Final supermoon of 2025: December's cold moon. What you need to know

As December arrives, bringing holiday cheer, the last full moon of 2025 will also light up the night sky. This full moon, known as the Cold Moon, will peak on December 4 at 6:14 p.m., according to TimeandDate.com.

Following the full moon, the lunar cycle continues with a last quarter moon on December 11 at 3:52 p.m., a new moon on December 19 at 8:43 p.m., and a first quarter moon on December 27 at 2:10 p.m., reports the Old Farmers Almanac.

The Cold Moon derives its name from the Mohawk, an Iroquoian-speaking Native American people, because it appears during the onset of winter's chill. It also carries other traditional names, such as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule, connected to the winter solstice and ancient winter celebrations.

Some years, the last full moon before the solstice occurs in November; other years, it falls in December. This year, the December full moon is also a supermoon, meaning it happens when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, called perigee. A supermoon appears up to 8% larger and 16% brighter than an average full moon, though the size difference may be subtle to the naked eye.

This Cold Moon marks the third consecutive supermoon of 2025 and the final one of the year.

Looking back, the year began with a nearly full Wolf Moon, rising over New Philadelphia. The January full moon earned the Wolf Moon name due to the increased howling of wolves during this time, a tradition with Celtic and Old English roots. In various traditions, it has also been called the Stay Home Moon, Quiet Moon, Severe Moon, Center Moon, or Moon After Yule.

Decembers Cold Moon offers skywatchers one last chance this year to witness a bright and striking lunar display, combining both the beauty of winter and the spectacle of a supermoon.

Author: Benjamin Carter