December 16: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2021: Israeli warplanes conducted overnight airstrikes in southern Syria, resulting in the death of a Syrian soldier and causing material damage. Syrian air defense systems engaged and reportedly intercepted most of the Israeli missiles. In a notable military event, the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF) shot down a 'small hostile drone' over Syria, marking the first enemy aircraft downed by an RAF pilot since the Falklands War in 1982.
• 2014: A devastating terrorist attack in Radaa, central Yemen, involved two car bombs that killed 20 children and 11 Houthi militants. This incident underscored the ongoing violent conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
• 2002: Former Bosnian Serb President Biljana Plavisic pleaded guilty to one count of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Her plea acknowledged her role in the atrocities committed against Bosnian Muslims during the brutal 1992-1995 Bosnian War, marking a significant moment in international criminal justice.
• 2000: On December 16, 2000, Japan released the science fiction monster film 'Godzilla vs. Megaguirus', featuring the iconic kaiju battling a new giant insect-like creature. The movie was part of the long-running Godzilla franchise, continuing the series' tradition of epic monster battles and environmental commentary.
• 1995: Johnny Moss, a pioneering American poker player who significantly influenced the game's professional landscape, passed away. Known as one of the early World Series of Poker champions, Moss was instrumental in establishing poker as a serious competitive sport.
• 1994: Singer Davy Jones, famous member of the popular 1960s pop rock band The Monkees, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in December 1994. This incident highlighted personal struggles of a well-known music icon during the mid-1990s.
• 1988: Anna Popplewell is an English actress known for her role in the Chronicles of Narnia film series. Born on this date, she has established herself as a talented performer in film and television.
• 1985: The Space Shuttle Challenger was transported to Vandenberg Air Force Base in preparation for the STS 51-L mission.
• 1981: Prime Minister Andreas van Agt's second government collapsed, marking a significant political transition in the Netherlands during the early 1980s.
• 1977: Mikhail Baryshnikov's critically acclaimed production of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' was broadcast on CBS, one year after its premiere at the Kennedy Center. This television adaptation would become the most popular and widely viewed version of the classic ballet, bringing the timeless performance to a broader national audience.

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

December 16th marks the 350th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 351st in case of leap years).

There are 15 days remaining until the end of the year.

December 16th is the 16th day of the month of December.

What day of the week is December 16?

On December 16th, 2025 the day of the week is Tuesday.

Holidays and Observances on December 16

The zodiac sign associated with December 16th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.

More about December 16 zodiac

What is special about the Sagittarius sign?

• Sagittarius personality traits and attitude
• Sagittarius most and least compatible signs
• Why December born are so special