1. On December 23, 1851, the first commercial mill in Minneapolis, the "St. Anthony Falls," opened its doors. This marked a significant moment in Minnesota history, as the mill became an important center of flour production in the area, helping the city to become one of the leading flour milling centers in the country.

2. In 1862, on December 23, the largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in Mankato, Minnesota. Thirty-eight Dakota Sioux warriors were hanged in front of a large crowd in what has become known as the "Dakota War of 1862." The event remains controversial to this day, with many arguing that the execution was unjust and a violation of human rights.

3. On December 23, 1913, the city of Duluth, Minnesota experienced one of the largest strikes in the state's history. Workers, largely composed of immigrants, went on strike after many mills and factories cut wages and increased work hours. The strike lasted for over six months, and was met with significant resistance from local authorities and business owners.

4. In 1972, the Minnesota Vikings played their first playoff game on December 23 against the Washington Redskins. The game was played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, and saw the Vikings win 14-7. The victory helped the team to advance to the NFC Championship game, marking a significant moment in the history of Minnesota sports.

5. On December 23, 2012, the Mall of America celebrated its 20th birthday. Located in Bloomington, the mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, with over 500 stores and 5.6 million square feet of retail space. The Mall of America has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.