- Dec 3 48th US Congress (1883-85) convenes
- Dec 9 New Brunswick adopts Eastern Standard Time (until 1902)
- Dec 16 Tonkin Campaign: The French capture the citadel in Hanoi
- Dec 20 Intl cantilever railway bridge opens at Niagara Falls
- Dec 22 August Strindberg's "Lycko-Pers Reja" premieres
- Dec 26 The Harbour Grace Affray between Irish Catholics and Protestant Orangemen causes five deaths in Newfoundland.