimedia Commons
During World War I, soldiers on both sides of the Western Front paused fighting to celebrate Christmas together. They sang carols, exchanged gifts, and even played football in no-man’s land. This unexpected truce showed the power of the holiday spirit even amid war.
3. The Birth of Christ Celebrated Worldwide
Carlo Saraceni on Wikimedia Commons
Millions around the world celebrate Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches hold special services, and families come together to mark this important day, which has religious and cultural meaning for many.
4. The First Broadcast of “The Queen’s Speech” (1952)
Unknown newspaper photographer on Wikimedia Commons
Queen Elizabeth II broadcast her first Christmas Day speech in 1952. It was a new way for her to connect with the people of the United Kingdom, and the speech has since become a beloved Christmas tradition.
5. The U.S. and USSR Sign the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1974)
Robert LeRoy Knudsen on Wikimedia Commons
On Christmas Day, 1974, the U.S. and the Soviet Union signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This agreement marked a significant step in the effort to reduce nuclear weapons testing. It was an essential moment in the Cold War.
6. George Washington Crosses the Delaware (1776)
Popular Graphic Arts on Wikimedia Commons
On Christmas night in 1776, George Washington led his troops across the icy Delaware River. This surprise attack boosted morale and turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. It remains one of the most famous military moves in U.S. history.
7. Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon (1968)
NASA/Bill Anders on Wikimedia Commons
On Christmas Eve, the Apollo 8 crew became the first humans to orbit the moon. They shared breathtaking views of Earth and read verses from the Book of Genesis, inspiring awe around the globe.
8. Japan’s Emperor Showa’s Christmas Day Message (1945)
『每日新聞』昭和二十年一月一日號 / Mainichi Shinbun 1 on Wikimedia Commons
After Japan’s surrender in World War II, Emperor Showa gave a rare Christmas Day message. He addressed the nation to encourage rebuilding and unity. This speech helped Japan begin to recover from the devastation of war.
9. Charlemagne Crowned Emperor (800 AD)
Levan Ramishvili on Wikimedia Commons
On Christmas Day, 800 AD, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans. This marked the start of the Holy Roman Empire and was a turning point for Europe during the Middle Ages.
10. The Declaration of Christmas Peace in Finland
V. K. Hietanen / Helsingin Sanomat on Wikimedia Commons
Every year on Christmas Day, Finland declares a “Christmas Peace” in Turku. This tradition dates back to the 1300s, promotes kindness and harmony, and reminds people to cherish peace during the holidays.
11. The Battle of Trenton (1776)
H. Charles McBarron, Jr. on Wikimedia Commons
After crossing the Delaware River, George Washington’s army won a decisive victory in the Battle of Trenton. This Christmas Day success gave the Continental Army a much-needed boost and showed its resilience and determination to fight for independence.
12. The Founding of the Kuomintang (1912)
w:Kuomintang party, Republic of China government on Wikimedia Commons
China’s Kuomintang political party was established on December 25, 1912. This party played a significant role in shaping modern Chinese history and marked a step toward political reform.
13. Silent Night Premieres (1818)
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
The beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” was written by a priest and a schoolteacher and first performed in Austria on December 25, 1818. Today, it is sung worldwide as a symbol of peace and hope.
14. Isaac Newton’s Birth (1642)
Godfrey Kneller on Wikimedia Commons
Isaac Newton, one of history’s most outstanding scientists, was born on Christmas Day in 1642. His discoveries in physics and mathematics changed how we understand the world, making his birth another remarkable reason for December 25th.
15. The End of the Soviet Union (1991)
The United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division on Wikimedia Commons
On Christmas Day in 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as President of the Soviet Union, officially ending the USSR. This historic moment reshaped global politics.
16. Anwar Sadat’s Historic Visit to Jerusalem (1977)
Matty Stern / U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv on Wikimedia Commons
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat made a groundbreaking trip to Jerusalem on Christmas Day in 1977. This visit was a step toward peace between Egypt and Israel. It opened the door to future diplomatic agreements.
17. The Birth of Clara Barton (1821)
Mathew Benjamin Brady on Wikimedia Commons
Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, was born on Christmas Day in 1812. Her work saved countless lives during wars and disasters, and she’s remembered as a pioneer in humanitarian aid.
18. The First Christmas Day Parade (1924)
Los Angeles Times on Wikimedia Commons
The first Christmas Day Parade in America took place in 1924. It was hosted by Macy’s and featured floats, music, and Santa Claus. This event became the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
19. Hong Kong’s First Constitution (1941)
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Hong Kong’s first constitution was signed on Christmas Day, 1941. This document laid the groundwork for the region’s governance and was a key moment in Hong Kong’s history.
20. Christmas Becomes a Public Holiday in the U.S. (1870)
White House Photo Office on Wikimedia Commons
In 1870, Christmas was officially declared a public holiday in the United States. This decision recognized the day’s importance for many Americans and allowed families to celebrate yearly.