The phenomenon represents a strong, striking start to the new year.&nbsp;

2026 is off to a bright, bold beginning, marked by the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/january-full-moon-wolf-moon-astrology-zodiac-signs-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wolf Moon</a>&mdash;also the first super moon of the year, which means the moon will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon, as it's positioned at its closest proximity to Earth. The year is expected to be full of stunning <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/what-is-a-blood-moon-meaning-september-2025-when-to-see-full-moon-visibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celestial events</a>, but the first of them arrives sooner than the casual stargazer may expect&mdash;just a few days after the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/iconic-celebrity-new-years-eve-outfits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Year</a>.&nbsp;
The Wolf Moon is slated to first appear at 5 a.m. EST on Jan. 3, 2026. But fret not, the best time to watch the January 2026 full moon will be just after sunset, around 5 p.m. EST&mdash;be sure to check your <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local moonrise time</a> for the best viewing possible.&nbsp;
For optimal visibility, seek out a spot where you have full sight of the sky&mdash;think a rooftop, or wide-open park&mdash;as the 2026 Wolf Moon is expected to be the highest-hanging moon of the year.&nbsp;

The January full moon, or the Wolf Moon, borrows its name from traditions and legends that state that the wolves' howling was especially audible during January's cold, bitter weather, as they were believed to be especially agitated due to hunger.&nbsp;
Often, the Wolf Moon is associated with endurance, strength, and reflection, due to its position in the Northern Hemisphere's cold winter and the beginning of the New Year.&nbsp;
Much like other full moons before it, the January 2026 super moon also offers a chance to spiritually recharge&mdash;an opportunity especially welcome at the onset of a brand new year.&nbsp;
"Each full moon is a new chance to get rid of what is no longer useful to us. This energetic moment gives us the opportunity to sort out what we want or no longer want in our lives. To make the most of this special event, it is important to determine your intentions and put them in place through rituals," Morgane Jorge, founder of online spiritual healing retailer Stones Club, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/full-moon-ritual-practice-restore-energy-crystals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously told&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/full-moon-ritual-practice-restore-energy-crystals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">L'OFFICIEL</a>.
"The full moon and new moon phases are, above all, opportunities to reconnect with your needs, your desires, your emotions. It is important to live them in full awareness, that is, by being grounded and connected to the present moment," Jorge added.

Full Wolf Moon seen in January 2023 in L'Aquila, Italy. Getty Images.

Everything You Need To Know About The January 2026 Full Moon

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Everything You Need To Know About The January 2026 Full Moon

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