Pokémon Go is getting ready for Christmas with the Holiday Part 1 event later this month

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 appears for the first time!

Explore the wild for Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka. Raids offer a festive lineup: One-star raids feature Winter Carnival Pikachu and holiday Psyduck. Three-star raids challenge you with Undersea Holiday Glaceon and Cryogonal. Mega Latias and Mega Latios headline the Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the possibility of hatching Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribboned Cubchoo. Earn rewards through event-themed Field Research tasks and a $2.00 Timed Research offering themed Pokémon encounters, Premium Battle Passes, and more.

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

The Pokémon Go Web Store offers two limited-time deals: The Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) includes Pokémon Storage and Item Bag upgrades, plus 17 Rare Candies. The Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) grants access to Holiday events and a bonus Premium Battle Pass. Stock up on resources with these special offers!