Exclusive: Pokémon Go Gets Festive with Holiday Part 1 Event

Get ready for festive fun in Pokémon Go! Niantic's Holiday Part One event is arriving soon, bringing a flurry of seasonal surprises from December 17th to 22nd. This event is packed with bonuses, special Pokémon encounters, and exciting challenges.

This first part of the holiday event offers double XP for catching Pokémon and a 50% reduction in Egg hatching distance. A new costumed Dedenne, sporting its holiday best, will debut, with a chance to catch a shiny variant. Shiny Sandygast also makes its first appearance!

Expect to find Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka in the wild. Raids will also get a festive makeover. One-star raids feature Pikachu and Psyduck in their winter outfits. Three-star raids offer a chance to encounter Glaceon and Cryogonal in special holiday attire, and Mega Latias and Mega Latios will star in Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the possibility of hatching Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribbon-adorned Cubchoo. Event-themed Field Research tasks and a $2.00 Timed Research offer encounters with themed Pokémon, Premium Battle Passes, and more rewards.

Collection Challenges return, focusing on catching and raiding Pokémon, rewarding you with Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls upon completion. Don't forget to showcase your decked-out Pokémon at PokéStop Showcases! Plus, claim some free in-game items using available Pokémon Go codes!

The Pokémon Go Web Store features two limited-time offers: the Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) with Pokémon Storage and Item Bag upgrades, plus 17 Rare Candies; and the Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) granting access to holiday events and a Premium Battle Pass. Stock up on resources and prepare for the holiday festivities!