Cold Moon is the Native American Name of the December Full Moon

December "Cold Moon" over New York City (Gary 718/Dreamstime)

The “Cold Moon” is the Northeast Native American name for the December full moon. It means the time when the cold sets in for winter.

In New York City the first snow usually falls around the first week of December. January is the coldest month and February is the snowiest. So the cold moon marks the beginning of wintertime in New York City.

The 2023 Cold Moon

In 2023, the Cold Moon full moon reaches maximum on Saturday, December 26, 2023.

December "Cold Moon" over New York City (Gary 718/Dreamstime)
December “Cold Moon” over New York City (Gary 718/Dreamstime)