As Christmas approaches, the enchanting sight of the final full moon of 2023 is set to captivate observers worldwide. This celestial spectacle will grace the night sky on Monday, casting a warm lunar glow during the cool holiday nights.

December’s full moon is expected to exhibit its complete round shape to the naked eye as early as Sunday. Its radiant presence will continue illuminating the night sky for several evenings, reaching its maximum fullness at 7:33 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Naming Winter’s First Full Moon

Referred to as the “cold moon,” this month’s full moon derives its name from the Native Americans, specifically the Mohawk people. They coined the term to describe the cooler temperatures typically associated with December in the Northern Hemisphere. However, it is worth noting that the winter months are gradually becoming warmer due to the effects of climate change.

The final full moon of the year is also known by various other names, including the “Snow Moon,” the “Winter Maker Moon,” and even the “Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers.” The latter name pays tribute to the fact that many deer species, such as deer, elk, moose, and caribou, begin to shed their antlers as breeding season draws to a close. These animals will then regrow a new set of antlers, typically larger, in the following year.

(An interesting fact to note is that only female caribou retain their antlers by Christmas time. Hence, Santa’s reindeer, which are domesticated caribou, can be identified as female.)

Witnessing the Spectacle

This month’s full moon marks the first appearance since the winter solstice, which occurred on December 21, signifying the shortest day of the year. According to the Almanac, the winter solstice Moon takes the highest path along the sky and remains above the horizon longer than any other moon, making it the longest night of the year.

Due to the close proximity of the full cold moon to the solstice, sky-gazers will have ample opportunities to admire this celestial phenomenon during the long nights. Observers can catch a glimpse of the massive moon from anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky. For the best viewing experience, seeking out locations with clear views of the horizon is recommended.