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.

Analysis: The Cold Moon in Context

As the author, I note that Thursday's full moon is not just a seasonal spectacle but a precise astronomical event. The December Cold Moon coincides with a polar vortex sweeping frigid air across much of North America, amplifying the visual and atmospheric impact.

Technically, this full moon qualifies as a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter because it is near perigee—approximately 17,000 miles closer than average. This marks the third consecutive supermoon of 2025, following October and November, creating a rare sequence of three near-perigee full moons within a single year.

Observers should focus on the horizon at moonrise for maximum effect, as the apparent size of the moon is greatest against terrestrial features. While often associated with folkloric names such as the Winter Maker Moon or Long Night Moon, these titles reflect the extended nights and colder temperatures typical of December.

Looking ahead, the Wolf Moon on January 3, 2026, will provide another slightly enlarged lunar display, though it will not reach the supermoon threshold. This continuity emphasizes the predictable yet visually striking patterns of lunar motion and its interaction with Earth's orbit.

Sources:

• Cold Moon rising: How to see December's supermoon, the last full moon of 2025

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.