Full Moon December 2025: Cold Moon Meaning and Rituals
The 2025 full moon of December is also called the Cold Moon. The Cold Moon marks a special moment in the lunar calendar. Its timing aligns with the Yuletide season, adding a bit of magic to the cold winter nights.
The Cold Moon’s spiritual meaning reflects timeless wisdom and peace during the season’s brisk nights. December’s Full Moon whispers of rest, renewal, and fresh starts. It also concludes our annual trip around the sun.
Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout OR at the bottom of this article.
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Table of Contents
When is the December Full Moon of 2025?
In 2025, December’s Full Moon is called the Cold Moon. It takes place on December 4th and peaks at 6:14 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Each Full Moon phase corresponds to the season and time of year. Moon phases have names that come from many beliefs around the world, including Native American, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, and more modern Neo-Pagan traditions. Each moon carries its own Moon Magic and spiritual energy.
Cold Moon Spiritual Meaning
The Cold Moon’s spiritual meaning aligns with Winter’s dormant energy. Nature may appear dead and lifeless, but looks can be deceiving. Deep beneath the surface, it’s brimming with life and endless potential- just like you!!
It may seem counterproductive to pause, rest, and reflect. However, remember your worth isn’t defined by your productivity. Use the Cold Moon spiritual meaning as a symbolic guide to “freeze and hibernate” as well. Slow down and be fully present in activities that truly bring you joy and pleasure.
This is a magical season full of transformation and deep internal work. It’s a chance to recharge and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Now is a beautiful moment to focus on all the good things headed your way!
December Full Moon Alternative Names
Different cultures have various names for December’s Full Moon, and I did my best to include the ones I could find sources on. These names reflect traditions passed down through generations and connections between people, Nature, folklore, and history.
Remember, most of these names applied to the entire month, not just during the full moon!
- Long Night Moon (Mahican Native American origins)
- Yule month (Ýlir) Norse origins (source: Nordic Culture – Skjalden)
- Little Spirit Moon (Manidoo-Giizisoons) (source: Ojibwe.net)
- Oak Moon (Celtic origins) (source: Time and Date)
- Dead of Winter Moon (Ukiugraq) Inupiat Language, North Slope, Alaska
- Springbok Moon (Antelope) South African origins (source: Centre for Astronomical Heritage)
- Sun Has Traveled Home to Rest (ik’ohbu yachunne) Zuni Native American origins
- Bitter Moon (Chinese Origins)
- Winter Moon (Tahch’asap’ara) Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
- Evergreen Moon (Comanche Native American origins)
The Long Night Moon gets its name because the full moon in December occurs near the solstice, which has the longest night of the year.
NASA – A Shadow on the Moon
For a list of even more Native American moon names, see American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association’s article or Western Washington University’s article.
December Cold Moon Spiritual Correspondences
As the December Full Moon lights up the winter sky, its spiritual correspondences reflect the unique Cold Moon energy of the season.
These intentions are focused on elements that add depth to December’s lunar magic and serve as a guide for rituals, meditations, and practices that honor the stillness of nature during winter.
Cold Moon Spiritual Intentions
- Simplification – Stripping away excess to return to what truly matters
- Preservation – Honoring what’s worth keeping alive through the cold
- Restoration – Allow yourself to mend, refuel, and quietly rebuild strength after a long year
- Acceptance – Make peace with this year’s outcomes and release the need to control the rest
- Sacred Silence – Find spirituality in quiet moments, letting the silence become a teacher
- Inner Warmth – Cultivating love, gratitude, and comfort despite external cold and darkness
- Threshold – Standing between the old year and the new; embrace the power of transition.
December Full Moon Colors
- White
- Black
- Silver
- Evergreen
December Cold Moon Ritual Ideas
Celebrate the December Full Moon 2025 by incorporating rituals focused on shadow work, reflection, rest, and growth. These ideas will help you align with the moon’s energy during Winter.
Check out Full Moon Rituals to Manifest Insane Energy for even more ritual ideas!
Night of Silence Ritual
This is one of my favorite December full moon rituals, and it’s so simple. The world can be chaotic, and finding quiet moments for ourselves can be difficult. A Night of Silence is a chance to embrace the dark and stillness.
