The Cold Moon is December's full moon, one of the twelve named full moons of the year. This is your guide to when it rises in 2026, where its name comes from, what it is traditionally said to mean, and a simple ritual to mark it. You can always see tonight's exact moon phase in the Almanac.
When is the Cold Moon in 2026?
In 2026 the Cold Moon reaches fullness on Thursday 24 December 2026, 11:29 am AEST, in the sign of Cancer. A full moon is the moment the moon is fully lit and directly opposite the sun, the brightest night of her cycle and, in tradition, a time of culmination and release. Watch her grow round night by night with our moon phase tool.
Why is it called the Cold Moon?
December's full moon is simply the Cold Moon, named for the long, cold nights at the year's end. It is also called the Long Night Moon, since it rises near the longest nights of the northern winter.
It has also been known as the Oak Moon. Different cultures kept different names for the same moon, each tied to what the land was doing that month.
The spiritual meaning of the Cold Moon
Falling once more in tender Cancer, the Cold Moon closes the year where the Wolf Moon opened it: at home, in the heart. It is a moon for gratitude, for gathering your people close, and for feeling how far you have come. For more on working with any full moon, see our guide to what to do on a full moon and our full moon affirmations.
A Cold Moon ritual
Look back over your year and name three things you are grateful for. Share the warmth with someone you love, or simply hold it quietly for yourself. Match the practice to the exact phase, or find a ritual for any night, with our moon phase ritual tool.
The Cold Moon in the southern hemisphere
In the northern hemisphere this is the depth of winter; in Australia the Cold Moon rises over early summer and the warmth of the festive season. Let it be a moon of togetherness, whatever the weather.
A gentle note
The names and meanings we give the full moons are old, human traditions, ways of marking time and mood, not forecasts of fixed events. The one thing the moon reliably moves is the ocean tides. Take what feels true from the Cold Moon, and gently leave the rest. See every full moon of the year in our full moon calendar for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
The Cold Moon, December's full moon, is on Thursday 24 December 2026, 11:29 am AEST, in the sign of Cancer.
December's full moon is simply the Cold Moon, named for the long, cold nights at the year's end. It is also called the Long Night Moon, since it rises near the longest nights of the northern winter.
Falling once more in tender Cancer, the Cold Moon closes the year where the Wolf Moon opened it: at home, in the heart. It is a moon for gratitude, for gathering your people close, and for feeling how far you have come.
