December 31: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for December 31

• Zodiac sign: Capricorn
• Day of year: 365

About December 31

As the world prepares for a fresh start, December 31 serves as a profound temporal crossroads. It is a day of massive geopolitical shifts, such as in 1991 when the official institutions of the Soviet Union finally ceased to exist, and in 1992 when the 'Velvet Divorce' peacefully split Czechoslovakia into two distinct nations. Whether it is the jubilant energy of Hogmanay or the quiet reflection of World Peace Meditation Day, the date invites us to weigh the lessons of the past against the promises of the future.

The day also holds unique cultural quirks; for instance, in 1844, the Philippines skipped this date entirely to synchronize their time with Asian neighbors. From the corporate triumphs of General Motors becoming a billion-dollar company to the somber beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic awareness in 2019, December 31 is a tapestry of human achievement, tragedy, and the relentless march of time.

Holidays & Observances on December 31

• International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis (Azerbaijan)
• New Year's Eve (International observance), and its related observances: First Night (United States)
• The seventh of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Western Christianity)
• The sixth and penultimate day of Kwanzaa (United States)

Fun & National Days on December 31

• National Champagne Day — Raise a sparkling glass to toast the arrival of a brand new year!
• Make Up Your Mind Day — Stop procrastinating and finally make those big decisions you have been putting off.
• No Interruptions Day — Enjoy some uninterrupted peace and quiet to reflect on the past year.
• One Voice Day — Speak with unity and strength to advocate for the things that truly matter.
• Hogmanay
• Universal Hour of Peace Day
• Unlucky Day
• World Peace Meditation Day

On This Day in History

• 406 — The Vandals, Alans, and Suebians began their historic invasion of Gaul by crossing the Rhine River.
• 1225 — The Lý dynasty in Vietnam concluded its 216-year rule as the Trần dynasty began under Emperor Trần Thái Tông.
• 1501 — History was made during the First Battle of Cannanore with the inaugural use of the naval line of battle.
• 1600 — The British East India Company was officially granted its royal charter, changing global trade forever.
• 1759 — Arthur Guinness secured a legendary 9,000-year lease to begin his famous brewing legacy.
• 1796 — The city of Baltimore was officially incorporated, marking a milestone in American urban history.
• 1879 — Thomas Edison showcased the first public demonstration of incandescent lighting in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
• 1907 — The iconic tradition of the New Year's Eve ball drop commenced for the first time in Times Square.
• 1946 — President Harry S. Truman formally declared that active hostilities in World War II had ended.
• 1983 — The United States government dismantled the AT&T Bell System, breaking up the massive telecommunications monopoly.
• 1991 — The Soviet Union officially dissolved, with all its governing institutions ceasing operations by this date.
• 1992 — Czechoslovakia underwent a peaceful dissolution known as the Velvet Divorce, forming the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Famous Birthdays on December 31

• 1514 — Andreas Vesalius, The pioneering Belgian physician and anatomist who revolutionized the study of human biology.
• 1869 — Henri Matisse, The legendary French painter and sculptor renowned for his influential use of color.
• 1878 — Elizabeth Arden, The influential Canadian businesswoman who became a titan in the global cosmetics industry.
• 1880 — George Marshall, The distinguished American general and statesman who served as the 50th U.S. Secretary of State.
• 1908 — Simon Wiesenthal, The famous Ukrainian-Austrian author and dedicated Nazi hunter.
• 1941 — Sir Alex Ferguson, The iconic Scottish football manager celebrated for his incredible success on the pitch.