December 31: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2020: On December 31, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first emergency use validation for a COVID-19 vaccine, marking a critical milestone in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. This validation was a significant step in accelerating vaccine distribution and providing international legitimacy for vaccination efforts.
• 2014: A devastating suicide bombing in Ibb, Yemen, claimed the lives of at least 26 people, further highlighting the ongoing instability and violence in the region.
• 2011: President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the states of Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Plateau due to escalating violence by the Islamist sect Boko Haram, signaling a critical moment in Nigeria's internal security challenges.
• 2010: A pre-dawn bomb explosion occurred in an Athens nightclub, fortunately resulting in no injuries. The incident highlighted ongoing security concerns in the region.
• 2004: Gerard Debreu, a French-born economist and Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences winner, passed away. Born in 1921, he was a significant contributor to economic theory.
• 1999: Global millennium celebrations commenced, with Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the Millennium Dome at Greenwich, London. Despite popular belief, the technical start of the third millennium would actually be in 2001, not 2000.
• 1998: The US movie box office reaches a record-breaking $6.24 billion for the year 1998, highlighting the robust entertainment industry.
• 1996: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad to form the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), creating one of the largest and most significant railroad consolidations in United States transportation history. This strategic merger combined two major railroad networks, enhancing operational efficiency and market reach across the North American rail transportation sector.
• 1993: Legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand performed her first live public concert in 20 years, marking a significant moment in her illustrious entertainment career. This rare performance was highly anticipated by her fans and the music industry.
• 1988: NHL player Mario Lemieux achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a goal in each of the five different possible ways in a single game: even-strength, power-play, shorthanded, penalty shot, and empty-net. This extraordinary performance showcases Lemieux's exceptional skill and versatility on the ice.

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December 31st marks the 365th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 366th in case of leap years).

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December 31st is the 31st day of the month of December.

What day of the week is December 31?

On December 31st, 2025 the day of the week is Wednesday.

Holidays and Observances on December 31

The zodiac sign associated with December 31st is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.

More about December 31 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