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December 5, 2026 Holiday:

Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day)

Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah, is a joyous and meaningful Jewish holiday that celebrates the miracle of light and freedom. During this festive period, families and friends gather to kindle the Hanukkah menorah, a special nine-branched candelabrum, and exchange gifts. The holiday commemorates the bravery of the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish rebels who fought against the Syrian-Greek army to reclaim the Temple in Jerusalem. According to tradition, when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found a single jar of oil that had been left untouched by the invaders, and miraculously, it lasted for eight days. Today, Jews around the world celebrate Chanukah by lighting the menorah, eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and sharing stories of courage and faith.

Learn more about Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day)
Holidays on December 5, 2026:

First Day of Hanukkah

First Day of Hanukkah, 12/5/2026: Discover the miraculous story behind the Festival of Lights and its joyful traditions. more >>

The Start of Hanukkah

The Start of Hanukkah, 12/5/2026: Discover the joyous holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, with traditions of lighting a menorah, eating fried treats, and sharing with loved ones. more >>

International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day, December 5, 2026. Recognize the impact of volunteers on communities and the world, and discover how you can make a difference. more >>

National Comfort Food Day

National Comfort Food Day on 12/5/2026: Indulge in warm, cozy, and deliciously comforting foods that evoke nostalgia and warmth. more >>

Krampusnacht

Krampusnacht, December 5, 2026: Join the mischievous festivities as Krampus punishes naughty children, rewarding good ones with playful scares, pranks, and treats. more >>

Repeal Day

Repeal Day on 12/5/2026: Commemorating the end of Prohibition with vintage flair, jazz, and craft cocktails. more >>

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, December 5, 2026: Honoring tireless volunteers who drive positive change and promote sustainable development. more >>

National Blue Jeans Day

National Blue Jeans Day, December 5th, 2026: Honor the iconic blue jeans and their rich history, while embracing comfort and versatility. more >>

Coats & Toys for Kids Day

Coats & Toys for Kids Day, 12/5/2026: Discover the mystery behind this holiday and learn more about its origins and significance. more >>
Birthdays on December 5:

Walt Disney

Died in 1966, aged 65

Creator of beloved animated films and iconic characters, revolutionizing the entertainment industry with imagination and innovation.

Little Richard

Died in 2020, aged 87

A flamboyant and charismatic rock 'n' roll pioneer, known for hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly Miss Molly", blending gospel, blues, and boogie-woogie styles.

John Rzeznik

60 Years Old

Lead vocalist and guitarist of the Goo Goo Dolls, known for hits like "Iris" and "Name", creating catchy, introspective alternative rock anthems.

Werner Heisenberg

Died in 1976, aged 74

A pioneer in quantum mechanics, he formulated the uncertainty principle, which revolutionized our understanding of the atomic world. His groundbreaking work reshaped modern physics...

Joan Didion

Died in 2021, aged 87

Acclaimed author of novels and screenplays that capture the essence of American life, exploring themes of identity, morality, and social fragmentation. Known for her lyrical prose ...

Morgan J. Freeman

56 Years Old

Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Million Dollar Baby", known for his thought-provoking storytelling and direction.

Doctor Dré

62 Years Old

A charismatic television and radio host who brought hip-hop culture to mainstream America through his energetic and humorous hosting style. He's most known for his iconic MTV show ...

Margaret Cho

57 Years Old

A trailblazing comedian, actress, and writer who fearlessly tackles topics like identity, politics, and social justice, using humor to spark important conversations.

Neil Druckmann

47 Years Old

Creator of critically acclaimed video games like The Last of Us, known for crafting emotional and thought-provoking stories that explore the human condition.

Frankie Muniz

40 Years Old

An American actor, drummer, and race car driver, best known for starring in the Fox sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle" and competing in professional racing events.

Sheldon Glashow

93 Years Old

Developed a unified theory of electromagnetism and the weak nuclear force, predicting the existence of neutral currents. This work led to a deeper understanding of subatomic partic...

José Carreras

79 Years Old

A world-renowned opera singer and actor, known for his powerful voice and iconic performances in musicals like "The Three Tenors."

