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January 1, 2026 Holiday:

New Year's Day

New Year's Day is a joyous celebration that marks the beginning of a fresh start, filled with hope and promise! It's a time when people come together with loved ones to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, often with festive gatherings, fireworks, and champagne toasts. Many people also take this opportunity to reflect on the past year, making resolutions to improve themselves and their lives in the year ahead. As the clock strikes midnight, the atmosphere is electric, filled with excitement, cheer, and anticipation for the possibilities that the new year will bring!

Learn more about New Year's Day
Holidays on January 1, 2026:

National Hangover Day

National Hangover Day, January 1st, 2026: Relive the morning after with friends and family, sharing laughs and indulging in comfort foods and drinks. more >>

World Day of Peace

World Day of Peace, January 1, 2026: Promote unity, harmony, and non-violence, and work towards a more peaceful world. more >>

Mummer's Parade

Join the vibrant Mummer's Parade on January 1st, 2026, as elaborate costumes, masks, and performances fill the streets with music, dance, and laughter. more >>

National Black-eyed Pea Day

National Black-eyed Pea Day, January 1, 2026: Discover the significance of black-eyed peas in cultures worldwide, their nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility. more >>

Euro Day

Discover the truth about Euro Day, a lesser-known holiday. Learn more about its existence and significance. more >>

National Bloody Mary Day

National Bloody Mary Day, January 1st, 2026: Raise a glass to the perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors in this iconic brunch cocktail. more >>

Polar Bear Swim Day

Polar Bear Swim Day, January 1st, 2026: Take the plunge into icy waters and kick-start the new year with a rush of adrenaline. more >>

Global Family Day

Join Global Family Day on 1/1/2026, a heartwarming day of unity, togetherness, and bonding through shared meals, stories, and activities. more >>

Commitment Day

Commitment Day, January 1st, 2026: Reaffirm love, set goals, and nurture relationships on this special day. more >>
Birthdays on January 1:

J. D. Salinger

Died in 2010, aged 91

This American literary icon wrote coming-of-age stories that captured the angst and rebellion of youth, most notably "The Catcher in the Rye".

J. Edgar Hoover

Died in 1972, aged 77

The first Director of the FBI, who led the agency for nearly five decades, building it into a powerful force in American law enforcement, and notorious for his secretive and author...

Betsy Ross

Died in 1836, aged 84

This American seamstress is famous for sewing the first flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the Revolutionary War, creating a symbol of American independence. Her handiwork has ...

Meryl Davis

39 Years Old

Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion in ice dance, known for her technical precision and artistic expression on the ice.

E. M. Forster

Died in 1970, aged 91

This celebrated author crafted novels and plays that probed the human condition, exploring themes of social class, morality, and personal relationships, with a distinctive wit and ...

Christine Lagarde

70 Years Old

A highly influential leader in global economics, serving as the head of the International Monetary Fund, shaping international monetary policies and promoting global financial stab...

Grandmaster Flash

68 Years Old

A pioneering DJ and rapper who developed innovative turntable techniques, such as backspinning and punch phrasing, revolutionizing hip-hop music. He's credited with creating the "a...

Verne Troyer

57 Years Old

Actor who played Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series, bringing comedic relief and memorable performances to the big screen.

Pierre de Coubertin

Died in 1937, aged 74

Founded the International Olympic Committee, reviving the ancient Greek Olympic Games and creating a global athletic phenomenon. Known for promoting international unity and athleti...

Mary Beard

71 Years Old

A renowned expert on ancient Rome, she's a charismatic TV presenter and writer who makes classical history accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

Alfred Stieglitz

Died in 1946, aged 82

A pioneering photographer and curator who promoted modern art in the early 20th century, showcasing works by avant-garde artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Henri Matisse.

Doak Walker

Died in 1998, aged 71

Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player who later became a successful businessman, known for his athletic achievements and entrepreneurial ventures.

