Pokémon Go Announces Festive Holiday Event

Get ready for the Pokémon Go Holiday festivities! Niantic's Holiday Part One event kicks off December 17th and runs through the 22nd, bringing a flurry of bonuses, special Pokémon encounters, and seasonal challenges.

This event doubles your XP for catching Pokémon and cuts egg hatching distances in half. A new costumed Dedenne, sporting its holiday best, makes its debut, with a chance to snag a shiny variant. Shiny Sandygast also makes its first appearance!

Prepare for exciting encounters: Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka will appear in the wild. Raids offer a festive roster: one-star raids feature winter-themed Pikachu and Psyduck; three-star raids include Glaceon in an Undersea Holiday outfit and Cryogonal; and Mega Raids star Mega Latias and Mega Latios.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the possibility of hatching Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribboned Cubchoo. Complete event-themed Field Research tasks (including a $2.00 Timed Research) for rewards like themed Pokémon encounters and Premium Battle Passes.

Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls for catching and raiding. Show off your festive Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases. Don't forget to redeem those Pokémon Go codes for free goodies!

The Pokémon Go Web Store offers limited-time deals: the Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) includes storage upgrades and Rare Candies, while the Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) provides event access and a bonus Premium Battle Pass. Stock up on supplies!