December 24: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
Christmas Eve shares December 24 with a storied history of space firsts, medical breakthroughs, and births of icons like Ryan Seacrest and Ava Gardner.
About December 24
December 24 is, for much of the world, a night of anticipation — stockings hung, kitchens perfumed with baking, and children urged to sleep so a certain visitor might arrive. But the date carries far more than yuletide magic. It has hosted extraordinary human achievements, from humanity's first voyage around the Moon to the first broadcast of a human voice by radio, and has welcomed into the world some of entertainment's most enduring figures.
The Italian-American tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes turns this evening into a spectacular seafood marathon, while last-minute shoppers dash through closing aisles and regifters quietly rewrap untouched treasures. Capricorns born on this day are said to blend the sign's trademark discipline with a measure of holiday warmth.
Fun & National Days on December 24
- Christmas Eve — Hang the stockings, leave cookies for Santa, and savor the electric anticipation of the night before Christmas.
- Feast of the Seven Fishes — Channel your inner Italian nonna and serve seven seafood dishes for a truly lavish holiday eve dinner.
- Last-Minute Shopper's Day — Embrace the chaotic adrenaline of December 24 retail sprinting — just don't forget the gift wrap.
- National Eggnog Day — Spike or skip the spirits, but definitely pour a frothy glass of this creamy, nutmeg-dusted holiday classic.
- National Regifting Day — Liberate that untouched scented candle from your closet and pass it along to someone who will truly love it.