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December 2, 2026 Holiday:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a beloved holiday tradition that brings joy and festive cheer to people of all ages! This iconic event takes place in the heart of New York City, where a towering Christmas tree is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a majestic star. The tree is typically a Norway spruce, carefully selected from a different location each year, and stands proudly in Rockefeller Center's plaza. The lighting ceremony is a highly anticipated event, featuring live music performances, celebrity appearances, and a countdown to the moment when the tree's lights are officially turned on. As the lights shine bright, the atmosphere is filled with magic and wonder, marking the official start of the holiday season in the city that never sleeps!

Learn more about Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Holidays on December 2, 2026:

Advent Begins

Advent Begins: Prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ on December 2, 2026, through traditions, reflection, and rediscovery of the true Christmas meaning. more >>

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, December 2, 2026. Commemorating the victims of slavery and the ongoing fight against modern forms of exploitation. more >>

National Mutt Day

National Mutt Day, December 2, 2026: Discover the joy of mixed-breed dogs and the importance of adopting rescue pets. more >>

Business of Popping Corn Day

Discover the truth about Business of Popping Corn Day, a lesser-known holiday on December 2nd, 2026. more >>

National Fritters Day

National Fritters Day on 12/2/2026: Indulge in sweet and savory fritters, share recipes, and enjoy special deals! more >>

Play Basketball Day

Discover the truth about Play Basketball Day on December 2nd, 2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

Special Kids Day

Embracing individuality and celebrating differences, this special day is all about recognizing the unique qualities and strengths of kids who make our world a brighter place. It's a time to promote self-esteem, confidence, and inclusivity, creating a... more >>

Safety Razor Day

Discover the truth behind Safety Razor Day on December 2nd, 2026. more >>

Choose Women Wednesday

Empowering females everywhere, this day shines a light on the importance of choosing to support and uplift women in all aspects of life, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality. more >>
Birthdays on December 2:

Britney Spears

44 Years Old

A pop culture icon who dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s with chart-topping hits, captivating music videos, and electrifying performances. Known for her provocative style an...

Aaron Rodgers

42 Years Old

Quarterback who led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory and is a two-time NFL MVP, known for his accuracy and ability to extend plays with his feet.

Lucy Liu

57 Years Old

Star of popular TV shows like "Ally McBeal" and "Elementary," known for her versatility in playing strong, intelligent, and complex characters.

Monica Seles

52 Years Old

A dominant force in women's tennis, winning 9 Grand Slam singles titles and holding the number one ranking for 175 weeks. Known for her powerful two-handed forehand and backhand.

Charlie Puth

34 Years Old

A talented singer-songwriter and pianist, known for his soulful voice and catchy pop hits like "See You Again" and "Attention".

Nelly Furtado

47 Years Old

A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actress known for her eclectic and introspective music, blending pop, rock, and world music styles. She's famous for hits like "I'm Like a Bi...

Gianni Versace

Died in 1997, aged 50

Founded the iconic Italian luxury fashion brand Versace, renowned for its bold, opulent, and daring designs that blend Greek mythology with modern glamour.

Juice Wrld

Died in 2019, aged 21

A talented young artist who blended hip-hop and emo to create a unique sound, known for his emotional and often melancholic lyrics that resonated with a generation of young music f...

Maria Callas

Died in 1977, aged 53

A legendary soprano and actress renowned for her iconic opera performances and captivating stage presence, particularly in Verdi and Puccini roles.

David Macaulay

79 Years Old

Creator of intricate, detailed illustrations and explanations of complex systems, bringing architecture and engineering to life for readers of all ages.

Ann Patchett

62 Years Old

Acclaimed novelist and memoirist, known for crafting intricate, emotionally charged stories that explore the human condition, often blending elements of drama, romance, and social ...

Alfred Enoch

37 Years Old

A talented British actor who has played iconic roles in the Harry Potter film series and the TV show How to Get Away with Murder, showcasing his versatility in playing complex char...

