05 - December, 1766 – Christie's hold their first sale

Art auction house Christie's founder James Christie made his first art sale.

06 - December, 1967 – World's first pediatric heart transplant

Adrian Kantrowitz and his team of surgeons performed United States' first heart transplant and the world's first pediatric heart transplant at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.

07 - December, 1732 – Royal Opera House opened its doors

The popular performing arts venue in Covent Garden, London houses the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

08 - December, 1991 – Creation of Commonwealth of Independent States

The international organisation was formed by Belarus, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation as a political forum for members of the former Soviet Union.

09 - December, 1965 – Charlie Brown Christmas aired for the first time on television

The popular animated musical special about Christmas was based on Charles M Schulz's comic strip. It is now screened every year at Christmas time around the world.

10 - December, 1901 – First Nobel Prize was awarded

Five years after the death of Swedish chemist and inventor, Alfred Nobel, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded.

11 - -December, 1946 – UNICEF was established

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, a U.N. affiliate organisation that works for the welfare of children around the world, was founded on this day.