Olusegun Obasanjo wins Nigeria's first free elections in 16 years. The former Nigerian Army general and military ruler oversaw a democratization process that defines the country's political system to the present day.

Benjamin Netanyahu becomes Israel's prime minister. The conservative politician is criticized for hampering the peace process that former prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, had promoted.

Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquer Mount Everest. The first successful ascent of the world's highest mountain came after Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans had come within 100 meters of the summit just three days previously.

Bing Crosby records White Christmas. Crosby's rendition of Irving Berlin's song became the most successful of his career and the best-selling Christmas single in history.

Igor Stravinsky's ballet Le Sacre du printemps is premiered. he performance sparked a riot in the audience as many felt its irregular beat and the percussive character was a sacrilege against music. Today, it is considered one of the key works of 20th-century art music.