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Major Events of December 2020: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 2020 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 2020: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 2020 Chang'e-5 Moon Sample Mission: China successfully landed its Chang'e-5 robotic spacecraft on the Moon, initiating a complex two-day mission designed to collect and return lunar rock samples. This mission represented a significant milestone in China's lunar exploration program and advanced global understanding of lunar geology.
  • 02 Dec 2020 UK First to Approve Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: The United Kingdom became the first country to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, signaling a major breakthrough in the global fight against the pandemic. The British government prepared to launch a nationwide vaccination program, prioritizing healthcare workers and vulnerable populations.
  • 03 Dec 2020 CDC Director Warns of Impending COVID-19 Crisis: Dr. Robert Redfield, then-Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued a stark warning about the upcoming months of the COVID-19 pandemic. He predicted these would be 'the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation,' emphasizing the critical challenges facing the United States in managing the coronavirus outbreak.
  • 04 Dec 2020 Kane Williamson's Record-Breaking Test Performance Against West Indies: New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson delivered a spectacular individual performance in the first Test match against the West Indies in Hamilton. Williamson scored an impressive 251 runs, setting up a commanding innings that ultimately led to New Zealand securing a comprehensive victory by an innings and 134 runs.
  • 05 Dec 2020 CDC Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed states about the initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines through Operation Warp Speed. However, the initial vaccine supply was significantly limited, creating challenges for comprehensive nationwide immunization.
  • 06 Dec 2020 US Troop Withdrawal from Somalia: On December 6, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an order to withdraw approximately 700 American military personnel from Somalia. This decision marked a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in the Horn of Africa, potentially impacting regional stability and counterterrorism efforts against the Al-Shabaab militant group. The withdrawal raised concerns about the potential power vacuum and the ability of local and international forces to maintain security in the region.
  • 07 Dec 2020 California Implements Second COVID-19 Lockdown: California initiated a second statewide lockdown due to escalating COVID-19 cases, with the state experiencing an average of 21,000 daily infections and significant hospital capacity strain.
  • 08 Dec 2020 Britain Launches Massive COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: The United Kingdom initiated its comprehensive coronavirus vaccination effort, deploying the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The National Health Service undertook an unprecedented logistical challenge, recruiting thousands of additional workers to administer millions of vaccine doses, marking a critical turning point in the nation's pandemic response.
  • 09 Dec 2020 Uneventful Day in Global History: On December 9, 2020, while no specific major historical events were documented, this day occurred during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted worldwide social, economic, and health landscapes. The ongoing pandemic continued to shape daily life, with many countries implementing various restrictions and vaccination efforts.
  • 10 Dec 2020 FDA Panel Recommends Tozinameran Emergency Approval: An expert panel advising the FDA recommended granting emergency approval for Tozinameran (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) for usage in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the pandemic.
  • 11 Dec 2020 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Authorization: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, marking a critical milestone in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. This authorization enabled widespread vaccination efforts and provided hope during the challenging period of the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • 12 Dec 2020 UN Chief Calls for Global Climate Emergency Declaration: On the 5th anniversary of the Paris Climate Accord, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a powerful and urgent plea to world leaders, calling for an immediate and comprehensive declaration of a 'climate emergency'. His address highlighted the critical need for immediate, coordinated global action to mitigate the escalating risks of catastrophic global warming and its potential devastating impacts on human societies and ecosystems.
  • 13 Dec 2020 Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Distribution Begins: Pfizer and BioNTech commence nationwide vaccine distribution from their Michigan facility, shipping doses to all 50 U.S. states. This marks a significant milestone in the country's COVID-19 vaccination strategy and global efforts to combat the pandemic.
  • 14 Dec 2020 Electoral College Confirms Joe Biden as President-Elect: The Electoral College convened in state capitals to officially elect Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States, with Biden securing 306 electoral votes, surpassing the 270-vote threshold required for victory.
  • 15 Dec 2020 Electoral College Confirms Biden's 2020 Presidential Election Victory: On December 15, 2020, the Electoral College officially confirmed President-elect Joe Biden's victory over incumbent President Donald Trump in the November election. Biden secured 306 electoral votes, matching Trump's 2016 total and surpassing the 270 votes required to win the presidency. This confirmation came after several legal challenges and attempts by Trump to contest the election results in key battleground states.
  • 16 Dec 2020 First Official Death Attributed to Air Pollution: In a landmark legal and medical recognition, a nine-year-old girl who died from an asthma attack in 2013 became the first person globally to have air pollution officially listed as a cause of death on December 16, 2020, marking a significant moment in environmental health awareness.
