Stargazing over the Christmas holidays 2025: 10 great reasons to look up As the winter solstice approaches in late 2025, stargazers around the world are gearing up for a celestial treat. From December 20th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, the night skies will offer a dazzling array of astronomical events and phenomena that are sure to delight both seasoned sky-watchers and budding astronomers alike. Whether you're planning a cozy night of backyard stargazing or a winter getaway to a remote, dark-sky location, this guide will help you make the most of the holiday season's celestial wonders. From meteor showers and planetary alignments to once-in-a-lifetime cometary appearances, the next few weeks promise to be a veritable feast for the senses. 1. The Ursid Meteor Shower One of the final meteor showers of the year, the Ursids will peak on the night of December 22nd, 2025. Originating from the debris of the comet Tuttle, this modest shower typically produces around 10-15 meteors per hour at its maximum. However, with the Moon in a waxing crescent phase, the skies will be delightfully dark, allowing for optimal viewing conditions. 2. The Winter Solstice December 21st, 2025, marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While not an astronomical event per se, the solstice is an important milestone that has been celebrated by cultures around the world for millennia. Take some time to reflect on the turning of the seasons and the gradual return of longer, brighter days. 3. The Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn On the evening of December 21st, 2025, the two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, will appear to pass extremely close to one another in the night sky. This rare "great conjunction" occurs approximately every 20 years, and the 2025 event will be the closest pairing of the two giants since 1623. Don't miss this celestial spectacle! 4. The Quadrantid Meteor Shower Beginning on January 1st and peaking on January 3rd, 2026, the Quadrantid meteor shower promises to be an impressive display. Though it typically produces fewer meteors per hour than some other showers, the Quadrantids are known for their bright, fast-moving fireballs. With the Moon in a new phase, the skies will be exceptionally dark, allowing you to fully appreciate this celestial light show. 5. A Stunning Lunar Eclipse On the night of January 4th, 2026, sky-watchers in North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa, will be treated to a total lunar eclipse. As the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, it will take on a reddish-orange hue, a phenomenon sometimes called a "blood moon." This celestial event will be the first total lunar eclipse visible from the Americas since 2019, making it a must-see for any budding astronomer. 6. The Appearance of Comet C/2024 E3 (ZTF) One of the most highly anticipated celestial events of the 2025-2026 holiday season is the predicted appearance of Comet C/2024 E3 (ZTF). This long-period comet, discovered in March 2024, is expected to reach its perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) on January 12th, 2026, potentially putting on a dazzling display in the night sky. While its brightness is difficult to predict, early calculations suggest that it could be visible to the naked eye, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for stargazers. 7. The Geminid Meteor Shower Redux Though the Geminid meteor shower typically peaks in mid-December, late 2025 will see a second, less-intense display of these reliable "shooting stars." On the nights of December 27th-29th, 2025, the Geminids will make a encore appearance, providing an opportunity for those who missed the primary shower to catch a glimpse of these vibrant, slow-moving meteors. 8. The Return of Comet 46P/Wirtanen After its last perihelion passage in 2018, Comet 46P/Wirtanen will make a triumphant return to the inner solar system in late 2025. While it may not reach the same level of brightness as it did seven years ago, this periodic comet will still be a sight to behold for those equipped with binoculars or small telescopes. Keep an eye out for it in the skies throughout the holiday season. 9. The Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter On the evening of December 30th, 2025, the two brightest planets in our night sky, Venus and Jupiter, will appear to pass extremely close to one another. This conjunction, while not as rare as the Jupiter-Saturn pairing, is still a visually stunning event that is sure to captivate stargazers. Be sure to catch this celestial dance before the new year! 10. The Penumbral Lunar Eclipse As if the total lunar eclipse earlier in the month wasn't enough, sky-watchers will be treated to another lunar eclipse on December 30th, 2025. This time, it will be a penumbral eclipse, where the Moon passes through the outer part of the Earth's shadow, resulting in a subtle darkening of the lunar surface. While not as dramatic as a total eclipse, the penumbral event is still a fascinating sight to behold. With so many amazing celestial events on the horizon, there's never been a better time to dust off your telescope, bundle up, and head outside to explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Whether you're planning a solo stargazing session or a group outing, these 10 highlights are sure to make your 2025-2026 holiday season one to remember. So grab your gear, find a dark-sky location, and get ready to be dazzled by the captivating beauty of the cosmos.