Begin in a dark and quiet space; set aside any distractions. I recommend wearing headphones and playing any music that resonates with you. Light candles and incense or use ambient lighting (basically, don’t turn on the big light 😊) to create a serene atmosphere.
Use this time to connect with yourself, feel your feelings, and reflect on the year gone by. I love to journal (see the prompt ideas below), meditate, or practice some divination. Here are some divination ideas to help get you started.
Christmas Moon Ritual
It doesn’t matter if you celebrate Yuletide, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Saturnalia, or ANY other winter holiday; this is a time to spend with loved ones. Under the glow of December’s Full Moon, we unite to honor our different traditions while celebrating our shared joy, peace, and unity.
This ritual helps connect us all while also including symbols and decorations from various winter holidays. Here, we create a sacred space to embrace the winter season and the warmth of togetherness.
Collect Your Supplies
- Yuletide decorations that resonate with you
- Blankets or cushions for seating
- Instruments or bells for joyful sounds
- Seasonal treats or beverages
Gather Loved Ones
Invite friends, family, and loved ones to join you in celebrating the Christmas Moon and Yuletide season. Encourage everyone to bring decorations or symbolic items representing their winter celebrations.
Add your collected Yuletide decorations and seasonal foliage to the space of your choice (indoors or outdoors). As you all decorate this space, share stories and traditions with each other to honor the diversity of the winter holidays. (I highly recommend sharing the story of Krampus or the Yule Goat)
Set Intentions and Blessings
Once the decorations are in place, gather everyone together in a circle. Invite everyone to speak a blessing or intention for the Yuletide season and Cold Moon spiritual meanings.
Alternatively, you can ask everyone to bring an instrument or sing your favorite holiday songs together. When you’re done, share the seasonal treats and beverages among the group to symbolize the abundance and joy of the winter holidays.
Closing Gratitude and Wishes
Take a moment of silence to reflect under the moonlit sky. Encourage everyone to reflect on this past year, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve grown.
Finish by expressing gratitude for every person there. Thank them for the shared experience, and offer wishes of joy, peace, and love for the Yuletide season and the coming year.
Feel free to adapt this ritual to honor the specific winter festivities that resonate with you and your loved ones.
December Cold Moon Journal Prompts
Use these journal prompts during your December’s Cold Moon ritual for introspection and while exploring quiet winter wisdom. Each question is designed to help you create meaningful intentions and honor the season’s spiritual energy.
Outdoor Altar Ritual For The Birds
This outdoor altar is a serene space for personal reflection that shows your appreciation for Nature and the birds! This ritual centers around creating a lovely outdoor sanctuary where birds can find food during these cold winter days.
Not only does it help me connect and honor the current season, but it’s also fun! Feel free to make this as simple or elaborate as you like. If it’s not too cold, you could even set this up bathed in December’s moonlight. Don’t forget to create some Moon Water while you’re at it!
Gather Your Supplies
- Pinecones
- Peanut butter or bird-safe suet (DIY your own with this recipe from Audubon)
- Birdseed (this is the kind I use)
- Twine or string
- Candles or LED lights (for safety)
- Seasonal items of your choice
- (optional ideas)
- evergreen branches
- dried citrus slices
- pinecones
- dried flowers or leaves
- cinnamon sticks
- ice lanterns
- crystals
Begin The Ritual
Find a quiet outdoor space, small table, or clear area as your altar. Decorate and arrange seasonal items and candles/LED lights to create a serene atmosphere.
Tie a piece of twine or string around the top of each pinecone to create a loop. Spread peanut butter on the pinecones and then roll them in birdseed. Make sure the seeds stick to the surface.
Position the bird-friendly treats on the altar or hang them from nearby branches or a bird feeder in your outdoor space. I’ve seen some people include pet hair in this ritual because birds love adding it to their nests.
Take a Moment for Reflection
Light your candles or LED lights and take a moment to immerse yourself in your outdoor space. Then, take a moment to set any intentions you have. These could be for self-reflection, growth, a deep connection with nature, or anything else that resonates with you.
Sit quietly near your altar, focusing on your breath. Reflect on the aspects of yourself you’d like to develop during December’s Cold Moon. When finished, I thank the birds and Nature for their presence in my life.
