December 26: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2020: On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 struck off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, generating one of the deadliest tsunamis in recorded history. The powerful seismic event triggered massive tsunami waves that devastated coastal regions across the Indian Ocean, impacting countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and even reaching as far as East Africa. The catastrophic disaster claimed approximately 230,000 lives across 14 countries, making it one of the most destructive natural disasters of the 21st century. The tsunami's immense power destroyed entire communities, displaced millions of people, and prompted a global humanitarian response that reshaped international disaster relief strategies.
• 2014: In a significant diplomatic development during the ongoing War in Donbass, Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels conducted a large-scale prisoner exchange of nearly 370 hostages, marking the largest such exchange since hostilities began in April 2014.
• 2011: In the ongoing Syrian uprising, violence escalates in Homs as Arab League observers arrive to monitor the situation, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the conflict.
• 2010: Tunisian security forces crack down on residents in Sidi Bou Zid Governorate, leading to violent protests against unemployment. A teenager is killed by police during the confrontation, highlighting growing social tensions.
• 2004: Reggie White, legendary American football player and defensive end, passed away. Known as the 'Minister of Defense', White was a pivotal figure in NFL history and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
• 2002: French Raelian scientist Brigitte Boisselier claims that Clonaid has successfully delivered the first of a supposed five clone babies via cesarean section, sparking significant scientific and ethical controversy.
• 1999: On December 26, 1999, Curtis Mayfield, a legendary American musician, composer, and pivotal figure in soul and R&B music, passed away. Born in 1942, Mayfield was known for his influential work with The Impressions and his socially conscious solo career, including the groundbreaking soundtrack to the film 'Superfly'.
• 1998: Iraq announces its intention to fire upon U.S. and British warplanes patrolling the northern and southern 'no-fly zones', heightening tensions in the ongoing Iraq disarmament crisis.
• 1995: Paul Adams made history by becoming South Africa's youngest Test Cricket player at the remarkably young age of 18 years and 340 days. His debut marked a significant milestone in South African cricket, highlighting the emerging talent in the national team during the mid-1990s.
• 1988: The musical 'Legs Diamond' premiered at the Mark Hellinger Theater in New York City, scheduled for a run of 64 performances. This theatrical production likely explored themes related to the historical gangster Jack 'Legs' Diamond.

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December 26th marks the 360th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 361st in case of leap years).

There are 5 days remaining until the end of the year.

December 26th is the 26th day of the month of December.

What day of the week is December 26?

On December 26th, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on December 26

The zodiac sign associated with December 26th is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.

More about December 26 zodiac

What is special about the Capricorn sign?

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