December 5: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
December 5 marks the day the United States officially ended the Prohibition era with the ratification of the 21st Amendment in 1933.
Quick Facts for December 5
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Day of year: 339
About December 5
On this day, the world observes a diverse tapestry of traditions, ranging from the whimsical to the reverent. In many European nations, families prepare for the arrival of Saint Nicholas by celebrating his eve, while others embrace the darker folklore of Krampusnacht. It is also a day of profound remembrance in Thailand, marking the memorial birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a figure of immense national significance.
Beyond folklore and royalty, December 5 serves as a moment for global civic engagement. As International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, it encourages people to contribute to the betterment of society. Whether through the quiet study of the earth on World Soil Day or the spirited celebrations of Children's Day in Suriname, the date balances the importance of community service with the joy of cultural heritage.
Holidays & Observances on December 5
- Children's Day (Suriname)
- Day of Military Honour - Battle of Moscow (Russia)
- Discovery Day (Haiti and Dominican Republic)
- International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
- Klozum (Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands)
- Saint Nicholas' Eve (Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Poland and the UK) Krampusnacht (Austria)
- The King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Birthday (Thailand)
- World Soil Day
Fun & National Days on December 5
- Bathtub Party Day — Turn your bath into a celebration with extra bubbles and relaxing music.
- Day of the Ninja — Practice your stealthy moves and embrace your inner shadow today.
- Earmuff Day — Keep your ears cozy and warm with your favorite fuzzy pair.
- National Blue Jeans Day — Celebrate the classic style by wearing your favorite denim outfit.
- AFL-CIO Day
- Coats & Toys for Kids Day
- Global Fat Bike Day
- International Spirit of the Game Day
On This Day in History
- 1775 — Henry Knox initiated his monumental task of transporting heavy artillery to Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the American Revolution.
- 1776 — The College of William & Mary hosted the inaugural meeting of Phi Beta Kappa, America's oldest academic honor society.
- 1848 — President James K. Polk notified the United States Congress that massive gold deposits had been identified in California.
- 1914 — The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition set sail, aiming to achieve the first overland journey across the Antarctic continent.
- 1921 — The Football Association implemented a 50-year prohibition on women playing football within English league grounds.
- 1933 — The ratification of the 21st Amendment officially brought an end to the era of Prohibition in America.
- 1941 — Soviet forces under Georgy Zhukov launched a significant counter-offensive against German troops during the Battle of Moscow.
- 1952 — London was paralyzed for four days by the Great Smog, a deadly combination of fog and heavy pollution.
- 1955 — The Montgomery bus boycott commenced, a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement sparked by Rosa Parks.
- 1958 — Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the UK's Subscriber Trunk Dialing system by making a call from Bristol to Edinburgh.
- 1991 — Leonid Kravchuk achieved a historic milestone by being elected as the first president of Ukraine.
- 2014 — NASA launched the Exploration Flight Test-1, marking the initial flight test for the Orion spacecraft.
Famous Birthdays on December 5
- 1782 — Martin Van Buren, The influential American politician who served as the eighth President of the United States.
- 1830 — Christina Rossetti, A highly celebrated English poet and author known for her lyrical works.
- 1839 — George Armstrong Custer, A well-known American general famous for his role during the late 19th century.
- 1890 — Fritz Lang, An iconic Austrian-American filmmaker who shaped the history of cinema.
- 1901 — Walt Disney, The legendary American animator and entrepreneur who co-founded the Disney empire.
- 1901 — Werner Heisenberg, A Nobel Prize-winning German physicist who revolutionized our understanding of quantum mechanics.
- 1932 — Little Richard, The legendary American singer and pianist who became a pioneer of rock and roll.
- 1934 — Joan Didion, A highly respected American novelist and screenwriter noted for her distinctive prose.