Cold Moon Release Ritual for Personal Evolution
A cord-cutting ritual is a powerful spell or ceremony that symbolically severs negative energetic connections binding us to relationships or attachments. This can be with a toxic relationship, family members, an unhealthy work environment, a physical location, etc.
This Cold Moon Release Ritual is a powerful way to release any negative energy you encountered this past year. It will help you set intentions for prosperity and personal growth in the upcoming year. Feel free to adapt this candle magic ritual to your spiritual practice and personal intentions.
Gather Your Supplies
- Cord of your choice (string, twine, hemp, etc.) to represent the past year
- Two Candles (color of your choice) (the type is up to you, but taper or chime candles are popular choices)
- Cleansing method of your choice (the article linked is specifically for crystals, but the methods used still apply)
- Piece of Paper (aka petition paper)
- Lighters or matches (I like to have two on hand so I can light my wicks at the same time)
- Fire-safe dish or bowl
- Pen
- Journal, notebook, or grimoire (optional)
Prepare and Reflect
Begin by cleansing the area to create a tranquil and positive atmosphere. Remember to open at least one window so any negative energy you remove has a place to leave. Play any music you feel drawn to (I typically like to wear headphones and listen to binaural tones or any music that I feel embodies my intention).
Once the space feels peaceful, sit quietly and reflect on any significant moments, emotions, or events you had this past year. Acknowledge the joyous moments, then write down the negative ones you’d like to release on your petition paper.
Begin the Cold Moon Ritual
Grab the cord representing this past year and hold it in your hands. Visually infuse your emotions and memories into the cord.
Place the two chime candles in your fire-safe dish or bowl next to each other. Wrap the cord around both candles. Carefully light the candles at the same time. Once they start burning, place your petition paper in the candle flame and allow it to burn out in your fire-safe dish.
Reflect and Accept
Watch the candle flame and visualize it symbolically severing any negative ties to the past year. Observe any emotions, sensations, or insights that come up during the ritual. Accept them with kindness; remember, this release is a step toward growth and renewal.
Close with Gratitude
Once the cord ritual is complete, it’s important to dispose of it in a trashcan outside your home once everything has cooled down. You want to remove any remnants from your home since you’re trying to remove its energy from your life.
Take a moment to express gratitude for what you currently have in your life. Welcome the new year with an open heart and renewed spirit.
After I finish a cord-cutting, I typically run a ritual bath, but you can also prioritize self-care, deep reflection, an egg cleanse, or other mindfulness practices.
How I celebrate December’s Full Moon
Full Moon Schedule 2025
Is the Full Moon of December 2025 a Supermoon?
Yes, the Full Moon of December is a Supermoon! According to NASA, there will be 3 Supermoons in 2025.
- December 4th, 2025
- October 6th, 2025
- November 5th, 2025
The astronomical term for this [supermoon] phenomenon is perigee-syzygy Moon. The alignment of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth that occurs at both new and full moon is known as syzygy.
Britannica – Supermoon
Will December’s Cold Moon Have A Lunar Eclipse in 2025?
December’s Cold Moon will not have a Lunar Eclipse this year. However, there will be two Lunar Eclipses AND two Solar Eclipses in 2025! (see chart below)
2025 Lunar and Solar Eclipses
penumbra, (from Latin paene, “almost”; umbra, “shadow”), in astronomy, the outer part of a conical shadow, cast by a celestial body, where the light from the Sun [or other light source like the moon] is partially blocked—as compared to the umbra (q.v.), the shadow’s darkest, central part, where the light is totally excluded.
Britannica – Penumbra Eclipse
Is There a Black Moon in December 2025?
No, December doesn’t have a Black Moon in 2025. However, there was a seasonal Black Moon on August 23, 2025.
A Black Moon is a modern phrase similar to the definition of a Blue Moon. However, it involves two NEW MOONS inside a specified time period rather than two FULL MOONS. Since two New Moons take place in the month of November, it makes this a calendrical Black Moon.
A Black Moon brings success and good luck. While a Black Moon is not an astronomical phrase, it’s honored and celebrated by witchcraft practitioners.
Enjoy the Full Moon in December 2025! Lots of love to you, and remember, as always…
