As winter sets in and the days grow shorter, the night sky gifts us one final celestial spectacle — the December Cold Moon, shining brighter and rising higher than any other full moon of the year. In 2025, this full moon doubles as a supermoon, the last one of the year. Let’s dive into when to catch it and how to turn the evening into a cozy, intentional experience perfect for slow-living, reflection, or a quiet night of simple wonder.
What Makes This Moon Special
- A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun, fully lit.
- The December full moon has long been called the Cold Moon (also known as the Long-Night Moon or Moon Before Yule among various traditions), reflecting the deepening winter and lengthening nights.
- It’s a supermoon because the Moon is at or near its closest orbit point (perigee) when full — making it appear slightly larger and brighter than an average full moon.
- Because of Earth’s tilt toward the night sky during Northern-Hemisphere winter, December’s full moon also climbs higher above the horizon than any other full moon this year — giving it a majestic presence.
When & Where to Watch (for 2025, Northern Hemisphere / Chicago, etc.)
| What to Watch For | Date / Time / Tip |
|---|---|
| Full Moon date | Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
| Peak illumination (official “full” moment) | ~ 23:14 UTC (evening/night depending on time zone) |
| Best viewing (moonrise) | At or just after sunset — look toward the eastern horizon for dramatic size/lighting |
| What to expect | Slightly larger & brighter moon; highest-rising full moon of the year |
Pro tip for Chicago or similar latitudes: Bundle up — December nights are chilly. Choose a spot away from city lights, maybe a park or open space, where you can watch the moonrise over an open horizon.
How to Enjoy the Cold Supermoon Night: A Cozy Guide
Here are a few ideas to make the evening special — no mysticism required, just calm, comfort, and conscious presence:
- 🌙 Moonrise Walk: Take a slow stroll at sunset toward the east horizon — maybe through a neighborhood, a park, or even just your backyard.
- ☕ Warm Moonlit Drink or Snack: A mug of herbal tea or warm cider, maybe paired with simple vegan cookies — a quiet treat under the glow of the Cold Moon.
- 📷 Casual Moon Photography (With Your Phone): The Cold Supermoon can be surprisingly photogenic. Try framing it beside a bare tree branch, a porch railing, or a horizon silhouette — seasonal foliage (or lack thereof) makes for moody, beautiful shots. Get tips on moon photogra;hy here.
- 🧺 Outdoor Blanket + Reflection Time: Spread a warm blanket in a dark space (yard, balcony, park bench), wrap up in a coat, and simply sit under the moon — great for journaling, reflecting on the year, or daydreaming about what’s ahead.
- 🕯️ Low-key Night Ritual: Light a candle (safely), dim indoor lights for 15–30 minutes, step outside to observe the moon, breathe deeply, appreciate the stillness — a simple “moon pause” to bookend the year.
The December 2025 Cold Supermoon offers a beautiful, accessible moment of natural wonder — a “sky gift” to remind us of cycles, seasons, and the beauty of slowing down. For Retirement Monkeys readers, it’s a chance to pause, connect, and welcome winter with intention, comfort, and simple gratitude.
