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

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.

Enjoy double XP for catching Pokémon and faster Egg hatching (halved distance)! A new costumed Dedenne, sporting its holiday best, will debut, with a chance to snag a shiny variant. Plus, Shiny Sandygast makes its first-ever appearance!

Explore the wild for Alolan Sandshrew, Swinub, and Darumaka. Raids will also feature festive Pokémon: Pikachu and Psyduck in winter outfits in one-star raids; Glaceon and Cryogonal in three-star raids (Glaceon in an Undersea Holiday outfit); and Mega Latias and Mega Latios in Mega Raids.

Seven-kilometer Eggs hold the potential to hatch Hisuian Growlithe or a holiday-ribbon-adorned Cubchoo. Earn rewards by completing event-themed Field Research tasks, or opt for the $2.00 Timed Research for extra encounters with costumed Pokémon, Premium Battle Passes, and more.

Collection Challenges return, rewarding Stardust, Poké Balls, and Great Balls for catching and raiding. Show off your decked-out Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases! Don't forget to claim your free in-game goodies using Pokémon Go codes!

The Pokémon Go Web Store offers limited-time deals: the Ultra Holiday Box ($4.99) includes storage upgrades and Rare Candies; and the Holiday Part 1 Ultra Ticket Box ($6.99) grants access to the event and a Premium Battle Pass. Stock up on supplies for a rewarding holiday season!