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January 5, 2026 Holiday:

Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is a festive holiday that marks the end of the Christmas season. It's a time to bid farewell to the festive decorations, trees, and lights, and to reflect on the past year. Traditionally, people would hold parties and gatherings, often featuring games, music, and feasting. In some cultures, it's also a night for exchanging gifts, especially among friends and family. As the last hurrah of the holiday season, Twelfth Night is a joyful celebration that brings people together before the quiet of winter sets in.

Learn more about Twelfth Night
Holidays on January 5, 2026:

National Whipped Cream Day

National Whipped Cream Day, January 5, 2026: Indulge in sweet treats and creative whipped cream designs! more >>

National Screenwriters Day

National Screenwriters Day, 1/5/2026, honor the talented individuals who bring stories to life on screens, recognizing their hard work, creativity, and dedication. more >>

National Bird Day

National Bird Day, January 5, 2026: Learn about the plight of captive birds, appreciate bird diversity, and take action to protect habitats and prevent extinction. more >>

George Washington Carver Day

George Washington Carver Day, January 5, 2026: Learn about the botanist's legacy and how it's honored through educational programs, museum exhibits, and community events. more >>

National Keto Day

National Keto Day, January 5, 2026: Learn about the ketogenic diet and its benefits, but is this holiday a myth or reality? more >>

National Weigh-In Day

Get ready to face the numbers! This day is all about taking control of your health by stepping on the scale and tracking your progress. It's a reminder to make healthy choices and celebrate small victories along the way. Whether you're trying to lose... more >>
Birthdays on January 5:

Diane Keaton

80 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actress, director, and entrepreneur known for iconic roles in films like "Annie Hall" and "The Godfather" trilogy, as well as her eclectic style and wit.

Sam Phillips

Died in 2003, aged 80

Founded the legendary Sun Records, discovering and producing iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, revolutionizing rock 'n' roll music .

Bradley Cooper

51 Years Old

Academy Award-nominated actor and producer, starring in blockbuster films like A Star is Born and Guardians of the Galaxy, known for his versatility and charming on-screen presence...

Robert Duvall

95 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actor and director renowned for his iconic roles in films like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now", bringing complex characters to life with his intense, nua...

Hayao Miyazaki

85 Years Old

A renowned animator, director, and screenwriter behind beloved films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, known for imaginative storytelling and vibrant animation.

Marilyn Manson

57 Years Old

A provocative artist known for blending industrial rock with dark, theatrical aesthetics and controversial lyrics, pushing boundaries in music and art.

Charlie Rose

Died in 2012, aged 70

A renowned television journalist and interviewer, known for in-depth conversations with influential figures on his eponymous show, exploring politics, art, and culture.

Chuck Noll

Died in 2014, aged 82

Legendary coach who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships, revolutionizing the game with his "Steel Curtain" defense.

Maurizio Pollini

84 Years Old

Renowned for his lyrical and introspective playing style, this Italian pianist and conductor is celebrated for his interpretations of Mozart, Chopin, and other classical masters.

Deadmau5

45 Years Old

A world-renowned electronic music producer and DJ, known for his iconic mouse helmet and high-energy performances. He's a pioneer in the EDM scene, pushing boundaries with his uniq...

January Jones

48 Years Old

An American actress renowned for her portrayal of Betty Draper in the AMC drama series Mad Men, earning her multiple award nominations. She's also known for her roles in films like...

Juan Carlos I of Spain

88 Years Old

The former King of Spain who reigned from 1975 to 2014, known for transitioning the country from dictatorship to democracy and playing a key role in preventing a military coup in 1...

