December’s Cold moon closes out 2025’s supermoon trio with a bright, high winter rise that leads into the Geminid meteor shower and the solstice.
The last supermoon of 2025: when to see December’s Cold moon
December’s final full moon arrives this week, bringing the longest nights of the year a little extra glow. The Cold moon turned full on Thursday, December 4, and those that know their stuff in this field say that it will reach peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. ET.
Although it will look full for several nights, the most dramatic rise in North America comes at dusk on Friday, December 5, when it appears low on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.
The Cold Moon — December 4, 2025 🩶🌖
— Science And Nature (@InterestingSci1) November 25, 2025
Mark your calendars — because on December 4, the Cold Moon will rise like a golden fire in the first breath of winter.
An amber globe hanging over frozen ground, turning quiet landscapes into something that feels almost unreal.
Its light… pic.twitter.com/SKUm4duaA4
When is the winter solstice?
December’s full moon is traditionally called the Cold moon or the long night moon, a nod to freezing temperatures and lengthening darkness as the winter solstice approaches on December 21. This year it is also a supermoon, positioned roughly 221,965 miles from Earth. That close pass makes it the second-biggest full moon of 2025 and the last in a run of three supermoons to end the year.
Why does the moon look so big?
A full moon always appears larger near the horizon, a psychological quirk known as the moon illusion. With December’s supermoon rising at roughly the same time for several evenings, skywatchers get multiple chances to see the effect at its strongest. The high winter arc of the Moon also means it climbs farther overhead than at any other point in the year.
This Cold moon also overlaps with the start of the Geminid meteor shower, typically the most vibrant of the annual displays, known for bright streaks and rich color. For the best view, choose an open east-facing spot and check a moonrise calculator for local timings.
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