The Geminids, often the strongest meteor shower of the year, peak in mid-December. Unusually, they come not from a comet but from an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon. This countdown runs to the peak night.
Under dark skies the Geminids can deliver well over 100 meteors an hour, with bright, slow, often colorful streaks. They radiate from near the constellation Gemini.
December nights are cold but the show is worth it — no equipment needed. Find a dark spot, give your eyes time to adjust, and watch from late evening onward.