What Happened on December 24?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON DECEMBER 24
Explore the most important historical events that happened on December 24, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Italian Hall disaster
Year:
1913
The Italian Hall disaster in Calumet, Michigan results in the deaths of 73 striking workers families at a Christmas party participants (including 59 children) when someone falsely yells "fire".
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World War I
Year:
1914
World War I: The "Christmas truce" begins.
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Reginald Fessenden
Year:
1906
Reginald Fessenden transmits the first radio broadcast; consisting of a poetry reading, a violin solo, and a speech.
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Aida
Year:
1871
The opera Aida premieres in Cairo, Egypt.
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Presidential Guard (Greece)
Year:
1868
The Greek Presidential Guard is established as the royal escort by King George I.
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1918 occupation of Međimurje
Year:
1918
Region of Međimurje is captured by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes from Hungary.
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Gabriele D'Annunzio
Year:
1920
Gabriele D'Annunzio surrendered the Italian Regency of Carnaro in the city of Fiume to Italian Armed Forces.
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World War II
Year:
1939
World War II: Pope Pius XII makes a Christmas Eve appeal for peace.
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BIRTHS ON DECEMBER 24
Discover famous people and historical figures born on December 24, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Fritz Leiber
Year of birth:
1910
Fritz Leiber, American author and poet (died 1992)
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Ellen Braumüller
Year of birth:
1910
Ellen Braumüller, German javelin thrower and triathlete (died 1991)
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I. F. Stone
Year of birth:
1907
I. F. Stone, American journalist and author (died 1989)
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Franz Waxman
Year of birth:
1906
Franz Waxman, German-American composer and conductor (died 1967)
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Howard Hughes
Year of birth:
1905
Howard Hughes, American businessman, engineer, and pilot (died 1976)
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Ad Reinhardt
Year of birth:
1913
Ad Reinhardt, American painter and academic (died 1967)
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Dave Bartholomew
Year of birth:
1918
Dave Bartholomew, American bandleader, composer and arranger (died 2019)
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William C. Schneider
Year of birth:
1923
William C. Schneider, American aerospace engineer (died 1999)
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DEATHS ON DECEMBER 24
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on December 24, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Wilhelm Ackermann
Year of death:
1962
Wilhelm Ackermann, German mathematician (born 1896)
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Eveline Adelheid von Maydell
Year of death:
1962
Eveline Adelheid von Maydell, German illustrator (born 1890)
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Claudia Jones
Year of death:
1964
Claudia Jones, Trinidad-British journalist and activist (born 1915)
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William M. Branham
Year of death:
1965
William M. Branham, American minister and theologian (born 1906)
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Burt Baskin
Year of death:
1967
Burt Baskin, American businessman, co-founded Baskin-Robbins (born 1913)
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John Black (businessman)
Year of death:
1965
John Black, English businessman (born 1895)
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Robert Hillyer
Year of death:
1961
Robert Hillyer, American poet and academic (born 1895)
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Norma Talmadge
Year of death:
1957
Norma Talmadge, American actress and producer (born 1894)
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HOLIDAYS ON DECEMBER 24
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on December 24 around the world.
Irmina of Oeren
Christian feast day: Adela and Irmina
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Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve (Christianity) and its related observances: Nochebuena (Spain and Spanish-speaking countries)
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Christmas Peace
Christmas Eve (Christianity) and its related observances: The Declaration of Christmas Peace (Old Great Square of Turku, Finland's official Christmas City)
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Wigilia
Christmas Eve (Christianity) and its related observances: Wigilia (Poland)
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Yule and Christmas in Denmark
Christmas Eve (Christianity) and its related observances: Juleaften (Denmark)/Julaften (Norway)/Julafton (Sweden)
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Kūčios
Kūčios (Lithuania)
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Days of Military Honour
Day of Military Honour – Siege of Ismail (Russia)
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Adam
Christian feast day: Adam and Eve
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