December's supermoon rising: How to see the last full moon of 2025

Thursday night promises a chilly spectacle as the full moon ascends in the winter sky, earning its traditional title, the Cold Moon. With the polar vortex sweeping frigid air across the region, the timing could not be more atmospheric.

This final full moon of 2025 is also a supermoon, meaning it will look slightly larger and more luminous than a typical full moon. Peak brightness is expected at 6:14 p.m. EST, though the moon will appear fully illuminated for a night before and after this moment.

The moon's enhanced glow occurs because it is nearing perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. Normally, the moon sits about 238,855 miles away, but on December 4, it will be approximately 17,000 miles closer. This marks the third supermoon of the year, following November's slightly closer lunar display.

Observers are encouraged to look at the horizon shortly after moonrise for the most striking view, when the moon appears noticeably larger. The Cold Moon's name reflects the onset of Arctic air over North America, though it is also known by other seasonal titles such as the Winter Maker Moon, Long Night Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, and Little Spirit Moon, all evoking the extended nights and frosty weather of December.

Following this, the Wolf Moon will rise on January 3, 2026. While it will not be a supermoon, it comes just a couple of days after perigee, making it slightly bigger and brighter than other full moons during the year.

In 2025, the year's final supermoons arrive in close succession: the full moons of October, November, and December each occur within about 48 hours of perigee, producing three consecutive supermoon events to close the year.

Author: Maya Henderson