December 5, 2025: Events, Birthdays, and History

What makes December 5, 2025 special?

December 5, 2025 lands on a Friday, the 339th day of the year, with 26 days left on the calendar—a neat reminder that the finish line of 2025 is in sight. It’s a date rich in history, packed with culture, and dotted with traditions in different corners of the world. If you’re looking for context, events, and birthdays to share at a dinner table or in a trivia chat, you’re in the right place.

Historic events on December 5

• 1492 — Christopher Columbus encounters the island of Hispaniola, shaping centuries of transatlantic history and exchange.
• 1791 — The world mourns as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart dies in Vienna, leaving a musical legacy that still stuns audiences.
• 1872 — The brig Mary Celeste is found abandoned in the Atlantic, launching one of maritime history’s most enduring mysteries.
• 1933 — The 21st Amendment is ratified, repealing Prohibition in the United States and changing the social and economic landscape overnight.
• 1952 — The Great Smog of London begins, a deadly pollution episode that transforms environmental policy in the UK.
• 1955 — The Montgomery Bus Boycott starts in Alabama, a watershed moment in the U.S. civil rights movement; the same day, the AFL and CIO finalize their merger, forming the AFL–CIO.
• 2013 — Nelson Mandela passes away, prompting a global reflection on leadership, justice, and reconciliation.
• 2017 — The International Olympic Committee bans Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics, a major development in sports governance and anti-doping efforts.

Famous birthdays on December 5

• Martin Van Buren (1782) — 8th U.S. President, a key figure in early American party politics.
• George Armstrong Custer (1839) — U.S. Army officer whose name is tied to the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
• Walt Disney (1901) — Animator, storyteller, and entertainment pioneer whose creations became cultural touchstones.
• Little Richard (1932) — Rock ’n’ roll trailblazer, famed for electrifying performances and boundary-pushing style.
• Johnny Rzeznik (1965) — Frontman of the Goo Goo Dolls, known for melodic rock hits.
• Margaret Cho (1968) — Comedian, actor, and advocate celebrated for sharp, fearless humor.
• Frankie Muniz (1985) — Actor and racer, known for “Malcolm in the Middle.”
• Keri Hilson (1982) — Singer and songwriter behind charting R&B-pop tracks.

Notable passings on this date

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1791) — Composer whose innovations continue to influence classical music.
• Claude Monet (1926) — Impressionist painter renowned for light-drenched landscapes and water lilies.
• Nelson Mandela (2013) — Anti-apartheid leader and former President of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Zodiac, symbols, and character

Born on December 5? Your zodiac sign is Sagittarius (November 22–December 21). Sagittarians are often seen as adventurous, optimistic, and frank, with Jupiter as their ruling planet and Fire as their element. December’s traditional birthstones include turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, while the month’s flowers are the narcissus (paperwhite) and, in some traditions, holly—fitting symbols of brightness in darker days.

Seasonal context

• Northern Hemisphere: Early December signals meteorological winter (from December 1). Expect longer nights, colder air, and the first real hint of the festive season. Cozy rituals abound—think warm drinks, early sunsets, and lights in the windows. It’s also a fine time for year-end reflections.
• Southern Hemisphere: Meteorological summer has just begun. Days are long, schools are winding down, and outdoor gatherings take center stage. Hydration, sun protection, and early-evening walks are your friends.

Global observances on or around December 5

• International Volunteer Day — A United Nations day celebrating volunteerism’s role in community building, peace, and development.
• World Soil Day — Promoted by the FAO to spotlight healthy soils as the foundation of food systems and biodiversity.
• Thai Father’s Day — Marked on the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, widely observed with acts of service and remembrance across Thailand.
• Krampusnacht — In parts of the Alps, the evening of December 5 precedes St. Nicholas Day, featuring folkloric parades where Krampus makes a (noisy) appearance.
• Pakjesavond (Sinterklaasavond) — In the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, family gift-giving and poems light up the night of December 5.
• Day of the Ninja — A modern, lighthearted internet observance that often sparks themed events and playful costumes.

Fun facts and ways to mark the day

• It’s Friday: A popular day for gatherings—museum late hours, winter markets, or a film night pair nicely with the date’s storied history.
• Day-of-year trivia: As the 339th day, it gives you 26 more to finish that reading goal (or start it—no judgment).
• Try a theme: Curate a playlist spanning Mozart to Little Richard, or screen a classic Disney film for a culture-rich evening.
• Give back: In the spirit of International Volunteer Day, a small act of service can make a meaningful difference.

Whether you’re here for events, history, or birthdays, December 5, 2025 offers a surprisingly full slate of stories and ways to celebrate.