December's full moon — the cold moon of the long winter nights, near the solstice. The lore, why it rides so high, and how to see it.
Short answer
The Cold Moon is December's full moon, named for the long, cold nights of early winter. Falling near the winter solstice, it follows the highest, longest path of the year — the Moon stays above the horizon longer than any other full moon. It's also called the Long Night Moon.
When is the Cold Moon?
December's full moon — the date shifts a little each year.See 2026 calendar
Why "Cold"?
The name comes from the simple fact that December brings the cold and the dark. Falling near the winter solstice — the longest nights — it was also called the Long Night Moon and the Moon Before Yule. Because it sits opposite the lowest Sun of the year, it climbs the highest and stays up the longest of any full moon.
What it looks like
The December full moon is the mirror image of June's: opposite the lowest winter Sun, it takes the highest arc of the year, riding nearly overhead and staying above the horizon for the longest stretch of any full moon. High and clear, it floods the long winter nights with bright silver light.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Cold Moon?
Because December brings the cold and the longest nights of the year. It's also known as the Long Night Moon and the Moon Before Yule.
Why does the Cold Moon ride so high?
Because it falls near the winter solstice and sits opposite the lowest Sun of the year — so it takes the highest path across the sky and stays up the longest.