What Happened on December 25?

Christmas Day has witnessed daring military crossings, a spacecraft circling the Moon, and even a truce between soldiers during World War I.

1066 — William the Conqueror crowned King of England

Months after winning the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy was crowned king on Christmas Day at Westminster Abbey. Read the full story →
1776 — Washington crosses the icy Delaware River

General George Washington led American troops across the frozen Delaware River on Christmas night for a surprise attack. Read the full story →
1914 — Soldiers hold an unofficial Christmas Truce during World War I

British and German troops stopped fighting on Christmas Day, singing carols, sharing treats, and even playing football together. Read the full story →
1968 — Apollo 8 astronauts orbit the Moon on Christmas Eve

Three NASA astronauts became the first humans to circle another world, reading Genesis to millions watching on TV. Read the full story →
1991 — Soviet leader Gorbachev resigns; USSR dissolves

Mikhail Gorbachev stepped down as president of the Soviet Union, ending the country's existence and decades of Cold War. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Clara Barton (1821–1912) · Isaac Newton (Old Style calendar) (1642–1727) · Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957) · Clara Barton (1821–1912)

Christmas Day · National Pumpkin Pie Day · Newtonmas (science fun day) · A Christmas Carol Remembrance