- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AmericanSafetyTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 21
- Holiday emoji:
- 🔦
National Flashlight Day shines a light on December 21, coinciding with the winter solstice, the year’s longest night. This day celebrates the simple yet essential tool that guides us through darkness and emergencies. Grab your trusty flashlight, check the batteries, and explore creative ways to use its beam today!
Want to sponsor National Flashlight Day? Learn how
Expected National Flashlight Day Deals
As National Flashlight Day coincides with the winter solstice, retailers often feature promotions on lighting and emergency preparedness gear. While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows brands like Energizer and Duracell will likely offer deals on batteries, while outdoor retailers such as REI and Bass Pro Shops may discount headlamps and camping lanterns. Specialty brands like Maglite and Streamlight could feature sales on their high-performance models. Look for discounts at big-box stores like Walmart and Target on general-purpose flashlights and emergency kits. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Flashlight Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalFlashlightDay. Film creative ways you use flashlights, from shadow puppets to night hikes.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalFlashlightDay. Share stunning photos or reels of beam shots, light painting, or emergency kits.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalFlashlightDay. Tweet about your favorite flashlight, a memorable power outage, or safety tips.
National Flashlight Day Hero
Conrad Hubert
History of National Flashlight Day
Let’s shine a light on the history of the wonderful flashlight. Granted, with the advent of built-in flashlights on smartphones, the original tool isn’t used as much anymore, but the digital version still doesn’t hold a light (pun intended) to the real thing.
National Flashlight Day is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, welcoming the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. On this day, the Sun ‘stands still’, resulting in some regions experiencing more or less only 9 hours of daylight, whereas, further up north, areas like the Arctic Circle get no light at all. The roots of the word ‘solstice’ are Latin — meaning the sun standing still.
The origins of National Flashlight Day are unknown, but flashlights have served mankind a great deal. Illuminating our paths in the darkest of nights, flashlights are still widely used for investigations and groups like the scouts. In addition to the all-purpose flashlight, special variations have been adapted for activities like mining or camping. There are also underwater- and flame-resistant flashlights.
The flashlight was made possible by the invention of mini incandescent light bulbs and the dry cell, which made battery-powered flashlights a reality in 1899. The invention of the flashlight is owed to the American-British inventor David Misell. Modern flashlights used today utilize light-emitting diodes and mostly operate on rechargeable or disposable batteries. Recharging batteries using solar power is also a common feature on flashlights.
National Flashlight Day timeline
Flashlights soar in popularity in China, with about 60 companies producing them.
David Misell invents the first flashlight.
The first-ever dry cell battery is created.
Thomas Edison invents the light bulb.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Flashlight Day
Local businesses can illuminate National Flashlight Day by offering special discounts on batteries, emergency kits, or portable lighting solutions. Hardware stores can host workshops on home emergency preparedness, highlighting the importance of reliable flashlights. Outdoor gear shops can promote headlamps and lanterns for winter adventures. Restaurants might even create a ‘dark dining’ experience, serving a course or two by flashlight to spark conversation and appreciation for light. Encourage customers to share their flashlight stories on social media, tagging your business.
National Flashlight Day related content
The Best Rechargeable Battery Charger for 2023
Why constantly spend money on new batteries when you can quickly recharge them with the best rechargeable battery charger available?
See More
The Best USB-C Portable Charger for 2023
We've listed the best USB-C portable chargers to help keep all of your devices charged with the help of a simple cord.
See MoreNational Flashlight Day FAQs
When is National Flashlight Day?
National Flashlight Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 21. This date always coincides with the winter solstice, making it the perfect day to appreciate portable light sources.
Who invented the flashlight?
While Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb, the first practical portable electric hand-torch, or flashlight, is largely credited to Conrad Hubert (also known as Akiba Horowitz) around 1899. He founded the American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company, which later became Eveready.
How many flashlights are sold annually?
Exact global sales figures for flashlights are hard to pinpoint, but the market is substantial, driven by consumer demand for home, outdoor, and emergency use. Millions of units are sold worldwide each year, with continued innovation in LED technology.
What is the difference between a flashlight and a headlamp?
A flashlight is a handheld portable light source, while a headlamp is a light source worn on the head, typically secured with a strap. The primary difference is hands-free operation for headlamps, making them ideal for activities like hiking, climbing, or working in low light.
How To Celebrate National Flashlight Day
Stay up all night
Organize a night-time poetry jam, music fest, or storytelling session and create a bit of ambiance using only flashlights.
Read a book
Curl up in your warm and cozy bed and read a book using a flashlight under the covers. Totally old school!
Charge your flashlight
It may have been a while since you have taken out your flashlight. Change the batteries, give the lens a thorough clean-up, and you’re good to go!
5 Illuminating Facts About The Winter Solstice
Sun’s out
There will be absolutely no sunrise at all on this day in Barrow, Alaska.
We aren’t the first to celebrate it
The winter solstice has been celebrated by many ancient cultures, from Rome to China. The Druids believed that the day signified the rebirth of the Sun. It seems the Sun needs recharging just like the flashlight does!
Same time, same place
The winter solstice occurs at an exact time on the exact day every year. Regardless of where you live, it occurs at a fixed time for everyone on Earth.
Things that go bump in the night
According to Zoroastrian folklore, the destructive spirits of evil are the strongest on this night.
Perfect alignment
The Stonehenge monument’s rock pillars align perfectly with the Sun on both the winter- and summer solstice.
Why We Love National Flashlight Day
Nothing like traditional
Digital inventions have replaced almost everything. It is good to be able to take out a household staple like the flashlight and have some fun with it on this holiday.
Seriously though, flashlights are super handy
You never know when the need for a flashlight may arise. National Flashlight Day reminds us to make sure the whole family knows where the torch is kept and to regularly check and replace its batteries.
The solstice is hauntingly wonderful
We don’t know about you but there is something chilling yet exciting about the winter solstice and the long night it brings. It encourages spooky activities.
National Flashlight Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 21 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 21 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for National Flashlight Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands