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Cathode-Ray Tube Day

Get ready to go retro and celebrate Cathode-Ray Tube Day - honor the technology that paved the way for modern TV screens!

Sunday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYTech

SUBCATEGORYGadgets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to travel back in time and celebrate Cathode-Ray Tube Day on December 20! This unique holiday celebrates the invention of the cathode-ray tube, a technology that revolutionized television and computer screens. It was first created by German physicist Karl Ferdinand Braun in 1897, and has since evolved into the flat-screen displays we use today. So let's take a moment to appreciate this groundbreaking invention and all the entertainment and information it has brought us over the years. Happy Cathode-Ray Tube Day!

TIMELINE

Cathode-Ray Tube Day Timeline

Discovery of Cathode Rays

German physicist Julius Plücker discovers cathode rays, laying the groundwork for the future invention of the cathode-ray tube.

Braun's Cathode-Ray Tube

German physicist Karl Ferdinand Braun invents the cathode-ray tube (CRT), a vital component for early televisions and computer displays.

Electronic Television System

American inventor Philo T. Farnsworth develops the first successful electronic television system, thrusting CRT tech into the mainstream.

Color TV Production

The mass production of color televisions begins in the United States, boosting the demand for CRTs even more.

First CRT Computer Display

The Ametek 931, the first CRT computer terminal, is introduced, further expanding the use of cathode-ray tubes.

CRT Production Decline

The majority of manufacturers cease CRT production as flat-screen technology, such as LCD and plasma displays, become the new norm.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Cathode-Ray Tube Day

Create a CRT art project

Gather some old cathode-ray tubes and use them to create a unique art piece. You can paint or decorate them to your liking and display them in your home or office.

THROW

Throw a CRT-themed party

Invite friends over for a party celebrating the invention of the cathode-ray tube. Decorate with retro technology and play old school video games on CRT TVs for a nostalgic evening.

WATCH

Watch classic movies on a CRT TV

Find a vintage CRT TV and watch some classic films that were originally viewed on these types of screens. It will give you a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the technology that brought us these beloved movies.

VISIT

Visit a technology museum

Spend the day at a technology museum and learn more about the history and impact of cathode-ray tubes. You may even get to see some in action!

EXPERIMENT

Experiment with CRT screens

If you have access to a cathode-ray tube, try conducting some experiments with it. See what happens when you change its position or add different materials to the screen. You never know what interesting results you may discover!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Cathode-Ray Tube Day

It's a chance to learn about technological advancements

Although CRTs are no longer widely used, learning about their history and evolution can help us understand the progression of technology. It also opens the door to learning about newer technologies and how they have built upon and improved upon CRT technology.

It celebrates an important technology

Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) technology paved the way for modern television screens and monitors. It is a groundbreaking invention that has greatly impacted the way we consume media and information. Celebrating this day is a way to appreciate the technology that has shaped our lives.

It's a nostalgic reminder of the past

Before the rise of flat-screen TVs, CRT TVs were a staple in households around the world. This holiday allows us to reflect on simpler times and remember how this technology was once cutting edge. It's a great opportunity to share memories with friends and family about watching old shows or playing video games on CRT screens.