The word December originated from the Latin word decem, meaning “ten.” Like November, December was the tenth month of the early Roman calendar. As the last month of the year and a significant winter month, December marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next, celebrated worldwide with various holidays and festivities. New Year’s Eve and Christmas are celebrated throughout the month of December.
01DecPortugal Restoration of Independence Day
Celebrated on December 1, the Portugal Restoration of Independence Day commemorates the struggle of Portuguese Nobles who, on this day in 1640, revolted against Spanish rule and restored independence to their country.
01DecRomania National Day
Romania’s National Day, celebrated on December 1, commemorates the unification of Transylvania, Bessarabia, and Bukovina with the Romanian Kingdom in 1918. This day symbolizes national unity and the country’s commitment to freedom and independence.
01DecFreedom and Democracy Day of Chad
Freedom and Democracy Day of Chad is celebrated on December 1, to commemorate the overthrow of Hissèné Habré’s reign of dictatorship by Idriss Déby.
01DecRepublic Day of the Central African Republic
Central African Republic’s National Day is celebrated on December 1, marking the anniversary of the Central African Republic becoming an autonomous territory within the French Community in 1958.
02DecLaos National Day
Laos National Day is celebrated on December 2. It is a day to commemorate the establishment of Laos People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.
02DecUnited Arab Emirates National Day
UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2 and marks the formal nationalization of the state in 1971. Additionally, this day honors the nation’s transition from a British protectorate to an independent state.
05DecThailand Independence Day
Thailand’s Independence Day celebrated on December 5, coincides with the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This day honors the nation’s independence and pays tribute to the beloved late king’s enduring legacy.
06DecFinland Independence Day
A national holiday, Finland’s Independence Day falls on December 6 and marks the declaration of independence from Russia in 1917.
06DecSpain Constitution Day
Constitution Day of Spain is celebrated on December 6. It marks the anniversary of a referendum held in the country on this day in 1978.
08DecUzbekistan Constitution Day
Constitution Day in Uzbekistan is celebrated on December 8, commemorating the adoption of the nation’s constitution in 1992.
09DecTanzania Independence Day
Tanzania Independence Day is celebrated on December 9 every year. It is a day to commemorate the end of British rule in Tanzania in the year of 1961.
10DecThailand Constitution Day
Thailand’s Constitution Day is observed on December 10, commemorating the adoption of the country’s first permanent constitution in 1932. This day marks Thailand’s transition to a constitutional monarchy and the establishment of democratic governance.
11DecBurkina Faso Proclamation of Independence
Proclamation of Independence Day of Burkina Faso is celebrated on December 11. This day marks the country’s declaration of independence and commemorates the establishment of a self-governing autonomous republic within the French Community in 1958.
12DecConstitution of Russia
The Constitution of Russia, adopted on December 12, 1993, marks a significant milestone in the country’s modern history. This pivotal document, approved by a national referendum, established the framework for Russia’s political system, delineating the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
12DecKenya Independence Day
Jamhuri Day or Independence Day of Kenya is celebrated on December 12 and marks the independence from the United Kingdom in 1963.
13DecRepublic Day of Malta
Republic Day of Malta is celebrated on December 13. This day marks the transformation of the State of Malta as a republic in 1974.
16DecKazakhstan Independence Day
Kazakhstan Independence Day falls on December 16. This national holiday goes on for two days – the 16th and 17th of December. The day marks the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
16DecBahrain Independence Day
Celebrated across two days, the 16th and 17th of December, Bahrain’s Independence Day marks the ascension of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa to the throne. The actual independence of Bahrain from British Rule took place on August 15, 1971.
16DecDay of Reconciliation (South Africa)
The Day of Reconciliation, observed on December 16 in South Africa, commemorates the country’s commitment to unity and healing after the apartheid era. Established in 1995, this day marks both the 1838 Battle of Blood River and the 1961 founding of Umkhonto we Sizwe, symbolizing efforts to bridge historical divides.
17DecBhutan National Day
Bhutan National Day is celebrated on December 17. This day commemorates when Ugyen Wangchuck was elected and crowned as the first hereditary King of Bhutan in 1907.
18DecQatar National Day
Qatar National Day also known as Founder’s Day is celebrated on December 18. The day marks the unification of the state in 1878.
22DecZimbabwe National Unity Day
National Unity Day of Zimbabwe is celebrated on December 22, it commemorates the merger of two major political parties, Zanu PF and Zapu PF.
24DecLibya Independence Day
Libya celebrates its Independence Day on December 24, marking the day in 1951 when it became an independent kingdom from Italy.
26DecSlovenia Independence and Unity Day
Originally known as Independence Day, December 26 commemorates the official proclamation of the Slovenian independence referendum which took place on December 23, 1960.
27DecConstitution Day of North Korea
Constitution Day of North Korea is celebrated on December 27. It commemorates the Enactment of the Socialist Constitution of North Korea in 1972.
29DecMongolia Independence Day
Mongolia’s Independence Day, celebrated on December 29, marks the nation’s liberation from Chinese rule in 1911. This historic day commemorates the declaration of independence by Mongolian revolutionaries, led by Bogd Khan, establishing Mongolia as an autonomous state after centuries of Qing dynasty domination.
29DecIreland Constitution Day
Ireland’s Constitution Day is celebrated on December 29, marking the day when the Irish Constitution was enacted in 1937. This day celebrates the establishment of Ireland as a sovereign nation with its own set of fundamental laws.
Known for its chilly cold and short days in the Northern Hemisphere, December hosts some of the most joyous occasions. People of all faiths come together to participate in feasts, prayers, and events with friends and family. Christmas celebrated on December 25, is observed worldwide to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Additionally, December 31 marks the welcoming of the new year, a time for new resolutions and fresh beginnings.
Some of the most important and well-known occasions in December include World AIDS Day (December 1) and International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (December 2). Additionally, December 10 is observed as Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In India, December 22 is celebrated as National Mathematics Day, marking the birth anniversary of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Furthermore, December 10 also marks the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, a renowned scientist, inventor, businessman, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.