Events from History on December 2:
109 years ago
Russia and Central Powers sign armistice at Brest-Litovsk (BrestLitovsk, Russian Empire (now Brest, Belarus)) 1917
In a bold move, the fledgling Bolshevik government of Russia, led by Vladimir Lenin, took a decisive step towards ending their involvement in World War I. On December 2, 1917, Russian representatives signed an armistice with the Central Powers, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria, at Brest-Litovsk, a Polish city under German occupation. This marked the beginning of peace talks, which would eventually lead to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918, effectively removing Russia from the war.
161 years ago
Alabama leads the way to abolition (Montgomery, AL, USA) 1865
Alabama takes center stage as the first southern state to ratify the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery! On December 2, 1865, Alabama's decisive move paved the way for North Carolina and Georgia to follow suit, ultimately freeing all U.S. slaves within a mere two weeks. This remarkable series of events marked a triumphant milestone in American history, finally putting an end to the brutal institution of slavery.
84 years ago
Enrico Fermi sparks nuclear revolution at University of Chicago (University of Chicago, 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA) 1942
Deep in the University of Chicago's squash court, a team of scientists led by the brilliant Enrico Fermi worked tirelessly to harness the power of the atom. On a fateful day, they successfully initiated the world's first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, marking a revolutionary breakthrough in nuclear physics. This groundbreaking achievement paved the way for the development of atomic energy and forever changed the course of human history.
222 years ago
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor of the French (Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France) 1804
Napoleon Bonaparte, the master strategist, pulled off a daring move at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He seized the crown from Pope Pius VII's hands and placed it on his own head, proclaiming himself Emperor of the French in a lavish coronation ceremony. The audacious act marked the birth of the Napoleonic Empire, cementing his absolute power and solidifying his legacy.
174 years ago
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte becomes Napoleon III, Emperor of the French (Paris, France) 1852
In a daring display of political bravado, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, nephew of the legendary Napoleon Bonaparte, orchestrated a bloodless coup, leveraging his popularity and clever manipulation to declare himself Emperor of the French, marking the beginning of the Second French Empire. This audacious move would cement his position as Napoleon III, ruler of France, and shape the course of European history for decades to come.
27 years ago
UK devolves power to Northern Ireland Executive (Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3TT, Northern Ireland, UK) 1999
The curtain rises on a new era of self-governance in Northern Ireland! After centuries of British rule, the United Kingdom finally hands over the reins to the Northern Ireland Executive, marking a monumental shift in power. This historic transfer is the culmination of the Good Friday Agreement, a hard-won peace accord signed in 1998. Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister, and Bertie Ahern, the Irish Taoiseach, played key roles in brokering this landmark deal. As the Executive takes the reins, hopes are high for a brighter, more peaceful future in this troubled region.
Notable Deaths on December 2:
1993Pablo Escobar Colombian drug lord whose reign of terror captivated media
1859John Brown American abolitionist who fought against slavery and paved the way for social change in the United States.
1986Desi Arnaz Cuban-American actor, singer, businessman, and TV producer who entertained and thrilled audiences.
1995Roxie Roker Actress with a lasting impact on American television
1936John Ringling American entrepreneur who revolutionized the circus industry
2020Pat Patterson Professional wrestler and sports icon
2014Bobby Keys American jazz saxophonist and music innovator
1982Marty Feldman British comedian and actor who brought laughter and joy to millions through his work.
2014Jean Béliveau Canadian hockey pioneer and sports champion
1997Michael Hedges Singer-songwriter and guitarist acclaimed for his unique sound
1985Philip Larkin British poet, author, and librarian who explored the human condition through his work.
1990Robert Cummings Versatile American actor, director, and producer
1814Marquis de Sade French philosopher, author, and politician who challenged societal norms with his provocative ideas.
2015Sandy Berger American diplomat, lawyer, and national security strategist
2008Odetta American singer-songwriter and guitarist who performed African-American music
2004Alicia Markova English ballerina and choreographer who pioneered the development of modern ballet
2015George T. Sakato World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient
2009Eric Woolfson Scottish singer-songwriter and musician who co-founded the Electric Light Orchestra
2008Henry Molaison American man who suffered from memory disorders
1980Romain Gary French author, director, and screenwriter who explored themes of identity and belonging.