December 2025 Full Moon: A Beautiful Holiday Sky Show

The December 2025 full moon is going to be one of the most beautiful sights of the year. On December 4, 2025, we will see a Super Full Moon in Gemini, which means the moon will look bigger, brighter, and more magical than usual — perfect for the holiday season.

This supermoon also arrives at a time when many planets are moving direct, making it feel like a fresh start for many people.

When Is the December Full Moon?

• Peak Date: December 4, 2025

• Peak Time: 6:14 PM EST (11:14 PM UK time)

• The moon will look full for three days — from Wednesday night to Friday night.

• The best time to watch the moon is during moonrise on December 5, shortly after sunset.

In North America, the moon will rise about 25 minutes after sunset, creating a perfect photo opportunity.

Why Is It Called the Cold Moon?

December’s full moon is known as the Cold Moon because winter begins to settle in.
The name comes from Indigenous American tribes, like the Mohawk people.

Other traditional names include:

• Long Night Moon

• Oak Moon

• Snow Moon

• Winter Maker Moon

All these names describe winter’s long nights and cold weather.

What Makes This a Supermoon?

A supermoon happens when the moon is closest to Earth during its orbit.

In December 2025, the moon will be about 221,965 miles (357,218 km) away — making it look:

• 8% larger

• 16% brighter

It’s the second closest full moon of 2025, so it will look especially bright.

Supermoons can also cause slightly higher tides, often called “king tides.”

December 2025: A Month Full of Sky Events

Besides the supermoon, December offers many exciting sky shows.

1. Geminids Meteor Shower – December 13–14

• One of the best meteor showers of the year

• Up to 120 meteors per hour

• Visible early in the evening

• Perfect for families and casual stargazers

2. Winter Solstice – December 21

• Shortest day and longest night of the year

• Marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere

3. Ursids Meteor Shower – December 21–22

• A smaller meteor shower (5–10 meteors per hour)

• Excellent viewing because of the new moon on December 20

How the Full Moon Connects to Holiday Celebrations

The December full moon brings a magical glow to many winter festivals.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah follows the lunar calendar, so its timing is connected to the moon phases.

Christmas

The bright December moon adds a beautiful light to holiday decorations and winter landscapes.

Yule

In northern Europe, the full moon before the solstice was known as the Moon Before Yule, marking the return of longer days.

Kwanzaa

Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa focuses on unity, community, and cultural values.

Best Places to Watch the Supermoon

Some of the best spots in North America include:

• Arizona (great clear skies)

• Sedona

• Flagstaff Dark Sky Region

• Saguaro National Park

Anywhere with:

• Clear skies

• Low light pollution

• An open view of the eastern horizon
  …will give you an amazing view.

Tips for Photographing the Moon

Try these camera settings:

Looney 11 Rule:

• Aperture: f/11

• ISO: 100

• Shutter: 1/100 second

Or try:

• f/8

• ISO 200

• 1/200 second

Other tips:

• Turn off the flash

• Focus manually

• Add trees, buildings, or mountains in the frame for better composition

Conclusion

The December 2025 Cold Moon is one of the year’s most exciting sky events. With a huge, bright supermoon, meteor showers, and the winter solstice, the whole month offers beautiful night-sky moments.

Whether you’re celebrating holidays, stargazing with your family, or just enjoying a quiet night outdoors, this supermoon gives us all a shared moment under the same sky.

Key Points (Quick Summary)

• Supermoon on December 4, 2025 — 8% bigger, 16% brighter

• Geminids meteor shower — December 13–14

• Winter solstice — December 21

• Ursids meteor shower — December 21–22

• Best viewing: clear, dark areas away from city lights

• Perfect backdrop for Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule & Kwanzaa

FAQs (Easy Version)

Q1. Why is the December 2025 moon special?

Because it’s a supermoon — bigger, brighter, and the second closest full moon of the year.

Q2. Where should I watch it?

Look for a dark place with a clear eastern horizon (beach, hill, open field).

Q3. What other events are happening in December?

• Geminids meteor shower

• Winter solstice

• Ursids meteor shower

Q4. How does it relate to holidays?

Many winter celebrations follow lunar cycles, and the full moon adds extra meaning and beauty.

Q5. How do I photograph it?

Use f/11, ISO 100, 1/100 second (Looney 11 rule), turn off flash, and use manual focus.