December 2025 Supermoon: Final Full Moon Of The Year Set To Illuminate The Night Sky, Time, How To Watch And Top Locations

The final full moon of 2025 is almost here and it’s set to be a breathtaking one. Known as the Cold Moon, this December display will stand out as one of the most striking lunar sights of the year. Not

only will it shine brighter and appear bigger than usual, but this supermoon will also climb higher in the sky than any other full moon for viewers across the Northern Hemisphere. If you've been waiting for a celestial treat to close the year, this is it.What Makes The Cold Moon SpecialThe December full moon is traditionally called the Cold Moon because it coincides with the harshest winter nights. It is also referred to as the Long Nights Moon or Moon Before Yule, echoing centuries-old seasonal traditions. As reported by Forbes, the Cold Moon will reach full illumination at 8:20 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Although it peaks in the morning, it will appear full and radiant the night before and the night after.Why It’s A SupermoonThis Cold Moon counts as a supermoon because it turns full just 12 hours after reaching perigee, its closest point to Earth. At roughly 357,218 kilometres (221,965 miles) away, it becomes the second-closest full moon of 2025, making it exceptionally bright. At moonrise, the combination of perigee and the natural “moon illusion” will make it look even larger to the naked eye.ALSO READ: Mysterious Red Object Spotted By NASA Travelling Faster Than Expected, Experts Rush To Analyse: All You Need To KnowWhy It Appears Highest In DecemberDecember offers a unique viewing angle. Around the winter solstice, the sun sits at its lowest point in the sky, so the full moon does the opposite. It climbs extremely high, giving skywatchers one of the most dramatic arcs of the lunar year.Best Time And Where To WatchThe most magical viewing moment will be moonrise shortly after sunset on Friday, December 5. Look for an open spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, beaches, hilltops, lakesides, or parks work perfectly. In New York, moonrise begins at 4:56 p.m. EST, while in Los Angeles, it starts at 5:27 p.m. PST. For the most accurate timing anywhere in the world, using a moonrise calculator is recommended.