Events from History on January 1:
163 years ago
Emancipation Proclamation frees enslaved Africans in Confederate territory (Confederate States of America) 1863
On New Year's Day, freedom's bell rang loud and clear as President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation took effect, declaring that all slaves in Confederate territory were finally free! This pivotal moment marked a crucial step towards ending the dehumanizing institution of slavery in the United States. With the stroke of Lincoln's pen, the Confiscation Act of 1861 and the Second Confiscation Act of 1862 paved the way for this groundbreaking decree. From that day forward, enslaved Africans in rebel states were considered freedmen, though the bitter reality of slavery would persist in some areas until the end of the Civil War.
43 years ago
ARPANET pioneers adopt TCP/IP, birthing the modern Internet (Arlington, VA, USA) 1983
In the era of chunky computers and neon-lit dreams, the geekiest of pioneers, Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn, had a vision for a network of networks. They teamed up with the Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to create ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet. On a fateful day, ARPANET made the switch to TCP/IP, the Internet Protocol, forever changing the game. This bold move unified a fragmented network, allowing different computer systems to communicate seamlessly. The cat was out of the bag – the modern Internet was born, and it would never be the same!
84 years ago
United Nations signed by 26 nations (Washington, D.C.) 1942
In a monumental step towards international cooperation, the Declaration by United Nations was signed by twenty-six nations, marking a significant milestone in the fight against Axis powers during World War II. This united front, led by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, pledged to defend democracy and human rights, shaping the course of modern history.
222 years ago
Haiti gains independence from French colonial rule (Port-au-Prince, Haiti) 1804
In the tumultuous heart of the Caribbean, a daring rebellion ignited, fueled by freedom's fire. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a former slave, led the charge against French colonial powers, culminating in a historic victory on January 1, 1804. As the news spread, Haitians rejoiced, their ancestral drums beating in triumphant rhythm. They had fought for liberty, and liberty they had won! The first black-majority republic was born, Haiti shone bright as a beacon of hope, inspiring future generations to rise against oppression.
27 years ago
European Union introduces the Euro currency (European Union) 1999
The dawn of a new era in European economic unity unfolded as 11 member nations of the European Union collectively took the historic leap to adopt the Euro as their official currency, marking a significant step towards a more integrated and cohesive economic bloc. This monumental shift, years in the making, finally became a reality, replacing the European Currency Unit (ECU) and paving the way for a single, unified monetary policy. The new currency was introduced at a fixed rate, with national currencies set to be phased out over a three-year period. This groundbreaking move was hailed as a major milestone in the pursuit of greater economic cooperation and stability across the European continent.
31 years ago
The World Trade Organization debuts, reshaping global trade. (Geneva, Switzerland) 1995
The world was about to get a whole lot smaller as the World Trade Organization (WTO) came to life! Formerly the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), this new international organization aimed to promote free trade, settle disputes, and foster cooperation among its member nations. With the signing of the Marrakech Agreement in 1994, the WTO was officially born on January 1, 1995, replacing GATT as the primary global trade governing body. The WTO's creation marked a significant shift in the global economy, offering a more streamlined and stable trading environment, where countries could engage in mutually beneficial commerce. As the WTO took its first steps, the world economy embarked on a new era of cooperation and growth.
Notable Deaths on January 1:
1953Hank Williams American singersongwriter and guitarist, a central figure in the development of modern country music.
2013Patti Page American singer and actress who entertained audiences with her distinctive voice.
2015Mario Cuomo American lawyer and politician who served as the 52nd Governor of New York.
2001Ray Walston Distinguished American actor
2020David Stern American lawyer and businessman, Commissioner of the NBA from 1984 to 2014.
1994Cesar Romero Prolific American actor
2020Don Larsen American baseball player, best known for pitching a perfect game in the 1956 World Series.
1972Maurice Chevalier Distinguished French actor and singer
2020Lexi Alijai Rapper who rhymed his way to fame
2015Donna Douglas Iconic TV personality and southern belle
1992Grace Hopper Pioneering American computer scientist and admiral, codeveloped COBOL
2024Lynja American celebrity chef and YouTuber, popular for her cooking tutorials and vibrant personality.
2022Dan Reeves American football player and coach, led the Denver Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances.
2007Darrent Williams Gifted American football player
2021Floyd Little American football player, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
2005Shirley Chisholm Pioneering American educator and politician
1894Heinrich Hertz German physicist and academic, pioneer in the field of electromagnetic waves.
1923Willie Keeler American baseball player, known for his exemplary hitting skills and overall performance.
2014Juanita Moore American actress who made notable appearances in film and television.
2015Ulrich Beck German sociologist who studied globalization and its impact on society.