Events from History on December 5:
85 years ago
Soviet counter-attack led by Georgy Zhukov in Battle of Moscow (Moscow, Soviet Union) 1941
Georgy Zhukov, the Soviet general, masterminded a daring counter-attack against the German army, marking a crucial turn in the Battle of Moscow. As the freezing Russian winter set in, Zhukov's strategic move caught the German forces off guard, reversing the tide of the battle. With a well-coordinated assault, Soviet troops broke through the German lines, reclaiming occupied territories and sending the enemy reeling. This bold stroke of genius not only thwarted the German advance on Moscow but also forced Hitler's army to retreat, relinquishing their grip on the Soviet capital.
71 years ago
Labor unions unite under AFL-CIO merger (New York City, NY, USA) 1955
The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, two powerhouse labor unions, put aside their differences and merged into a single entity, creating the AFL-CIO. This historic union marked a new era of solidarity among workers, amplifying their collective voice in the pursuit of better wages, benefits, and working conditions. With George Meany at the helm, the AFL-CIO became a formidable force, shaping the future of labor rights and influencing American industry for decades to come.
85 years ago
Great Britain declares war on Axis allies (London, United Kingdom) 1941
The final dominoes fell into place as Great Britain, still reeling from the Blitz, responded to the Axis powers' aggressive expansion by declaring war on Finland, Hungary, and Romania. These Eastern European nations had thrown their lot in with Nazi Germany, and Churchill's government was left with no choice but to take a stand. The move was a decisive blow, formally ending any pretense of neutrality and solidifying the Allied opposition to Hitler's regime.
71 years ago
E.D. Nixon and Rosa Parks Spark Montgomery Bus Boycott (Montgomery, AL, USA) 1955
Rosa Parks, a seamstress and NAACP member, was tired of being treated like dirt on Montgomery's buses. On that fateful day, she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, sparking a wave of resistance. E.D. Nixon, a local civil rights leader, bailed her out of jail and, together with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., orchestrated a city-wide boycott of Montgomery's buses, ending segregation on public transportation.
74 years ago
Cold Fog Brings London to a Standstill (London, UK) 1952
A thick, impenetrable fog engulfed London, shrouding the city in a deadly cocktail of pollution and cold air. The Great Smog, as it came to be known, crippled the city for four days, bringing all forms of transportation to a grinding halt. The Ministry of Health later reported a staggering 4,000 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest environmental disasters in history. The smog's noxious mixture of pollutants and particulate matter turned day into night, making it impossible for people to venture outdoors. As the fog lingered, panic set in, and the usually stoic Londoners were forced to stay indoors, waiting for the fog to lift.
83 years ago
Allies strike Germany's secret weapons bases in Operation Crossbow. (Western Europe, Germany) 1943
German scientists were racing against time to perfect their deadly V-1 flying bombs and V-2 rockets, but British Intelligence had cracked the code! Allied forces launched Operation Crossbow, unleashing a barrage of bombers on Germany's top-secret weapons bases. The mission aimed to cripple the Nazi war machine by destroying these lethal weapons before they could be unleashed on Britain. It was a high-stakes gamble: if the Allies succeeded, they'd save countless lives; if they failed, the consequences would be catastrophic. The fate of Britain hung in the balance.
Notable Deaths on December 5:
2022Kirstie Alley Well-known for her roles in popular television shows
2013Nelson Mandela Global icon who fought for human rights and equality
1791Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Renowned Austrian composer and musician who left an indelible mark on classical music
2023Norman Lear Iconic for his work in scripted television
2021Bob Dole Left a lasting legacy in American politics
2012Dave Brubeck Jazz innovator who pushed boundaries with his piano compositions
1926Claude Monet French painter who led the Impressionist movement and redefined art
1951Shoeless Joe Jackson Legendary baseball figure embroiled in World Series scandal
1870Alexandre Dumas French novelist and playwright who captivated audiences with his romantic adventures
2010Don Meredith Noted American sports personality and charming broadcaster
2008Beverly Garland Talented American actress and businesswoman extraordinaire
2002Roone Arledge Pioneering sports broadcaster and Emmy-award winner
1973Robert Watson-Watt Scottish inventor who revolutionized radar technology
2012Oscar Niemeyer Visionary architect who designed iconic buildings around the world
1983Robert Aldrich Visionary American filmmaker known for his groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry
1998Albert Gore, Sr. Tireless American statesman who paved the path for future generations
2008Nina Foch Iconic Dutch-American actress and charming performer
1784Phillis Wheatley Pioneering African American poet and slave who broke literary barriers
2009William Lederer decorated American war hero and literary author
2017August Ames Left a lasting impression on the adult film industry