# The Cold Moon > The Cold Moon: where the name comes from, other names (Long Night Moon, Oak Moon), UK dates and times for 2026–2028, and simple ways to mark it. URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/full-moons/cold-moon Updated: 2026-10-30 The Cold Moon is named for the cold of midwinter. Near the solstice the full moon rides highest in the sky and stays up longest. The next one is on 24 December 2026 at 01:28 GMT UK time. ## Dates and UK times Calculated with astronomy-engine. Moonrise is for London on the day of the full moon. | Name | Date | Exact full moon | Moonrise (London) | Supermoon? | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cold Moon | 24 December 2026 | 01:28 GMT | 16:07 | Yes | | Cold Moon | 13 December 2027 | 16:09 GMT | 15:16 | No | | Cold Moon | 2 December 2028 | 01:40 GMT | 15:55 | No | ## Other names It is also known as the Long Night Moon, the Oak Moon. Most popular moon names today come from the North American Farmer's Almanac, which collected names from Native American, colonial and European sources. Old English and Celtic month names are a different tradition, and few authentic British moon names survive. ## Ways to mark it - Step outside at moonrise and watch it clear the horizon, when it looks largest. - Write down what has grown since the last new moon, and what you are ready to let go of. - Set crystals on a windowsill overnight, the traditional way to cleanse them (bring in soft or water-sensitive stones if it is damp). - Light a white or silver candle and sit quietly for ten minutes. ## Photographing the full moon Shoot at moonrise, when there is still some light in the sky and the moon sits near buildings or trees for scale. On a phone, tap the moon and drag the exposure down until surface detail shows. ## Questions **When is the next Cold Moon?** 24 December 2026 at 01:28 GMT UK time. **Why is it called the Cold Moon?** It is named for the cold of midwinter. Near the solstice the full moon rides highest in the sky and stays up longest. **What ritual can I do for the Cold Moon on 24 December 2026?** For the Cold Moon on 24 December 2026 (exact full moon 01:28 GMT), a simple ritual is to tidy a small space, light a candle, write down what you are ready to release and what you are grateful for, then rest your crystals in the moonlight overnight. Full moons are traditionally times of completion and letting go. **What ritual can I do for the Cold Moon on 13 December 2027?** For the Cold Moon on 13 December 2027 (exact full moon 16:09 GMT), a simple ritual is to tidy a small space, light a candle, write down what you are ready to release and what you are grateful for, then rest your crystals in the moonlight overnight. Full moons are traditionally times of completion and letting go. **What ritual can I do for the Cold Moon on 2 December 2028?** For the Cold Moon on 2 December 2028 (exact full moon 01:40 GMT), a simple ritual is to tidy a small space, light a candle, write down what you are ready to release and what you are grateful for, then rest your crystals in the moonlight overnight. Full moons are traditionally times of completion and letting go. **What crystals are best for the The Cold Moon?** Moonstone, selenite and clear quartz are the classic full moon crystals, and they suit the The Cold Moon too. Many people also leave their whole collection out to charge overnight. Keep water-sensitive stones such as [selenite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/selenite) indoors on a windowsill rather than outside in the dew. ## Related - [All full moon names](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/full-moons) - [Moon phase calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/moon-calendar) - [Full moon rituals guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/full-moon-names-and-rituals) --- Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.