December 1st

World Aids Day

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

December 21st

First Day of Winter

In the Northern Hemisphere winter begins with the winter solstice.  The Southern Hemisphere begins summer.  Between the equator and Arctic Circle the sunrise and sunset points on the horizon are farthest south for the year and daylight length is minimum of 12 hours, 8 minutes.

December 10th – 18th

Hanukkah/Chanukah

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods

December 25th

Christmas

Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.  Most popular of Christian observances, Christmas as a Feast of the Nativity dates from the 4th century

December 31st

New Years Eve

The last evening of the Gregorian calendar year, traditionally a night for merrymaking to welcome in the new year.