International Dalek Remembrance Day

International Dalek Remembrance Day is celebrated worldwide on December 21. This special day honors the iconic villains from the TV series Doctor Who, inviting fans and newcomers alike to explore the ongoing battle between the Doctor and the Daleks.

History

The Daleks first appeared on television in 1963 in the Doctor Who serial “The Daleks,” encountering the Doctor on their home planet of Skaro. Encased in armored travel machines, they revealed themselves to be mutated scientists, victims of nuclear fallout. Since then, they have become the Doctor’s most relentless foes, featured throughout the Time War and beyond.

International Dalek Remembrance Day was established in 1988 to celebrate these enduring adversaries. With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to revisit classic episodes or introduce friends to the series. After all, the struggle between the Doctor and the Daleks feels as timeless as ever—will you join in?

Interesting Facts

• The Daleks’ single eyestalk is their greatest weakness—damage it and they become effectively blind.
• Their casings often contain anti-personnel weaponry and self-destruct charges, making even defeated Daleks dangerous.
• The name “Dalek” derives from their creators, the mutated Kaleds; in English, “dalek” has come to mean an unfeeling person.
• Dalek imagery has influenced literature, music, video games, and art—few villains are as instantly recognizable.

How to Take Part

Celebrate International Dalek Remembrance Day by hosting a Doctor Who marathon. Invite fellow fans, decorate with Dalek-themed props, and debate your favorite encounters. If you’re new to the series, start with “The Daleks” and journey through the Doctor’s most epic showdowns!

When is International Dalek Remembrance Day in 2025?

International Dalek Remembrance Day is observed on December 21 each year.

Observations