1. On December 24, 1822, Fort Snelling was established along the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The fort played a major role in Minnesota's early history, serving as a trading post and military outpost.

2. One of the most significant events in Minnesota sports history occurred on December 24, 1971, when the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a divisional playoff game. The game is famously known as the "Bloody Mary Game" due to the frigid conditions and the fact that many fans consumed the popular cocktail to stay warm.

3. In 1849, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature officially designated Saint Paul as the capital of Minnesota on December 24. Prior to this, there was much debate and controversy over which city should hold the honor.

4. On December 24, 1906, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the construction of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis. The bridge, which crosses over the Mississippi River, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and has undergone multiple renovations and modifications over the years.

5. In 1993, the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, held its first-ever Christmas Eve shopping hours. The mall, which opened in 1992, quickly became a popular destination for holiday shoppers looking to complete their last-minute gift purchases. The tradition continues to this day, with the mall offering extended hours on Christmas Eve.