NATIONAL DAYENVIRONMENT

National Flashlight Day

Every year on December 21, the darkest night of the year finally meets its match. National Flashlight Day falls on the winter solstice, the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, when darkness takes its longest turn and a handheld beam becomes the hero of the evening. It celebrates portable light, from the sputtering tubes of 1899 to today's LED powerhouses.

DEC21

Monday, December 21Every year on December 21

days to go

Roots: The observance's creator is unknown; it was placed on the year's shortest day to celebrate the flashlight itself.
Also on Dec 21: Winter Begins/Winter Solstice · Yule · Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
Hashtag: #NationalFlashlightDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Take a Flashlight Night Walk

Wait for full dark on the solstice, switch off every light in the house, and explore the yard or take a neighborhood stroll using only flashlights. Shadow puppets on the living room wall make a perfect warm-up for younger kids.

WITH FRIENDS

Organize a Night Hike With Friends

Round up a group for a flashlight hike through a park or trail, and challenge everyone to spot three things daylight hides. Bring a thermos of something warm and end the walk with a group photo lit by beams.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Stock an Emergency Light Kit

Check every flashlight you own, replace weak batteries, and pack a small emergency kit with a light, batteries, and a hand-crank lantern. Consider donating a kit or batteries to a local food pantry or shelter, where winter outages hit hardest.

Plan ahead

National Flashlight Day is observed on December 21 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Mon, Dec 21this year

2027Tue, Dec 21

2028Thu, Dec 21

2029Fri, Dec 21

2030Sat, Dec 21

2031Sun, Dec 21

2032Tue, Dec 21

2033Wed, Dec 21

2034Thu, Dec 21

2035Fri, Dec 21

2036Sun, Dec 21

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