Events from History on January 5:
107 years ago
German Workers' Party founded in Munich (Munich, Germany) 1919
Munich, a city still reeling from the aftermath of World War I, witnessed the birth of a radical movement that would change the course of history. Anton Drexler, a German journalist and politician, founded the German Workers' Party, which would later become the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler's leadership. This humble beginning marked the start of a journey that would plunge Germany into darkness, and the world into chaos.
81 years ago
Soviet Union recognizes Polish Provisional Government (Moscow, Soviet Union) 1945
The Soviet Union's recognition of the Polish Provisional Government marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of post-war Poland. As the Red Army advanced into Polish territory, the Soviet-backed government-in-waiting began to take shape. Led by communists and sympathizers, this new government sought to establish a socialist Poland, eerily echoing the Soviet model. This move not only solidified Soviet influence over Eastern Europe but also sent ripples throughout the international community, as Western powers grew increasingly wary of Soviet expansionism.
114 years ago
Russian Social Democratic Labour Party Splits into Bolsheviks (Prague, Czech Republic) 1912
Vladimir Lenin, the fiery Russian revolutionary, orchestrates a dramatic split in the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, paving the way for the Bolshevik movement. At the Prague Party Conference, Lenin and his loyalists break away from the rest of the party, determined to forge their own path towards revolution. This pivotal moment marks the birth of the Bolsheviks, who would later seize power in the Russian Revolution of 1917.
54 years ago
President Nixon Unveils Ambitious Space Shuttle Program (The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500, USA) 1972
Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, is determined to take America's space exploration to the next level. With the Apollo era winding down, Nixon seizes the opportunity to make a bold move, announcing the development of a reusable spacecraft that can dramatically cut costs and increase efficiency. The Space Shuttle program, a revolutionary concept, promises to transform the space industry and cement America's dominance in space exploration. This groundbreaking initiative is set to pave the way for a new era of space travel, scientific discoveries, and national pride.
77 years ago
Truman Unveils Fair Deal Program in State of the Union (United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., 20016, USA) 1949
Harry S. Truman stepped up to the microphone, determined to shake things up. In his State of the Union address, he unveiled his ambitious Fair Deal program, a sweeping package of reforms aimed at tackling the nation's most pressing issues. This bold legislative agenda promised to tackle poverty, education, healthcare, and civil rights, sending a clear message that the president was committed to creating a more just and equal society. The Fair Deal was Truman's vision for a better America, and he was ready to fight for it.
131 years ago
French officer Alfred Dreyfus wrongfully convicted of treason (Devil's Island, French Guiana) 1895
In the midst of fin-de-siècle France, a scandal was brewing. Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a bright and ambitious Jewish army officer, was accused of treason for allegedly passing classified military secrets to the Germans. The evidence, a torn piece of paper with handwriting that somewhat resembled Dreyfus', was deemed sufficient to convict him. In a botched trial, Dreyfus was found guilty, stripped of his rank, and sentenced to life imprisonment on the notorious Devil's Island. The harsh verdict sparked outrage and anti-Semitic riots across France, marking the beginning of the infamous Dreyfus Affair.
Notable Deaths on January 5:
1998Sonny Bono American singer-songwriter, producer, and politician.
1943George Washington Carver American botanist, educator, and inventor, made significant contributions to agriculture.
1979Charles Mingus Visionary musician and composer
1933Calvin Coolidge American lawyer and politician, 30th President of the United States.
1994Tip O'Neill Influential leader and statesman
2007Momofuku Ando Innovative entrepreneur and visionary
1990Arthur Kennedy Acclaimed actor and thespian
1922Ernest Shackleton Anglo-Irish sailor and explorer, famed for his Antarctic expeditions.
1970Max Born German physicist and mathematician who pioneered quantum mechanics
2024Joseph Lelyveld Renowned American journalist and editor
2018Thomas Bopp American astronomer, codiscoverer of comet Hale-Bopp.
1963Rogers Hornsby American baseball player and manager
2016Pierre Boulez French pianist, composer, and conductor.
2004Norman Heatley English biologist and chemist who contributed to penicillin development.
2010Willie Mitchell American singer-songwriter, trumpet player, and producer.
1987Margaret Laurence Award-winning author and educator
2019Bernice Sandler American women's rights activist.
1997Burton Lane Iconic composer and songwriter
2009Griffin Bell American lawyer, politician, and 72nd United States Attorney General.
2003Roy Jenkins Welsh politician and Chancellor of the Exchequer.