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December

Explore December through winter celebrations, Scottish and Irish history, writers, music, faith, and year-end traditions.

Stories and traditions

Highlights for December

Scottish winter traditions

Hogmanay and New Year

Search for Hogmanay, New Year customs, first-footing, music, and celebration.

Faith and celebration

Christmas Traditions

Explore Christmas observances, seasonal customs, music, and historical events.

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December in Ireland

Browse Irish history, people, traditions, and anniversaries from December and throughout the year.

Around the Celtic world

December by country

Ireland

December 1, 1890Six Days of Irish Parliamentary Party Debates Begin, Only to End in a Split, With the Majority Opposing ParnellDecember 1, 1889Michael Hayes, Politician and Professor of Irish, Is Born in DublinDecember 1, 1848The Paddle Steamer the Londonderry, With Immigrants Fleeing the Famine, Takes Shelter in Derry Harbour

Scotland

December 1, 1787First Lighthouse in Scotland Opened at Kinnaird Head, FraserburghDecember 1, 1768The First Volume of Encyclopedia Britannica Was Published in EdinburghDecember 2, 1848Mary Slessor, Missionary in Nigeria, West Africa, Born in Aberdeen, Scotland

England

December 2, 1935Llewelyn Powys, Welsh Writer, DiedDecember 4, 1423James I, Is Released From 18 Years Captivity in EnglandDecember 9, 1688Williamite Forces Defeat Jacobites at Battle of Reading, Forcing James II to Flee England