  • 17 Dec 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Developments: On December 17, 2020, multiple countries experienced significant COVID-19 challenges. The Northern Ireland Executive planned a strict lockdown starting Boxing Day, with non-essential shops closing from Christmas Eve. French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive, causing several European leaders to self-isolate. Turkey reported a record 243 COVID-19 deaths, bringing its total to 17,364. Tokyo raised its healthcare alert to the highest level after recording 822 new cases. The Palestinian Authority implemented a two-week West Bank lockdown. Saudi Arabia initiated its vaccination campaign using Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. South Korea reported 22 deaths, raising its total to 634. California set new pandemic records with 52,281 cases and 379 deaths in 24 hours. Alberta, Canada, recorded 30 new deaths, increasing its provincial toll to 790.
  • 18 Dec 2020 Multiple Armed Conflicts in Africa and Afghanistan: On December 18, 2020, multiple violent incidents occurred across different conflict zones. In Afghanistan, a tragic explosion during a Quran recitation ceremony in Ghazni resulted in at least 15 civilian deaths and 20 injuries. In Somalia, a suicide bombing outside a stadium in Galkayo claimed the lives of seven civilians and three soldiers. Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, the ongoing Tigray conflict escalated as the government offered a substantial reward of 10 million birr (approximately US$250,000) for information leading to the capture of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) officials, including their leader Debretsion Gebremichael, who were in hiding after the fall of Mekelle.
  • 19 Dec 2020 Israel Begins COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became the first person in Israel to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, symbolically launching the country's vaccination program by getting the shot on live television.
  • 20 Dec 2020 Deadly Car Bombing Targets Afghan Lawmaker in Kabul: On December 20, 2020, a sophisticated car bombing in Kabul targeted Khan Mohammad Wardak, a prominent Afghan lawmaker. The attack resulted in nine fatalities and over 20 injuries, with Wardak himself among the wounded. Concurrent attacks were reported in multiple Afghan provinces including Logar, Nangarhar, Helmand, and Badakhshan, causing additional civilian and security force casualties. The complexity and widespread nature of these attacks suggest a coordinated effort, though no terrorist group immediately claimed responsibility.
  • 21 Dec 2020 COVID-19 Relief Package Approved: Congressional Democrats and Republicans finalized a $900 billion coronavirus relief package. The legislation included $600 stimulus checks per person, with reduced benefits for higher-income earners, and enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 per week starting December 27th.
  • 22 Dec 2020 COVID-19 Global Pandemic Update: The COVID-19 pandemic continued to surge globally, with Quebec reporting a record 2,183 daily cases. France and the United Kingdom reopened borders after a 48-hour closure due to a new virus variant. The UK reported a staggering 36,804 new cases in 24 hours, underscoring the pandemic's ongoing severity.
  • 23 Dec 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Developments: On December 23, 2020, multiple countries reported significant COVID-19 developments. Malaysia discovered a new, more infectious SARS-CoV-2 variant named A701B in Sabah. The Philippines suspended flights to the United Kingdom due to emerging virus strains. Qatar began administering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to vulnerable populations. The Czech Republic announced strict lockdown measures, while Germany reported a record 962 daily deaths, bringing its total to 27,968. Italy surpassed 70,000 COVID-19 fatalities, highlighting the pandemic's global impact.
  • 25 Dec 2020 Christmas Day Celebration Worldwide: Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated globally on this day. The date was first identified as Jesus' birth by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 CE. Christians worldwide observe this holiday with religious services, family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive traditions.
  • 26 Dec 2020 Indian Ocean Tsunami: A Catastrophic Natural Disaster: 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.
  • 27 Dec 2020 Mass Shooting at Illinois Bowling Alley: On December 27, 2020, a tragic incident unfolded at a bowling alley in Illinois when a gunman opened fire, resulting in three fatalities and three additional injuries. The shooting shocked the local community and highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence in public spaces.
  • 28 Dec 2020 Global COVID-19 Response and Vaccine Developments: Novavax announced phase 3 vaccine trials in the U.S. and Mexico. Saudi Arabia extended international travel suspensions due to COVID-19 variant concerns. South Africa's President Ramaphosa implemented stricter pandemic control measures, including alcohol sales ban and extended curfew.
  • 29 Dec 2020 Devastating Earthquake in Croatia: A powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Petrinja in Sisak-Moslavina County, Croatia, causing significant loss of life with seven confirmed fatalities. The seismic event caused substantial damage to infrastructure and highlighted the region's geological vulnerability.
  • 30 Dec 2020 Attack at Aden International Airport in Yemen: On December 30, 2020, a devastating terrorist attack occurred at Aden International Airport in Yemen, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and over 110 injuries. The attack targeted the newly formed Yemeni government immediately after their arrival from Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, the Saudi ambassador, and other government officials were quickly evacuated to safety. While the Houthi rebels were initially blamed for the attack, they denied involvement. A subsequent explosion was reported at the presidential palace where the cabinet was in session, further escalating the security crisis. This incident highlighted the ongoing political instability and violent conflict in Yemen, which has been experiencing a complex civil war since 2014.
  • 31 Dec 2020 WHO First Emergency Use Validation for COVID-19 Vaccine: 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.